free
weights
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s
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CHAMPIONS
Our panel of personal trainers talk to Kate Cracknell about their favourite types of free weight
The Olympic barbell
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can be used to create
T
O
a number of complex
exercises that work
OCKPHO
the whole body
©IST
of the equipment is that it can also be used to create a number
MATT ROBERTS of complex exercises, combining two movement patterns into
matt roberts personal training the same exercise – for example, combining a squat with a
shoulder press, which activates the shoulders, the lower body
0lympic barbell
and, thanks to the effort involved in both actions, the deeper
muscles that enhance core stability.
It’s also far simpler to instruct people on the multiple uses
F
rom an ease of use and instruction point of view, as of the barbell, compared to say dumbbells or kettlebells, as it
well as from a performance efficiency perspective, my requires the use of both arms to hold the weight; if there’s a
favourite free weight would always be the Olympic barbell. natural muscular imbalance to either side of the body, this can be
The most obvious reason is the variety of resistance it compensated for as the weight is evenly distributed across the
offers; the weight can be easily adjusted via selection of weight body. This initially favours the stronger side but, as technique and
plates, making it ideal to progress clients in terms of strength. neuromuscular condition progress, the weaker side is encouraged
Furthermore, once basic practices are learnt – such as keeping to improve. This is more effi cient than working it in isolation.
the bar close to the body for any bent-over work, or ensuring Bear in mind, however, that Olympic barbells already weigh
the shoulders are correctly set at all times – it becomes quick either 10kg or 20kg without any added weight plates – this
and easy to instruct new exercises, allowing faster progression. piece of kit can be used for some exercises with beginners, but
I can also construct an entire workout around it, as it can be certain techniques are unsuitable for those with a lower strength
used to train every muscle within the human body – the barbell capacity. Really the only other consideration is to ensure that
can be used for almost any exercise or movement pattern someone has the appropriate fl exibility and mobility to perform
found within the gym and everyday life, from a squat to a bent- the exercises correctly and with a full range of motion, otherwise
over row, and from a deadlift to a chest press. But the beauty pre-existing muscular tension can potentially be increased.
january 2010 © cybertrek 2010 Read Health Club Management online 47
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