Takeaways
- Pick the tool that lets you keep adding useful work.
- Machines can reduce coordination limits.
- Free weights, bands, and bodyweight all work if you can still progress them.
Why this matters
Exercise choice is not a moral test. It is a problem-solving step that should match the goal, skill level, and recovery budget.
Sources
- Schott et al. 2019. Free weights and machine training in older adults. PMID: 30980922
- Oliveira et al. 2023. Elastic resistance training meta-analysis. PMID: 35652939