I'm not an expert on muscle development, but to me it feels like the following:
Free weights = Individual reps have more or less identical resistance throughout the motion + gradual challenge towards the end of the set.
Resistance bands = Individual have more resistance towards the extreme end of the motion + gradual challenge towards the end of the set.
That gradual increase in resistance towards the extreme end of the motion helps build endurance/stamina (I think).
To me, when available, resistance bands gives a better workout. (But it's hard to find equivalent resistant band once you go past certain weights, that's the problem.)
Like you said you are no expert on muscle development.
I will say this much
One advantage of free weights over resistance bands is ease ofprogressive overload.
With weights it's very easy to increase the resistance in a measurable increment (i.e. add 5lbs). It's a bit tougher to quantify with resistance bands, and thus makes it harder to plan progression
And you are no star on clarification.
Okay well free weights are for gaining real strength, power and size if you eat enough and work hard enough. The bands are great for working from different angles and are good for injury prevention, but not much for making strength and power gains.
Okay well free weights are for gaining real strength, power and size if you eat enough and work hard enough. The bands are great for working from different angles and are good for injury prevention, but not much for making strength and power gains.
Captain obvious pointing out the obvious.
Are rubber bands not more better as they are more functional
.. Mass and 'real' strength is not always good.
You're going to talk strength training to someone who: has had to came back from two shoulder surgeries, I'm 140lbs and can bench 200lbs+ as sets (not maxing out). Yep, don't anything about strength training.
Dude be smart and pick your battles wisely. Not to mention your initial post had no value in this thread whatsoever, all you wanted to do was to start a fight.
Lastly, muscle development, I has it. And it's not the big bulky ones. Useless for tennis in my opinion, but what do I know? I know nothing about strength training right?
Come on, keep talking trash about how I don't know anything about muscle development. I'd love to hear it. I think I've struck a delicate balance of strength and not bulking up.
I think I've struck a delicate balance of strength and not bulking up.
If I touch a barbell, I add 50 lbs. of muscle.
How on earth do you manage to strike this delicate balance?
To tlm's defense, I think he was just taking your initial post of "i'm no expert at muscle development" and taking it to an extreme. His "initial post" was not confrontational, he simply made a statement regarding bands versus free weights, you're the one that labeled it as stating the obvious leading to his rebuttal
It's all about microloading with grains of sand. You have to be very careful, one grain over and you gain 5lbs overnight
I listen to logic and yours made sense, so therefore I have removed my post. But I will address tlm's statements:
1) Out of nowhere, he addressed me specifically in my attempt to be humble and hopefully helpful to OP's question. I don't have the scientific knowledge specifically on "muscle development" true. Do I know how to train? Yes, and I elaborated on from personal experience and results on the whole "free weights vs resistance bands" topic. Hence the disclaimer of "I'm not expert in blah blah", but here's what I observed.
2) By addressing me specifically without contribution to the thread, I'd like to hear the other reasons behind his initial post. My opinion on his initial post remains confrontational and ultimately unhelpful to OP's question (not dragging you into this mess).
3) Lastly, "doesn't know a thing about strength training", well ok. If you're going to say something like that specifically to another person, then let's hear your qualifications on the matter.
Do you sell microloading sand on your website? Maybe a DVD program to go with it? I'd love to buy your secret formula.
Speaking of epic threads (which we weren't), did you ever manage to squat 2.5x your bodyweight? I know you were close.
Haha, never quite got there. I hit 182kg/401lbs which was something like 2.43xBW at the time.
Then you clearly have no idea about weight training
I was just curious. That's a pretty good lift for a non-drug / no-assistance squat IMO. I haven't seen too many guys that could do it. In fact, I've never seen any in person.
Haha, never quite got there. I hit 182kg/401lbs which was something like 2.43xBW at the time. Since then I've majorly shifted focus to the snatch and clean and jerk, since relative to my squat they were atrocious and clearly their limiting factor was not my squat strength. I did front squat 2xBW though
Damn good job. I tried and only got to 405x3 high bar at 190 before mono came back. Hate low bar squatting, always felt uncomfortable. That front squat is ridiculous Wish I took the time to do them, would rather deadlift.
