We all know that walking into a gym filled with shiny, new machines can be impressive, (and lets be honest, sometimes a little daunting too) but what if I told you that free weights actually offered a far superior workout?

Don’t believe me? Then read my 7 reasons why…

More Exercise-Bang for Your Buck
Think about doing a simple bicep curl… the objective might be a simple arm movement, yet the whole body is working to support this motion. The feet hip width apart, weight on the ball of the big toe, glutes and core engaged, shoulders back, breathing focused… But, get into a seated bicep curl machine, and there’s little more than the bicep muscle operating throughout the whole movement.

In short, the correct use of free weights requires the user to stabilise the body, hold the correct posture, activate many diverse muscles (many of which are smaller auxiliary muscles that machines simply cannot get to) and express a full range of joint motion.

Builds Balance, Mobility & Coordination
The big standing compound movements you do with free weights, such as lunges, squats, and deadlifts aren’t just building muscle they’re also helping develop balance, mobility, coordination and core control.

Builds Real Life Strength
Free weights lift, carry, pull and push, mimicking ‘real life’ movements. Think a farmers carry or a dead lift, they’re both movements that teach the safe and effective lifting of objects, something we all do many times per day. Learning how to do this correctly and practicing it often, makes us better and safer in real life scenarios.

Precision Strength Development
Free weights, as the name implies, give you the freedom to lift weights through a much ‘freer’ range of motions than a standard machine- which is confined to a specific path. This means you can perform the exercise to the depth and direction you need- creating the impact you want.

Specific to EVERY Body
Most machines are made for a generic-sized man, while this is fine for most people, women who are significantly smaller than this, can have issues operating these machines. With free weights we can select the perfect weight for everyone, each and every time.

Versatility
Free weight aren’t just Dumbbells, the classification also includes: kettle bells, yoga balls, medicine balls, bands and so much more. These are not only versatile in the exercises they can offer, but for home based workout sessions they are easy to transport and carry.

A Great Investment
Free weights are relatively inexpensive to buy, come in many colours and shapes and take up very little space, meaning they can be an ideal investment  for your home gym.