The fitness world is divided: On one side, you’ve got the purists who swear by barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. This crew is all about functional strength—workouts that mimic real-life movements ...

Lifting at your local gym can be intimidating. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the weight room. By Alyssa Ages Alyssa Ages is a competitive strongwoman athlete and a former personal trainer, but ...

The debate around machines vs free weights has been raging for a long time, with functional training fans firmly in the free weights camp, and bodybuilders often swearing by machines. Now, a new study ...

Are machines better for building muscle, or are free weights, like dumbbells, superior? It’s a debate that’s as old as the gym itself. There are benefits for both and cons, and now a new (albeit small ...

Choosing the right dumbbell weight is not just a matter of preference—it’s a strategic decision that directly impacts your fitness journey. This selection process is deeply personal, shaped by your ...

I'm a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking ...

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us? You might think of resistance bands as tools reserved for physical therapy ...