As you head to the gym, you'll be confronted with two choices, machines or, free weights.
Lets look at both.
Machines are easier and safer to use. Pop the pin in the weight stack, adjust your seat, and you're good to go. The big drawback to machines is range of motion or lack of it. You can only lift the weight along the machines track, which limits the ability of your muscles to get stronger through their full range of motion. But because they make your muscles work harder through their full range, they put more demands on them, and they grow faster.