Weight: 10 to 35 pounds. This crooked barbell may look a little strange, but those strategically placed bends are there for a reason. ... That said, the comparisons to free weight bars stop there.

The idea that using free weights such as barbells, kettlebells and dumbbells is inherently better than using purpose-built machines has largely gone unchecked, but I think a better question to ask ...

Dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells can all be effective tools for building strength and power. But there are nuances between each of these three free weights that can affect which one works best ...

Take bench presses: With free weights, you need to activate more of your deltoid muscles to hold the barbell steady than if you were to use a Smith machine, especially as you creep toward your one ...

Unlike a free-weight barbell, which requires you to stabilize the barbell on your own through the entire range of motion (half the battle, for many heavy lifters), the Smith machine’s guided ...

The bench press is a strength training exercise for your upper body. To do it, you'll need free weights or a barbell with weight plates. Although it looks like a simple move, you'll need to learn ...

While lifting barbells, your stronger side (come on, we all have one) tends to step in and pick up the slack to help you lift the weight. Consider a barbell bench press — if you’re struggling ...

“Free weights include dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and weight plates. Unlike machines, free weights allow for a full range of motion, engaging multiple muscle groups and stabilizer muscles.

Looking to try free weight exercises but not sure where to start? Read on for 25-expert approved, muscle-building moves to try during your next workout.

Unlike a free-weight barbell, which requires you to stabilize the barbell on your own through the entire range of motion (half the battle, for many heavy lifters), the Smith machine’s guided ...

Free weights shine for compound, functional movements—deadlifts, squats, lunges, ... As you lift a heavy barbell or step into a lunge, your core and upper body are firing, too.