When it comes to working out, there are so many options these days that it can become a bit overwhelming. This holds especially true for people that are just starting to lift weights, or those of us that have not been in the gym in a while. The first step is to break it down between working out with free weights verses utilizing those shiny new machines. The good news is that you do not really need to choose one over the other. In fact, it makes the most sense to incorporate both into your weight lifting routine as each method has their own unique characteristics.
That being stated, this article focuses on the benefits of lifting with free weights because there is nothing that truly replaces the feeling of pumping good old-fashioned iron. There are other incentives as well. So without further ado, the following information will provide you with the top three advantages of lifting with free weights.
Free Weights Decrease Strength Imbalances
When working out with weight machines, or even barbells for that matter, it can actually lead to a difference in strength on the two sides of your body. It is fairly common for one side of your body to become more dominant than the other. In essence, the dominant side does more of the work during each exercise. Lifting with free weights prevents this from occurring. It is due to the fact that the nature of the free weights provides us with the ability to equally load each side of our body.
For example, if you are bench-pressing with free weights, the bar will go up unevenly if your dominant side is doing more of the work. People that mainly use weight machines will typically find that they did not notice a strength imbalance until they started lifting with free weights.
Free Weights Increase Strength Gains
When you work out with free weights, it allows your weaker side to get stronger significantly faster. The principal is a fairly simple one. People that lift with free weights are forcing their weak side to catch up with their dominant side in order to life the bar in an equal manner. Free weight exercises also require more balance and control in order to maintain a joint motion when working out. More of the muscle or muscles are utilized to stabilize the weight. The effect of this causes more of a muscle mass gain in a faster period of time.
Free Weights Promote Functional Fitness
The term “Functional Fitness” relates to exercising in a way that becomes useful for everyday life activities beyond providing you with a healthier body. When you lift free weights off of the ground it actually trains your body to incorporate similar movements that can be utilized in your daily routine outside of the gym. An example of this is picking up and moving heavy things in your home such as a laundry basket, box, or the grocery bags to name a few. When lifting with free weights, your body is conditioned. Lifting items at home or at work will become significantly easier because you have already have the strong, stabilized muscles to support the activity.
In conclusion, there are many advantages to lifting with free weights. However, working out should be about balance. You certainly do not need to go all in with free weights in order to gain from the benefits. You can always start by incorporating a few free weight exercises into your lifting routine. Wucely St. Fleur will help you crush your fitness goals, as well as your nutritional and overall wellness objectives. Please contact us today for more information or get started on the path to better health.
