Free Weights vs. Resistance Machines

FREE WEIGHTS

ADVANTAGES:

Force you to both lift and balance the weight
Balancing works larger, primary muscles as well as smaller, secondary muscles
Versatility: with one barbell you can work your entire body
Greater results achieved because your body has to work harder (vs. resistance machines) to perform exercises

DISADVANTAGES

Changing the weight has to be done manually
You [...]

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Weight-Training

“Women will get big and bulky if they weight-train.”
Because women have high estrogen and low testosterone levels, it is very hard for them to develop muscle. Weight-training helps enhance the natural curves of a woman’s body, contributing to the “hour-glass shape” that is so desirable.
“I’m not losing weight. I should concentrate on doing [...]

Free Weights, Resistance Machines and Cardiovascular Equipment

Fitness 365 is a big place — 17,000 square feet of floor-space — and so can accommodate an extensive range of work-out equipment and weights:
Free Weights
The term “free” means there are no cables, pulleys or handles connected to the weights. Our selection of barbells and dumbbells is the envy of gyms across the city, [...]

Smaller, More Frequent Meals the Key to Avoiding Weight Gain

In today’s rushed culture, sitting down to eat a meal is becoming a luxury. The majority of the time we’re grabbing a bite on our way out the door, eating in our cars, or while we’re sitting in front of our computers. On top of this, we’re constantly being told what foods to [...]

The buzz over caffeine: It can help your workout

The buzz over caffeine: It can help your workout

It’s no longer a banned substance among elite athletes and studies show it really does enhance performance
ALEX HUTCHINSON
From Friday’s Globe and Mail
September 19, 2008 at 2:13 AM EDT
Alex Hutchinson draws on the latest research to answer your fitness and workout questions in this biweekly column [...]

Rug rats become gym rats

Rug rats become gym rats

PATRICK WHITE
From Tuesday’s Globe and Mail
October 7, 2008 at 9:40 AM EDT
Most days, the parking lot outside the Twist Conditioning gym in North Vancouver is the sports equivalent of a Hollywood red carpet.
Over the years, the gym’s namesake has trained the likes of hockey stars Mark Messier, Pavel Bure and [...]

Free weights or machines: What’s the difference and which should I use?

ALEX HUTCHINSON
From Friday’s Globe and Mail
October 3, 2008 at 9:37 AM EDT
THE QUESTION
Free weights or machines: What’s the difference and which should I use?
THE ANSWER
It depends on how much stability you want – and that’s determined by your goals and your level of experience.
For beginners, the biggest advantage of weight machines is that they [...]

Looking to Lose Weight?

Make Sure You Add a Balanced Weight Training Program to Your Exercise Routine.
 
It is a common misconception that in order to lose weight one must endure endless and exhausting amounts of cardio exercise. Weight training is almost always avoided because most people feel it will only help with building muscle and not reduce body fat. [...]

The Beginners Guide

The Beginners Eight Step Guide to Success
Step 1. ASK FOR HELP Staff members and trainers are friendly and willing to help you if you ask. Just relax and ask your questions no matter what it is. Remember the only stupid question is the one not asked.
Step 2. DO RESEARCH It is always safe to [...]

Warming-Up

Warming-Up Before Training
“Specific warm up or General”
There are a number of things a person usually wonders as they walk into the gym. “What should I train on today?” “How long should a training session be?” however, while those are all good questions, the most important question a person should ask themselves is “Why and [...]