The Difference Between Free Weights & Resistance

The importance of exercising has long been in the news. There are many types of exercises and many types of workout equipment to choose from, but two popular methods of working out are with free weights and resistance band weights. It is common to see both in a gym and many people own their own free weights or resistant weights for their own home. There may be some differences in the way each builds muscle and strength, but there are also similarities.

  1. What Are Free Weights?

    • Free weights are just what they sound like, weights that are free from being connected to a machine, and can be held and maneuvered individually. Dumbbells are a perfect example of a free weight. Many body builders use free weights for their training. Free weights require short bursts of energy to maneuver them, so they build muscle easily. There is a beginning and an end to each repetition and with each exercise, unlike with resistance bands, which can be a continual workout. You work your muscles harder with free weights.

    The Benefits of Free Weights

    • The benefits of free weights are simple. They work individual muscle groups, and work them from all angles. Free weights use the same type movements that you use in everyday chores; picking up a bag of groceries, or pulling a door open. Free weights require gravity in order to complete an exercise, and of course the weights are heavier, so you are giving each of these muscle groups a good workout. They are an excellent way to build muscle and strengthen your core.

    What Are Resistance Weights?

    • Resistance weights are not much different than free weights in the aspect that they work muscle groups and strengthen them. Resistance weights are like rubber bands. They stretch and bend and can snap back easily. Resistance weights require you to stay in the different positions longer, expending more energy and using more muscle control to keep the bands from snapping. They also require a lot of control to change muscle groups during your workout.

    The Benefits of Resistance Weights

    • Resistance weights are easier to transport than free weights, so you can keep up with your workouts wherever you go. They also offer more range of motion for working muscle groups. Resistance weights make the muscles work longer, too. This is because as you hold them taut, your muscles are continually getting a workout, and your muscles work against themselves. They can also be a better workout for your lower body over free weights, especially the legs and calves, because the resistance bands keep the muscles expending energy longer.

    Expert Insights

    • Experts will tell you that either workout is a good workout, whether it is with free weights or resistance bands. As long as you are exercising, following techniques to prevent injuries, and enjoying building muscle, they both are good. Which way you choose to work out--with free weights or with resistance bands--is a matter of preference. One person may love the way free weights build muscle and strength, and another person may love how their muscles seem to get longer workouts with the resistance bands.