Introduction
Working out with free weights often seems intimidating, especially to beginners. People consider it risky and avoid some of the best exercises available such as barbell squat, deadlift or overhead presses. That’s a big mistake.
Don’t get us wrong, machines and exercise equipment have their place in every good workout. But, if you want a complete physique, you will have to incorporate free weight training into your routine. Here’s why:
Reason #1: Free weights promote functionality
The term “functional training” is often overused, but it still matters. Most free weight movements, especially those done with barbells, promote multi-joint functionality.
Exercises such as the deadlift and squat require multiple joints and muscle groups to work simultaneously. These movements are athletic, but also natural, as you perform them in day-to-day activities whenever you carry something or want to pick stuff up off the floor.
Unlike machines, free weights aren’t fixed, and your core muscles need to work extra hard in order to stabilize the load, holding it in the proper position.
All this contributes to overall muscle and strength development, but also balance, flexibility and multi-joint coordination. That would be very hard to achieve without performing compound free weight movements.
Reason #2: They are extremely efficient
If you run a busy life, and your packed schedule doesn’t allow you to go to the gym every day, free-weight training is for you.
Compound movements such as the overhead press, deadlift, and squat hit different muscle groups at the same time. That makes them extremely time-efficient.
Doing a routine of three “big” movements—one push, one pull and one for lower body—only three times per week will do wonders. Yes, it is not ideal, but it is much better than just hitting your chest and biceps, and not going back to the gym until the schedule clears.
By doing full-body workouts, at least you know that each of your sessions activated every muscle group, so there won’t be any falling behind.
Reason #3: Fat burning
Multi-joint movements tax your body hard, in a good way. They are hard to do, and just after a few reps, your heart will be racing. But, what’s even more interesting is what happens after workouts.
Because multiple muscles get damaged at the same time, your body has to work overtime to mend all that, making them bigger and stronger. All this requires energy, raising your metabolism.
Also, as your muscles get bigger, their needs expand, and your body starts burning through the energy reserves stored as fat cells.
Conclusion
As you can see, the benefits of free weight training are everywhere. All you need now is a great program, and someone to motivate you and track your progress. If you don’t want or don’t like doing it alone, we at Fit and Psyched can help.
We have a lot of experience with personal training various clients and are located right in your neighborhood, at West Palm Beach. Contact us today, and immediately start working on your new great looking, but healthy body!
