The Benefits of a
Free Weights Workout Program

A free weights workout program is a great way to get all the benefits that weight training offers.

There is no doubt that weight training is a great form of exercise, especially if you want to lose weight and get in great shape.

In this article we will examine the advantages of weight training with free weights compared to machines and then provide you with a basic free weights routine that exercises all of the major muscle groups of your body and that doesn't require the use of machines.

Here are the advantages of using a free weights workout program:

Versatile

For example, a barbell can be used for exercises like, barbell curl, tricep extension, squat, barbell rows, bench press, shoulder press, etc. A leg press machine on the other hand will only allow you to perform the leg press exercise as well as perhaps calf raises.

Cost and Portability

Space

Indestructible

Introduction to Weight Training

If so, they can get comfortable performing the exercises, become proficient in using the equipment and most importantly, can start getting results.

If a person finds that they aren't using the equipment regularly or simply don't enjoy that form of exercise, they can sell the equipment quite easily. Plus, it also means that they haven't lost money if they had gone ahead and purchased a gym membership.

However, if they do make it a consistent part of their lifestyle they can either purchase a gym membership or expand their home gym set up in the future.

Of course it is best for beginners to mainly use machines as opposed to free weights because machines require less stabilisation and are therefore easier to learn and have less risk of injury. However, some compound free weight exercises like, squats and deadlifts are essential for beginners to learn because of the core strength benefits they offer.

If you do have free weights at home and would like a basic free weights routine, here is a simple one to use:

Squats
Deadlift
Barbell row
Bench press
Dumbbell flye
Shoulder press
Lateral raise
Barbell curl
Alternative dumbbell curl
Tricep extension
Tricep kickback
Crunches
Reverse crunches

In this free weights workout program you perform one set of each exercise. This is after performing a 5-minute warm up of course. It is a whole-body free weights routine and is the perfect workout for beginners who have some free weights at home.

Perform this free weights workout program 3 days a week on non-consecutive days, i.e. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On your non-workout days it is best to do an extended cardio workout, perhaps for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Also, after the free weights workout program is completed it is worthwhile performing some cardio for 20-30 minutes to assist the fat-burning process in your body. Click on this link to find out more about the best way to lose weight.

Click here if you would like more information about the benefits of lifting weights.