IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v17y2020i21p7848-d435120.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Using Machines or Free Weights for Resistance Training in Novice Males? A Randomized Parallel Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Dirk Aerenhouts

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Eva D’Hondt

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

Abstract

This study compared the effect of a resistance training (RT) program with machines, free weights, or a combination of both on changes in anthropometrics, strength, and functional ability in novice adult males. Thirty-six male novices in RT (18–45 years) followed a 10-week RT program. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (N = 12 each): machines only; free weights only; or switching from machines to free weights (after 5 weeks). Muscle size (circumferences of upper arm, thigh and chest), strength (1 Repetition Maximum) on both machines and free weights, and functional ability (Functional Movement Screen TM (Functional Movement Systems Inc., Chatham, VA, USA)) were assessed prior to the RT program, halfway at 5 weeks, and within one week after the final training bout. Repeated measures MANOVAs showed no significant time by RT group interactions for the different outcome measures. Regardless of RT group, significant improvements over time were observed for anthropometrics (F = 9.144, p < 0.001), strength (F = 6.918, p < 0.001), and functional ability (F = 25.578, p < 0.001). To conclude, similar gains in muscularity, strength, and functional ability can be expected for male novices in RT regardless of the equipment being used and without a fallback when changing from machines to free weights. Accordingly, any choice of RT equipment can be made, considering individual preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Aerenhouts & Eva D’Hondt, 2020. "Using Machines or Free Weights for Resistance Training in Novice Males? A Randomized Parallel Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7848-:d:435120
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/21/7848/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/21/7848/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tatiana Moro & Giuseppe Marcolin & Antonino Bianco & Francesco Bolzetta & Linda Berton & Giuseppe Sergi & Antonio Paoli, 2020. "Effects of 6 Weeks of Traditional Resistance Training or High Intensity Interval Resistance Training on Body Composition, Aerobic Power and Strength in Healthy Young Subjects: A Randomized Parallel Tr," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-15, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yu-Hua Chang & Yi-Chen Chou & Yun-Chi Chang & Kok-Hwa Tan & Mei-Hsuan Wu, 2022. "The Effects of High-Intensity Power Training versus Traditional Resistance Training on Exercise Performance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Jing Hu & Zhen Wang & Bingkai Lei & Junping Li & Ruiyuan Wang, 2021. "Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet Combined with High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-15, October.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7848-:d:435120. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.