You’re probably wondering whether or not you should use free weights in your workout routine. Well, the short answer is yes, but, let’s dive a little deeper into the reasons why free weights are such a beneficial addition to any fitness program.
First off, free weights are incredibly versatile. They can be used to target every muscle group in your body and can be incorporated into various exercises, from squats and lunges to curls and presses. This versatility makes free weight training ideal for people of all fitness levels and can help you to achieve a variety of fitness goals, from building muscle to improving your overall fitness level.
There are plenty of reasons why you should incorporate free weight training. Here are just a few examples:
Free weights can help you to build muscle
When you lift weights, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibres. Over time, these tears heal and the muscles become stronger and more toned. This process, called hypertrophy, is what allows you to build muscle mass.
Typically, free weights work more muscles than a machine. Machines allow you to move in a specific, fixed range of motion whereas free weights rely on you, and often your whole body to control the movement. This means you’re working more muscles harder, allowing strength to be built across your body.
Free weight training can help you to burn more calories
When you lift weights, you not only burn calories during your workout but also continue to burn calories after your workout. This is because lifting weights increases your metabolism, which means that your body burns more calories at rest. According to research, free weight training is more effective at increasing metabolism than machine-based training. So, if you’re looking to burn more calories and lose weight, free weight training is the way to go!
Free weights can help to improve your balance and coordination
As mentioned above, when you lift weights that are not connected to a machine, your body has to work harder to stabilise itself. This means that free weights can help to improve your balance and coordination, which can be especially beneficial for older adults.
This also means a greater mind-muscle connection, which long term will help you lift more and keep your attention focused on your workouts.
So, there you have it. Free weight training is versatile, effective, and backed by science. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, incorporating free weights into your workout routine can help you to achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and wellbeing. So, grab some dumbbells, load up that barbell and get lifting.
Need support with an exercise programme or don’t know where to start? You can claim a free one-day pass at an Anytime Fitness gym and speak to one of our friendly and expert team about your health goals.
