The Right Way to Free Weight

Exercising with free weight is very beneficial to your muscles, bones, and even cardiovascular system. Every gym usually has an extensive array of free weights somewhere alongside a main wall. There are often big burly men there lifting and dropping 100 pound weights. Don’t worry, this should not intimidate you. Varying in sizes, members can use these dumbbells in whatever activity they chose. Some people use them on the treadmill while doing other exercises like aerobics or simply on their own isolating a certain muscle. Weight-bearing exercises like this are especially good for women to strengthen bone and muscle to help fight and prevent osteoporosis.

What’s most important while doing these exercises is to make sure you are executing them correctly! Because these weights are not on an axle or attached to a machine at all, it gives the user space for error. There are no arm pads or direction where to put your arm. If these dumbbells are used incorrectly, it can lead to muscle or joint issues. Proper form is extremely important when doing these types of exercises. Besides preventing injury, you want to make sure you’re doing this properly to get the results you want. With certain exercises, if you just angle your leg a certain way, then the exercise now focuses on a completely different muscle. You wouldn’t want to think you’re working your hamstrings when you’re really working your calves.

Dumbbells are versatile and can yield great results if used properly. This type of muscle exercise burns more calories throughout the day more than with cardio. If you belong to a gym, ask a trainer the proper form on how to use free weights for certain exercises, or which exercises are best for hitting a desired area. Never swing the weights or use momentum to move them. If you have any questions, ask a trainer first before attempting the activity.