Machines are a great place to start. They’re excellent for building confidence, learning movements, and training around injuries or limitations.

But if your goal is to build strength that carries over into everyday life, improve balance, mobility, and stability, free weights should become the foundation of your training.

The biggest mistake I see women over 50 make in the gym, why it’s so common, and the four essential qualities every woman should include in her training to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient body.