Body-weight vs. Free Weights
The forever going battle: what's the better training method? Is it bodyweight? Or, is it free weights?
To tell ya the truth, their isn't really a "better" training method as both styles can (and should) be incorporated into your training routines!
For example, bodyweight exercises allows you to dive into completely natural movements, whilst reducing the risk for injury, and increasing your overall benefits with the performed exercises. Half the majority of bodyweight exercises performed also utilize other muscles to work as well. Take the pushup for example; you're not just working the chest, you're also working the triceps, shoulders, and a little bit of your core.
With bodyweight training, you will most likely perform higher reps and possibly more sets than you would free weights because it is a different load system. Performing high reps is also very effective for muscular endurance and toning the muslces.
A con with bodyweight exercises is that it may be too difficult for a beginner starting out. Which is why free weights are ideal for any beginner as it lets you choose the desired level of resistance, whereas bodyweight exercise focuses on one level of resistance, and you can only increase that resistance, not decrease.
Bodyweight follows through with a very natural movement and full range of motion. You also have to utilize other muscles with certain free weight exercises, like your stabilizers, in order to perform the movement correctly.
Training with free weights puts a great deal of stress on your muscles which evidentaly makes them grow! With bodyweight, you have the potential to grow by adding more resistance but normally the exercises performed are difficult enough. Using free weights maximizes your growth potential. But be careful with free weight training, never lift more than you should and never give up on perfect form, because the injury risk is far greater training with free weights than it can be bodyweight. You for sure do not need to blow your knees, especially on leg day! That's tough as it is, because one does not simply sit on the toilet after leg day...
What’s great too is, both styles of exercise can be full of benefits in your workout routine. Makes training at home a lot easier too, especially if you can find a cheap set of dumbbells. Then you can for sure make a killer at home workout by mixing both styles of training!
What's your favorite style of exercise? Is it bodyweight training? Free Weights? Or, do you incorporate both into your routine? Let's get this conversation started in the comments section!