9 Useful Gym Machines

US News & World Report asked me and several other top fitness pros which machines in the gym are best for women. Note, these machines are great for both genders. Women belong on the bench press just as much as men. And men could benefit from traditional "female" exercises like pilates, barre and glute kick backs. Many folks, male and female, aren’t comfortable lifting free weights and barbells, but they still need to tackle resistance and cardio training in their workouts. Here are nine user-friendly gym machines anyone can use to get in shape.

If you’re not comfortable working out in a gym, here are my favorite 9 dumbbell moves you can do at home. Just pick up a quality set of weights from a credible gym equipment retailer. And for a tutorial on how to row with great form check out this post with pal Lauren Barkan.