Free weights VS resistance bands ?

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by r2473

If I touch a barbell, I add 50 lbs. of muscle.

How on earth do you manage to strike this delicate balance?

It's all about microloading with grains of sand. You have to be very careful, one grain over and you gain 5lbs overnight

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

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

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.

[r2473]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

It's all about microloading with grains of sand. You have to be very careful, one grain over and you gain 5lbs overnight

Do you sell microloading sand on your website? Maybe a DVD program to go with it? I'd love to buy your secret formula.

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by Say Chi Sin Lo

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.

Evidently I didnt' scroll far enough to the earlier posts, I mistook his second post for his first which markedly confrontational

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by r2473

Do you sell microloading sand on your website? Maybe a DVD program to go with it? I'd love to buy your secret formula.

Of course I do! My microloading sand formula is the only one out there, the unfortunate truth about regular sand is that the grains are not uniform in size, thus you need my product to get the standardized grain size

My website has yet to be launched, but I am taking pre-orders now. Just PM me your Full name, credit card number and confirmation number on the back a long with your SSN, full address, and the answers to all potential security questions and we'll get it underway.

DVD is extra.






On a serious note, I recall reading an article that advertised a microloading product. It was literally a hollow apparatus that could be loaded on to barbells, and you added sand to it to increase the weight in ever so slight amounts. The logic behind it was to mimick the old old school barbells, which basically had globes on either end that was filled with something like sand for weight

[r2473]

Speaking of epic threads (which we weren't), did you ever manage to squat 2.5x your bodyweight? I know you were close.

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by r2473

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. 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

[r2473]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

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.

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by r2473

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.

Clearly! After all, I was the guy saying a 2.5xbw squat was very possible, and shouldn't be a marker for "elite" level for athletes...granted my argument included doing low bar squats, which would make things easier


You should get out more. My coach has done a 3xBW squat raw, drug free (302kg weighing 100kg, followed by 272kgx5). Of course he's crazy, and has not beaten that in over a year and a half due to injuries and such (although he did do 320kg with knee wraps)

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Where's Captain Assbivous? I really want to hear his/her theories on actin filament, and the correlation between exercise and the transcriptional, translational, and the subsequent activation of myosin heavy chain kinases. I'm a genomic stability/cancer biologist by training, I know, shame on me for not researching the mechanisms revolving around muscle development. But that's why we have *****holes, I meant folks like you right?

Let's get together and submit a publication, the topic has been largely overlooked by the field. You should write a review to start. But we've got to aim low and go for fitness magazines, cause I'm pretty sure leading scientific journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell will just reject your crap.

[T1000]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

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

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by T1000

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

Always bothered my elbow, but the leverage advantage was undeniable. When I switched I was at 290x5 low bar, took me a month or two to get 300x1 high bar, huge difference.

[FastFreddy]

One major problem with resistance bands every rep r u getting stronger? or the band getting weaker?

[Soul]

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.

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by Soul

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

[FastFreddy]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

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.

[Itagaki]

Originally Posted by FastFreddy

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.

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

[tlm]

Originally Posted by FastFreddy

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.

[FastFreddy]

Originally Posted by tlm

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.

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.

[FastFreddy]

Originally Posted by Itagaki

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.