OT, the way I see it
Free weights - stabilizers and lead to better strength easier for progressive overload
Resistance Bands/Machines - More time under tension so more potential for hypertrophy if progressive overload is used
I've done both or I guess have used 3 different lifting methods. I've used free weights, TRX which i suppose would be similar to the resistance bands, and resistance bands. From what I experienced, they all can provide quality workouts, hitting different muscles.
TRX (and gymnastic training) is actually closer to free weights, as you are working against gravity, whereas the resistance bands would be providing resistance elastically
Sorry but trx is nothing like lifting free weights for strength. Plus most of the trx movements can be done without the straps and save 300.00. Bands are good for out of shape women classes and PT that's it.
Sorry but trx is nothing like lifting free weights for strength. Plus most of the trx movements can be done without the straps and save 300.00. Bands are good for out of shape women classes and PT that's it.
How much trx training have you done? Most of the movements done without the straps are not near as effective. I feel trx training is very good and is excellent when combined with free weights.
Many of the movements are very similar to weight training and some are better because of the added balance that is involved.
For strength no, but the likening of the TRX to resistance bands was mistaken. it is MORE like free weights than it is bands due to the nature of the resistance. Are they interchangeable? Of course not, however a lot of the movements have a parallel in lifting weights (rows, push ups, flys etc), but the nature of the resistance is the same. At certain parts of the movement there can be a leverage advantage
I feel trx is a waste of time and money but some people need to try the lastest training system. Bands are great for PT rehab and girls in a spin class. Iam waiting for memebers to bring in those heavy chains and put them on their bars while bench pressing. After that will be the huge tire flipping, hitting the tire with a sledgehammer and the huge rope workouts aka mma. for me all I need is a barbell and some plates, some dumbells a pair of running shoes.
I checked these out back in 2005 when they first came out. Back in 2008 I took a workshop now TRX offers 6 different workshops. It uses your body’s angle against gravity. Problem is not all the movements directly oppose gravity. It's just like anything else in the fitness trainer's toolbox. Another new thing to make out of shape and in shape people feel silly. It's more like learning a new skill.TRX Suspension Trainer Cons
Price
The biggest downside of this product may be the price. If spending $189.95 on a set of sturdy straps and anchors (along with the extras) doesn't make you bat an eye, then go for it. If nothing else, your workouts will be new, and you will engage muscles in a new way.
Anchor Points
Anchoring the system isn't a simple thing for those working out a home. Yes, you can use a door, but it seems to limit some of the exercises. Anchoring the system overhead allows more freedom of movement, but not everyone has (or wants) a great overhead anchor bolt in their living room.
Will the Novelty Wear off?
I wonder about the sustainability of the routines. It would be nice to hear how people feel about the TRX System after they've been using it for several months to see if it's just another fun, new fad that grows old over time. I've only done a short demo routine on the TRX, and I don't own one. It's hard for me to say if it would become stale or would become a core part of my training routine over time.Proponents of suspension training argue that it develops core body strength, as well as joint and muscular stability,[7] reducing the chance of injury.
Some sports scientists have expressed concern that weaker individuals may not have the core stability or joint integrity to use the system safely and effectively. I see in the gym alot of chicks using this and bands in classes. For me nothing beats freeweights. Alot of these new toys and training just keeps the the trainer and clients from getting bored. The trainer takes a workshop learns a new training shill and teaches it to the client who now shows off his or her new skill set.
I checked these out back in 2005 when they first came out. Back in 2008 I took a workshop now TRX offers 6 different workshops. It uses your body’s angle against gravity. Problem is not all the movements directly oppose gravity. It's just like anything else in the fitness trainer's toolbox. Another new thing to make out of shape and in shape people feel silly. It's more like learning a new skill.TRX Suspension Trainer Cons
Price
The biggest downside of this product may be the price. If spending $189.95 on a set of sturdy straps and anchors (along with the extras) doesn't make you bat an eye, then go for it. If nothing else, your workouts will be new, and you will engage muscles in a new way.
