For More Functional Training, Try Free Weights!

Written by  Shelly Fonay, Chapel Hill Personal Trainer, O2 Fitness Falconbridge

Within an exercise program it is important to include exercises which will improve our cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, as well as balance and flexibility.  Each element has its own unique benefits which will help create overall health and well-being when matched with a balanced diet from a variety of food sources.  Many people tend to rely on machines to improve their strength and muscular endurance without realizing how beneficial it is to include free weights as part of their regular exercise program.

For a more functional approach to training, free weights are an excellent choice because we are required to stabilize our own body weight while moving in different planes of movement.  They also allow for an unlimited range of motion while also improving joint stability and balance. When using free weights, creativity is limitless and allows for more complex exercises.  Machine weights are more costly, not portable, and do not equally fit each individual body type.

If you want to improve your balance and core strength, try adding free weights into your exercise program and enjoy reaping the benefits!