What kind of strength training is best?

Currently, I am doing a lot of the machine weights at the gym. I just started this past week into a regular schedule. I go to the gym every day, but I alternate between strength training and cardio.

What kind of exercises could I do with free weights? If anyone knows a good website where I can get ideas that would be great too.

I believe in utilizing all compound movement. Only when you see a part of your body not developing the way you want it to; that's when you add in isolate movements for that part.

Great site for information on weight training from women who are into fitness is called http://www.figureathlete.com/archives.do?y=20 08.

I've seen others try to say that it's not all that great but I don't see any of them pictured in the girls on the photo section of the website or writing articles on board for proper diet/training/ and health information! I've learned to only take advice from people who look like they utilize the advice that they are giving.

I use a couple of machines -pulldown row and rowing, but mainly free weights.  Buy the book   New Rules of Weightlifting for Women - it's great!

I agree the book is excellent!!! You also will learn a lot about common dieting mistakes and muscle building!

if your going to a gym do they have any certified P.T my best suggestion would be to go tlk to one if they do or seek one out tell them what your looking for and they will be able to help you with what types of excersise to start out with and show you how to do them properly so you don't  hurt your self and get the most out of your workout ...... I see a P.T 3 times a week which is not for everyone its just what I need but seeing one even once so they can write up the excersises for you and go thourgh the routine with you is a great motivator ....knowing the proper technique helps to..... as you wont hurt your self and will get the most out of your body ......... 

   Personal trainer isn't a protected title so any joker with clown pants and a string t-shirt can call themselves one.

Some PT's are good - but be skeptical. I've seen PT's who couldn't instruct their way out of a paper bag and know less about physiology and diet than the average first-grader.

 If you find the right one s/he can help push you to new heights - but some club-certified trainers put you on the elliptical for half an hour and then have you do some half-hearted easy sets on machines because they're lazy incompetents who don't know what they're doing.

Find a nationally certified personal trainer, like A.C.E.  He/She WILL be able to make an accurate assessment of you physical capabilities and design a program that is right for you.  Melkor is right, anyone can technically call themselves a 'trainer,' even 'certified...(club)' although which certification is crucial.  I am studying to be an A.C.E. personal trainer right now, and there is no clown strings anywhere to be found with this program.  The material is extremely extensive with a no-fun major exam at the end.  Anyone who has this certification WILL know their stuff, no doubt about it.  So don't shy away from  finding a P.T. just make sure you find one with the right credentials.  He/She will help you make the most out of your exercise and can make sound suggestions regarding a proper diet.  Good luck!

From all of the reading I have done free weights are the best. But I use both. I am lucky to have a gym at work, so on my weight days I use my free weights at home in the morning before I leave for work. Then I go in a few minutes early and use the machines. You can go to utube and search for different weight training routines. I just make sure I am using each muscle group and getting a good overall workout. Squats and lunges are excellent.