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What Are the Benefits of Using Free Weights?
Several methods of resistance training exist in gyms and fitness studios. From cable-assisted machines, resistance bands and medicine balls, there are many options for putting weight-bearing loads on the body. One piece of resistance-training equipment that has been shown to be highly effective is free weights. There are several benefits to using free weights.
Strength and Balance
Research has indicated that free weights provide a superior level of strength and balance for individuals who use them. In the January 2008 issue of “The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,” researcher Keith Spennewyn, who is the President of the National Institute of Health Science, investigated the differences in strength and balance outcomes in participants using free weights vs. resistance-training machines. The results of the study indicated that individuals who performed free-weight exercises had a 58 percent greater strength increase than individuals who performed exercises on resistance-training machines. Additionally, participants who performed free-weight training had a 196 percent increase in balance vs. those who performed exercises on resistance-training machines.
Versatility and Specific Natural Movements
While machine-based exercises and free weights are both effective in increasing muscular strength and balance, free weights provide the added dimension of versatility and specificity to real-life movements. The website of the American Council on Exercise has a fit facts section that discusses the advantages and disadvantages of free weights and machines. One of the biggest advantages listed for free weights is the ability to do several different movements in one exercise. With machines, you are usually fixed into one area and can only do limited movements. Additionally, the American Council on Exercise explains that free weights allow individuals to mimic everyday movements that occur in different planes of motion.
Higher Energy Costs
One of the most advantageous aspects of using free weights is the increased effort involved. Because free weights engage a greater amount of muscle mass to maintain balance and stability while performing an exercise, you burn more calories. This increase in the muscle mass involved results in a higher cost of effort in order to produce free-weight-based movements.
References
- The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Strength Outcomes in Fixed Versus Free Form Resistance Training; K. Spennewyn
- American Council on Exercise: Fit Facts for Free Weights vs. Strength Training Equipment
- Fleck, S.J., and W.J. Kraemer. Designing Resistance Training Programs. (2004).
- Kraemer, W.J. Strength Training Basics: Designing Workouts to Meet Patients' Goals. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 2003, 31(8), n.p.
- Kraemer WJ, et al. American College of Sports Medicine. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Progression Models in Resistance Training for Healthy Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002 Feb;34(2):364-80.
Writer Bio
Based in Las Vegas, Darian Parker has been a published writer since 2003. Parker has published several books such as, "The Empty Room" and "Training the Trainers." Parker holds a Ph.D. from the University of Las Vegas and is a certified personal trainer through the NSCA.