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The Four Technologies of Training Equipment - Know more about the equipment you use for exercise

9/5/2015

6 Comments

 
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Most persons are conscious about their health and may desire to start an exercise programme to assist with weight loss. You may sign up for the gym but when you get there you become overwhelmed with the different equipment and how to actually start using them. It is important to have a little understanding about the equipment you use for exercise so that you can get much more out of your efforts. In genereal there are four technologies of training equipment, Let us review them and look at the advantages and disadvantages.






The four technologies of training equipment are:

  1. Constant resistant devices

  2. Variable resistance devices

  3. Accommodating resistance devices

  4. Static resistance devices

Advantages and disadvantages of using constant resistant devices in the general population, sports training and bodybuilding for muscle mass.

Constant resistance devices (free weights) are devices where the weights never change. This means the weight/resistance does not increase or decrease during the course of exercise. For example a dumbbell or barbell have the same weight no matter how many times you lift them.

Advantages

Free weights tend to incorporate more muscles in the execution of the moves. Because they are free of constraints offered by cables or machines, the muscles can contract through a more complete ROM with assistance from other stabilizing muscle groups. In essence, a seated overhead press with dumbbells, although targeting the shoulder muscles, will solicit help from smaller muscle group, thus, working more muscles at one time. Free weights are also more functional, meaning they simulate more daily or athletic movements.

For the general population Free weights tend to be inexpensive, are portable and take up little space. They are more versatile — you can do a wide variety of exercises with a simple set of dumbbells. You can, for example, hold the weights with palms facing forward, facing your body, or facing the wall behind you. In doing so, you can do three different exercises that will work your muscles in different ways.

In sports training free-weight exercises tend to more closely match the movement patterns you're likely to need for specific sports. The benefits of training athletes on Olympic lifts is that the athletes learn to feel the effort required for maximum power and speed of the lift, allowing them to take this increased power into a range of sporting movements. Rapid pulling (e.g. power clean) and pushing movements (e.g. push press, jerk) are transferrable to athletic performance.

In bodybuilding and muscle mass free weights incorporate the stabilizing muscles that enable you to perform the movements you choose to make and may be more effective in producing overall muscular strength and power gains.

Disadvantages

Free weights have two main limiting features;

  1. They do not correct for changes in musculoskeletal leverage that occur during an exercise movement.

  2. They do not correct for reduced force output stemming from fatigue.

For the general population the primary disadvantage of using free weights is the time it takes to learn proper form and techniques for beginners. Properly learning the nuances of free weight training may require lighter resistance to be used until proper mechanics are solidified. They could hamper or slow down muscle-building for the person desiring gains in muscle mass. Also, many free weight exercises require the use of a spotter or partner to assist in their execution. Safety is a definite disadvantage of free weights. For the plate-loaded free weight exercise, time can be a disadvantage. A lot of time is spent loading and unloading the barbells.

For the weight lifter you must learn to balance the weight while exerting force. This can be difficult — and potentially dangerous — if you are lifting weights overhead.

For sports trainers who want to target specific muscles for their sport, the isolation of specific muscles can be difficult. To target the muscle you want, precise technique must be used.


Advantages and disadvantages of using variable resistant devices in the general population, sports training and bodybuilding for muscle mass

Variable resistance devices are strength training equipment that has specially-designed features, which alter the external weight load throughout the range of motion of the exercise. In fitness, variable resistance refers to a type of weightlifting in which the amount of resistance that the weight applies will vary throughout the exercise's motion. Variable resistance machines use circular cams, lever arms and seat adjustments to regulate the amount of resistance throughout the exercise.

Advantages

When using variable resistance, the resistance is higher where your muscles are stronger, and lighter where your muscles are weaker. This allows you to work with a weight that matches your strength levels throughout the movement. This feature benefits all trainers – the general population, sports training and training for increase muscle mass. Many individuals prefer the variable resistance due to the ease of use and ability to monitor increases in strength.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of variable resistance machines include expense and limitations of the machine. Many different exercises can be performed with dumbbells and they can be purchased for home use. Variable resistance machines are expensive with a limit of one exercise per machine.

Another major disadvantage is that the movement is not natural and therefore causes confusion in the brain centres that interpret the force and movement pattern. The result is that muscular gains in strength and size are slower in coming and are limited in their final potential, this can ultimately affect all aspects of training.


Advantages and disadvantages of using accommodating resistant devices in the general population, sports training and bodybuilding for muscle mass

Accommodating resistance machinery is designed to allow you to exert maximum resistance throughout the full range of movement in each of your exercises. I so doing you are able to maximize the amount of exercise stress your muscles receive.

Advantages

An advantage to this type of technology is that ballistic movement is eliminated. It allows for overload to be exerted to the fullest with quality. It eliminates a lot of danger with overextended joints, and injuries related to pulled muscles, and this benefits all levels of training, but especially new trainees.

Disadvantages

As with variable resistant devices, accommodating resistance movements are unnatural. It seems the brain is not adapted to accepting the unnaturalness of controlled speed. Machines on a whole tend to be bulky, expensive and inflexible (only specific exercises can be performed). Most machines are designed for a ‘standard’ individual, so if you don’t fall within the design specifications, you cannot use the machine effectively and this affects the entire population, sports trainers and those seeking to build muscle mass.


Advantages and disadvantages of using static resistant devices in the general population, sports training and bodybuilding for muscle mass

Contracting your muscles without movement is called static contraction. The term isometric exercise was coined to describe this form of stress. To accomplish this, one would push or pull on an immovable apparatus.  The advantage is that it makes you stronger, it does build muscle if done frequently enough and forcefully enough and if you are looking to tone muscles and burn fat, then static exercise can also help to accomplish this. Bodybuilders, and general workout buffs are often trying to increase their lifting capability in bench presses, military presses, and squats, so functional isometrics would be a good change to incorporate into their workout program.


Disadvantages

When you push or pull on an immovable apparatus, you only get stronger in that position. This type of exercises is not recommended for those with heart problems or high blood pressure. 


Conclusion

All four technologies of training equipment have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, versatility, muscle recruitment and portability. For all-around body strength and the development of speed and power, free weights are superior. However, machines are great for beginners, the young and old, for injury rehabilitation and for targeting specific muscles.

The best solution in training general populations, in sports and in body building is to use all technologies of training wisely, and in combination with each other.

Reference
Fitness: The Complete Guide - Official Text for ISSA's Certified Trainer Course


6 Comments
Dianataylor link
1/1/2016 15:25:10

Excellentexplanation

Reply
Cherine
1/2/2016 15:01:21

Thank You

Reply
Adam Golightly link
12/10/2020 12:58:53

My brother has been thinking about getting some exercise equipment so that he can have a lot more space. He would really like to get some help from a professional in order to be more effective. I liked what you said about how he can eliminate ballistic movement which can allow him to exert maximum resistance.

Reply
Cherine
6/11/2021 07:07:32

Glad it helped.

Reply
Ella Starr link
5/19/2021 11:46:39

Thank you for talking about what variable resistance is, and that it helps you to get the best workout throughout the workout. My son and I want to start working out this summer. I will look for a great gym for us to work out in our area.

Reply
Cherine
6/11/2021 07:09:40

You are welcome

Reply



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The information on this website is meant for general purposes and is not intended to replace any advise given by your doctor or any other trained medical professional. Please consult your doctor before starting any fitness programme.