Which do you prefer free weights or machine?

I like free weights because I can do my workouts at home. Also, working with free weights improves balance and stability, which isn't always addressed with machines.

many machines are built for men, smaller women have a hard time fitting on some of them.

free weights give more control over the muscle and your form.. period.....

I love free weights

I no longer bother going to the gym to use machines because I have realized that I can keep fit just as well by doing fitness sessions outside or right in my living room.

I have free weights at home ranging from 4-10 lbs; a 22-lb weight bar; a stretch band as well as an exercise bike that my hubby & I recently purchased which I love to use because I can do some serious "spinning" and/or "stand-up" biking for a great workout for the legs. I also have multiple fitness DVD's ranging from Biggest Loser to Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds".

Both types of equipment are good. A machine can let you do some exercises that you couldn't do with free weights. Freeweights work extra muscles that have to balance the weight that wouldn't be used when using a machine.

The only time I would ever feel the need to use a machine would be if I was alone and needed a spotter. I can work out every muscle group with free weights and resistance bands, as well as body weight only exercises like pushups, crunches, planks, hamstring presses, squats, lunges, etc.