Whether you're using dumbells or a weightlifting machine, you aren't doing yourself any favors by cheating. So make sure that for every rep, you complete the full range of motion for the exercise.
If you're using free weights, this means returning to your starting position after every rep: If you're doing bicep curls, lower you hands all the way down and bring them all the way back up. To get the most complete range of motion when using a weight machine, you should lower the weight so it almost touches (but doesn't quite touch) the weight stack below.
If you're not sure what the range of motion should be on a particular exercise, ask a trainer at your gym. But whatever you do, don't just go part of the way. If you find you can't complete a full rep, it probably means you should switch to a lighter weight.
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Oh, I see so many women at the gym that don't understand this simple idea, especially when they're on machines. Sometimes I want to say something to them, but maybe it's not my place to but in.