Free-weight training involves resistance exercises using equipment that you can move freely in any direction, such as dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells. They allow you to add weighted resistance to your movements in an almost unlimited range of motion. Machine exercises are usually done seated/static on fixed equipment with a limited range of motion, and often use assistance from the machine to help you move the resistance. While machine exercises can be a great introduction if you’re new to weight training, it’s important to transition to free weights as soon as you can safely.