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ACTIVITY | MOVEMENT SCIENCE | 20 REASONS TO CHOOSE FREE WEIGHTS OVER MACHINES
ACTIVITY
MOVEMENT SCIENCE
Aug 23, 2024
When it comes to strength training, the choice between free weights and machines is often debated. This bundle explores 20 reasons to choose free weights over machines, focusing on the benefits of functional movement, greater muscle activation, and versatility in workouts. Free weights offer a more natural range of motion, engage stabilising muscles, and provide the flexibility to perform a wide variety of exercises. Understanding these advantages can help individuals make more informed decisions in their fitness routines.
USING FREE WEIGHTS PROMOTE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS
Functional movements mimic real-life activities and enhance overall physical performance. This article explains how free weights allow for a more natural range of motion compared to machines, which often restrict movement patterns. By using free weights, you can improve your ability to perform daily...
ENGAGE STABILISING MUSCLES WITH FREE WEIGHTS
Free weights require the activation of stabilising muscles, which are crucial for balance and coordination. This article discusses how exercises like squats, deadlifts, and presses engage multiple muscle groups, including stabilisers, that machines often overlook. Strengthening these muscles not onl...
FREE WEIGHTS ALLOW FOR GREATER RANGES OF MOTION
Free weights allow for a more extensive range of motion, which is essential for building strength and flexibility. This article explores how free weights enable exercises to be performed in a full range of motion, unlike machines that may limit movement. The increased range of motion helps in develo...
MAXIMISE MUSCLE ENGAGEMENT WITH FREE WEIGHTS
Free weights engage more muscles than machines because they require you to stabilise and control the weight through a full range of motion. This results in greater muscle activation and more effective workouts; unlike machines, which often limit movement, free weights allow for natural, unrestricted...
FREE WEIGHTS IMPROVE BALANCE AND COORDINATION
Training with free weights improves balance and coordination by requiring you to control the weight through its full range of motion. This article explains how exercises like lunges and overhead presses with free weights demand more stabilisation from your body, which enhances your neuromuscular coo...
FREE WEIGHT TRAINING MIMICS REAL-LIFE MOVEMENTS
Unlike machines, which often isolate muscles, free weights allow for compound movements that mimic real-life activities. This article discusses how using free weights helps in training your body to move more functionally, improving your ability to perform everyday tasks such as lifting, carrying, an...
FREE WEIGHTS FOR PROPER FORM AND TECHNIQUE
Proper form is critical in preventing injuries and maximising the effectiveness of your workouts. This article highlights how free weights require you to focus on maintaining correct form throughout each exercise, as there is no machine to guide your movement. By using free weights, you learn to mov...
FREE WEIGHTS ARE PORTABLE SO USE THEM ANYWHERE
One of the biggest advantages of free weights is their portability and ease of use in various settings. This article explores how free weights, such as dumbbells and kettlebells, can be used at home, in the gym, or even outdoors. Their portability makes it easier to maintain a consistent workout rou...
FREE WEIGHTS ARE A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO TRAIN
Free weights activate more muscles than machines because they require you to stabilise the weight throughout the movement. This article explains how compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to greater overall muscle activation...
FREE WEIGHTS PROVIDE MORE MUSCLE ACTIVATION
Free weights activate more muscles than machines because they require you to stabilise the weight throughout the movement. This article explains how compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to greater overall muscle activation...
FREE WEIGHTS SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE OVERLOADING
Progressive overload is essential for muscle growth and strength gains. This article discusses how free weights allow you to easily adjust the weight and progressively increase the load as you get stronger. Unlike machines, which often have fixed weight increments, free weights offer more flexibilit...
IMPROVE GRIP STRENGTH BY USING FREE WEIGHTS
Grip strength is crucial for many physical activities, and free weights are an excellent tool for developing it. This article explores how exercises like deadlifts, farmer’s walks, and rows with free weights challenge your grip strength more effectively than machines. Improved grip strength enhances...
FREE WEIGHTS OFFER ENDLESS VARIETY IN TRAINING
Variety is key to preventing workout boredom and plateaus. This article highlights how free weights offer endless possibilities for exercises, from traditional lifts to creative, functional movements. The ability to switch up your workouts with different exercises, angles, and techniques ensures tha...
ENHANCE YOUR CORE STABILITY WITH FREE WEIGHTS
Core stability is fundamental for overall strength and injury prevention. This article discusses how free weight exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses, require significant core engagement to stabilise the body. By incorporating free weights into your routine, you can develop a s...
FREE WEIGHTS ALLOW FOR A FULL-BODY WORKOUT
Free weights allow for comprehensive workouts that target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This article explores how exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses with free weights engage the entire body, providing an efficient and effective full-body workout. The ability to work multipl...
DEVELOP SYMMETRICAL STRENGTH WITH FREE WEIGHTS
Symmetrical strength development is important for preventing imbalances and injuries. This article explains how free weights require each side of the body to work independently, ensuring that both sides develop strength equally. By using free weights, you can address any existing imbalances and prom...
BOOST ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE WITH FREE WEIGHTS
Athletic performance can be significantly enhanced by training with free weights. This article discusses how free-weight exercises mimic the dynamic movements required in sports, improving power, speed, and agility. The functional nature of free weight training translates directly to better performa...
FOR CUSTOMISABLE WORKOUTS USE FREE WEIGHTS
Customisation is key to an effective fitness programme, and free weights offer unparalleled flexibility in tailoring your workouts. This article highlights how free weights allow you to adjust the intensity, volume, and type of exercises to suit your specific goals. Whether you’re focusing on streng...
FREE WEIGHTS ENCOURAGE CONSISTENCY IN TRAINING
Consistency is crucial for long-term fitness success, and free weights can help you stay committed to your training. This article explores how the versatility and convenience of free weights make it easier to maintain a regular workout routine. Whether you’re at home, in the gym, or travelling, free...
FREE WEIGHTS PROMOTE OVERALL MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Mental toughness is as important as physical strength, and training with free weights can help develop it. This article discusses how the challenges posed by free weight exercises, such as balancing the weight and maintaining proper form, require focus, determination, and resilience. Overcoming thes...