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Weight Lifting vs. resistance training

efore modern invention, the ability to build muscle or strength train for sport or fun, was dependant on the clever use of what ever nature made available, as seen on Egyptian tombs, with displays of men exercising with make-shift techniques of swinging rock or sand. According to the earliest records, the Greeks began the Olympics in 776 B.C. and bodybuilding wasn't a competitive sport ( the art of displaying the muscles) until Eugene Sandow popularized it in September, 1901 with the first bodybuilding contest held in London, U.K..

Weightlifting competitions have been entered into Olympic events since 1896 after the ban was lifted and women were also able to compete beginning in 2000.

It wasn't until Alvin Calvert designed the Milo adjustable barbell set in 1910 that allowed exercisers to conveniently adjust the weight by simply adding or removing weighted plates, did strength training become popular. This encouraged a whole new wave of interest in bodybuilding and strength training, not only for use at home but athletic departments and physical ed classes began using the new equipment, and this gave the industry another boost.

It wasn't until the early 1970's when the Nautilus machines were introduced that the industry really took off. The Nautilus was a more sophisticated version of the previous Universal machines. The Nautilus now made it possible to get a full body workout with the safe use of pullies and cables, allowing the user proper fluid natural movement and resistance.

Women also became a part of the new fitness revolution with the introduction of the Nautilis and they were joining health clubs and gyms in droves. This was about the same time aerobics became popular, so now women had an easy enjoyable way to get and stay fit. Athletic departments to this day, use both free weights and resistance equipment.

One of the first things I did when I got out of high school in 1973 was join The Chicago Health Club ( Bally's Total Fitness ). I was completly impressed and hooked on the Nautilus equipment. It was almost all I used for bodybuilding and strength training. I used free weights before I joined but realized I could get a better and more efficent workout for the results I was looking for on the Nautilus machines and have been maintaining great results by using the same principles ever since.

Today, there are so many resistance types of equipment out there, it is difficult to choose the device that is right for you. Some work as claim but they are also big and expensive.

The simple fact that you are dealing with weight controlled by your own strength in a free weight regimen, gravity can be a dangerous undertaking, with the chance of dropping the weights or weights falling off. It is much easier to get injured with free weights than a resistance type program.

An effective resistance training method is the strategic use of resistance bands. By simply adding or removing bands, you can easily change the resistance or change the colored bands that have different resistances.

For almost fifteen years now, I have been using a resistance band workout routine I formulated that imitates the same methods and gets the same total body results I recieved when using the Nautilus equipment.

To be successful with a band workout, the bands need to be strategically anchored so you can get the proper movement for the muscle group you are working on. You should be able to comfortably perform at least ten repetitions of any exercise.

Compared to other workout and bodybuilding equipment, resistance bands are an inexpensive effective alternative and if done regularly and properly, the same fitness goals can be accomplished.

Free weight workouts and resistance workouts benefical results, depend on the correct, easy accurate movement and resistance.

It does'nt matter what your fitness goals are, when a thought out resistance band routine is applied correctly and frequently, the only results you'll recieve will be positive, from physical therapy to bodybuilding and everything in between.

Research has shown that resistance exercise (RE) can produce positive changes in muscular strength, endurance and power; bone mineral content; body composition; cardiovascular function; metabolism; and phsycological well-being. Also, conclusions were made that regular structured RE may prove beneficial in a weight-management regimen.

No one should overlook the potential of resistance bands for strength training or just looking to manage weight or enhance your physical appearance. Bottom line is, strenght training is good for you.

You too can reap the benefits of a properly orchestrated resistance workout routine copying what Iv'e been doing for the past 15 years by waiting a little bit longer until I release a version of my system.
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