Free Weights vs. Resistance Training
Robby Ryan
History shows man has been interested in physical and strength enhancement since the times of the ancient Egyptians if the pictures displayed on tombs are any indication, with men portrayed exercising by throwing and swinging rock and sand. Weightlifting competitions date back to early Greek civilization and these events led up to the Greeks creating the Olympic games in 776 B.C. and continued until 393 A.D. when Emperor Theodosis terminated the games stating it was a pagan religous event.
Weightlifting competitions have been entered into Olympic events since 1896 after the ban was lifted and women were also able to compete beginning in 2000.
It wasn't until Alvin Calvert designed the Milo adjustable barbell set in 1910 that allowed exercisers to conveniently adjust the weight by simply adding or removing weighted plates, did strength training become popular. This encouraged a whole new wave of interest in bodybuilding and strength training, not only for use at home but athletic departments and physical ed classes began using the new equipment, and this gave the industry another boost.
It wasn't until the early 1970's when the Nautilus machines were introduced that the industry really took off. The Nautilus was a more sophisticated version of the previous Universal machines. The Nautilus now made it possible to get a full body workout with the safe use of pullies and cables, allowing the user proper fluid natural movement and resistance.
Aerobics also became popular about this time and women were now joining the men at gyms for both weight control and strength training. Also, most if not all athletic sports training facilities utilize both free weights and resistance equipment.
One of the first things I did when I got out of high school in 1973 was join The Chicago Health Club ( Bally's Total Fitness ). I was completly impressed and hooked on the Nautilus equipment. It was almost all I used for bodybuilding and strength training. I used free weights before I joined but realized I could get a better and more efficent workout for the results I was looking for on the Nautilus machines and have been maintaining great results by using the same principles ever since.
Of course, today there are numerous companies manufacturing resistance types of equipment, and some work very well if you don't mind forking over a large sum of money for a large piece of equipment.
The simple fact that you are dealing with weight controlled by your own strength in a free weight regimen, gravity can be a dangerous undertaking, with the chance of dropping the weights or weights falling off. It is much easier to get injured with free weights than a resistance type program.
Resistance bands have also become a part of many peoples fitness program, including myself. With the careful and clever use of bands or tubes you can adjust the resistance by simply adding or removing bands or use color coated bands for different ranges of resistance.
Almost 15 years ago I found resistance bands to be a way to duplicate the same movement and resistance I enjoyed with the Nautilus machines and I am still applying the same whole body workout routine today.
Proper natural movement and resistance is essential for a beneficial band workout routine. To accomplish this, the bands need to be securely fastened to a stationary object and easily allow you to do up to 12 repetitions of the exercise in a controlled manner.
Compared to other workout and bodybuilding equipment, resistance bands are an inexpensive effective alternative and if done regularly and properly, the same fitness goals can be accomplished.
Free weight workouts and resistance workouts benefical results, depend on the correct, easy accurate movement and resistance.
Beginners and bodybuilders, young and old, men and women, fitness conditioning to weight management or for physical rehab or to enhance your athletic prowess, it can all be accomplished safely, with a thought out resistance band workout.
Studies have been conducted by researchers on the affects of resistance exercise (RE) and the findings confirm that a consistant RE workout can have physical and mental positive outcomes, including cardiovascular improvements.
If you are looking for a inexpensive but effective way to get and stay fit, resistance bands should not be overlooked since some form of strength training should be on everyones todo list.
My own personal version of a resistance fat burning, muscle building training kit, that I use still today, will be available soon, so keep checking back.
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