Dumbells. Dumbells All Around
Are you into body building? Have the good old dumbells given you
the physique that you have wanted to have? Or have you preferred
working on those modern machines over the classic dumbell? Which
do you think is better?
Until recently, it's the trusty old dumbell (or free weights as
they are called) are the most popular form of strength training
there is.
During earlier times, early bodybuilders improved their strength
by lifting a new-born calf right over their heads. As the calf
grew, the weight that they lift also increased, probably the
earliest model of the progressive strength training routine.
It has developed into the modern weight stack machines that many
bodybuilders are able to use now. Now there is no need for them
to lift a calf over their heads.
Free weights come in the form of dumbells and barbells. There
are two types of dumbells available for use. There is a type of
dumbell that is a one piece and single weight component. There
is also a type of dumbell designed like barbells, with a central
bar and removable weights that can be switched.
This dumbell design takes up less room and is relatively cheaper
than the single weight dumbell. On the other hand, this dumbell
will take up more time to use because you have to change the
dumbell weights for each exercise.
A major advantage of using dumbells over modern machines is that
they are more efficient in strengthening the whole body. Most
dumbell exercises are done while standing, making the whole body
support the weight. More of the body's muscles are being used
when doing this exercise.
Another important fact to note is that weight bearing exercises
like this promotes bone mineralization, an important factor in
the prevention of osteoporosis in the later years.
Another advantage of dumbell strength training is that you will
be able to mimic certain sports specific motions. Without the
restrictive guiding of modern weight machines, the user can
design a dumbell exercise that will closely imitate some actual
sports specific motions in order to strengthen the necessary
muscles.
Along with advantages, dumbell exercises also have some
disadvantages. One would be safety. A dumbell user needs to have
greater stabilizing control over the weight of the dumbell. If
you lose control of the weight, he runs the risk of injury on
his muscles or injury when he drops it right on his feet.
With modern strength machines, there is little possibility of
this occurring since these machines are designed for safety and
you may be more comfortable lifting heavier weights which will
help accelerate muscle mass gain.
Moreover, dumbell exercises can also put a heavy toll not only
on your muscles but also on your other joints and tissues.
When a free weight is on the return portion of the exercise, the
weight has built up substantial momentum that your muscles must
try to overcome. This action will place considerable amount of
stress not only on your muscles but also on your joints and
connective tissues as well such as your tendons and ligaments.
So whether you prefer to use a dumbell or a weight machine to do
your weight training, it is all up to you. Just always remember
to take good care of using them.
You must be aware of the proper weight lifting exercise
techniques in order to avoid injury. As long as you know the
proper way of doing your weight training, whether it is with a
dumbell or a weight machine, you will be in safe hands.