I just wanted to give a big thanks to everyone who encouraged me to move to free weights. I decided that it was too much information to try to learn on my own if I wanted to do things right, so I met with a personal trainer today.

I really felt like I got a better workout with 8 lb dumbbells than I have been with 30-40 lbs on the machines. It was hard to maintain control and keep everything balanced, but once I got it, I LOVED it.

Thank you so much everyone. It's made a big difference already and I'm definitely planning on keeping it up!

Glad to hear you've been having a great experience

Mel

I need to kick my trainer in the keester again. I realized last week we did almost all machines again. Sigh.

Dumbbells are great. They always seem heavier than the same weight on a barbell, or as you said, more weight on a machine. Great job getting into the free weight room!