Anchor Points
Anchoring the system isn't a simple thing for those working out a home. Yes, you can use a door, but it seems to limit some of the exercises. Anchoring the system overhead allows more freedom of movement, but not everyone has (or wants) a great overhead anchor bolt in their living room.
Will the Novelty Wear off?
I wonder about the sustainability of the routines. It would be nice to hear how people feel about the TRX System after they've been using it for several months to see if it's just another fun, new fad that grows old over time. I've only done a short demo routine on the TRX, and I don't own one. It's hard for me to say if it would become stale or would become a core part of my training routine over time.Proponents of suspension training argue that it develops core body strength, as well as joint and muscular stability,[7] reducing the chance of injury.
Some sports scientists have expressed concern that weaker individuals may not have the core stability or joint integrity to use the system safely and effectively. I see in the gym alot of chicks using this and bands in classes. For me nothing beats freeweights. Alot of these new toys and training just keeps the the trainer and clients from getting bored. The trainer takes a workshop learns a new training shill and teaches it to the client who now shows off his or her new skill set.
I like using gymnastic rings, which are similar in function to what TRX is trying to do. I love them.
But your point about finding a place to anchor them is quite valid, especially for the home user. I have a great place. Some guy built a power station out of solid iron (I think the thing probably weighs 300 lbs. or more; I can hang off the back doing front or back levers and it stays perfectly stable; a beast of a stand) and his family sold it to me for $50 through the classified when he died. But otherwise, I have no idea where I would secure those things.
The rings I got are $60. Well worth it IMO.
https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/forum/store/product/4-xtreme-rings-black/
Another great piece of equipment are parallettes:
http://www.vitavibe.com/Vita_Vibe_Parallettes.html
Wish I could find stall bars for cheap. Anyone know where I could find some?
Bro, you gotta get that variable resistance!
After all, ALL the guys at WESTSIDE-****ING-BARBELL do it!!! And Louie Simmons is the most logical, intelligent, sane individual in the world of strength
/sarcasm
TRX is a waste of time though
I agree TRX is over priced that is why I made my own for about $30. But I do like some of the movements, like I said I combine TRX with free weights. I will do a set of dead lifts and then use the straps to do what I call reverse pushups. This is were you put your legs on a bench and pull yourself up towards the ceiling, a very good back movement.
There are many TRX exercises that are very good and can be combined with free weight movements, like after a set of bench presses do the strap pushups, same with after a set of barbell curls go right to TRX curls. So in other words I don't do just TRX training I combine it in my free weight workout. Which I feel is very good for a change up and there is more core and balance used with TRX.
I do agree with you about the bands they are really for PT more than anything. That is why I found it humorous for someone to ask about free weight VS bands, because there is no comparison. I really think that the best form of training is free weights, but even better is weighted body movements. Like weighted pull ups, push ups, and dips.
I listen to logic and yours made sense, so therefore I have removed my post. But I will address tlm's statements:
1) Out of nowhere, he addressed me specifically in my attempt to be humble and hopefully helpful to OP's question. I don't have the scientific knowledge specifically on "muscle development", true. Do I know how to train? Yes, and I elaborated on from personal experience and results on the whole "free weights vs resistance bands" topic. Hence the disclaimer of "I'm not expert in blah blah", but here's what I observed.
2) By addressing me specifically without contribution to the thread, I'd like to hear the other reasons behind his initial post. My opinion on his initial post remains confrontational and ultimately unhelpful to OP's question (not dragging you into this mess).
3) Lastly, "doesn't know a thing about strength training", well ok. If you're going to say something like that specifically to another person, then let's hear your qualifications on the matter.
Here is a video of me hitting, this was today at the age of 57. I think this would show I know something about training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ55yV8kTzs
What am I supposed to be impressed with? Bad form? Anemic lateral movements? Hitting balls beyond the age of 50 that half of the people on these forums can already do?
Not bad for your age, but not impressive enough to be differentiated from those who just kept playing regardless of their age.
Still don't know what your deal is with me. But hey, whatever helps you sleep at night, go for it stranger.