FREE WEIGHTS VS. STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMENT

The truth is, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Free weights advantages:
- incorporate the stabilizing muscles
- tend to more closely match the movement patterns you're likely to need
- are more versatile.
Free weights disadvantages:
- you must learn to balance the weight ... this can be potentially dangerous
- to target the muscle you want, you must use very precise technique
- free weights can be swung for momentum rather than lifted slowly and steadily, which works the muscles better
- training alone can lead to injury
Machine advantages:
- generally safer and easier to use, an advantage for beginners
- some machines are more efficient than free weights at isolating
- machines ensure correct movements for a lift which helps prevent cheating when muscle fatigue sets in
Machine disadvantages:
- Most machines involve moving a weight along a predetermined path, making it difficult to strengthen the stabilizer muscles
- Most machines are geared to the average- sized person

Experienced exercisers may want to use free weights because of the additional training benefits they offer. That said, the combination of both free weights and machines can add variety to your workout. Using machines may also be easier and less discouraging if you’re a novice, because free weights require some coordination to use. To read the full story from the American Council on Exercise, click here.

RESOLVING TO LOSE WEIGHT? HERE'S HOW.

by Liz Neporent, M.A., for iVillage
Your New Year's resolution will be a bust if ... - You base your goal on a fleeting thought.- Your goals are vague or general.- You have no plans to make it happen.
Your New Year's resolution will be a success if ... - You have a strong initial commitment.- You have a way to cope when the going gets rough. - You keep track of your progress
To read the full story and details, click here for MSN health and fitness.

Is your Group or Company Interested in hosting a FREE Fitness Seminar?

Tips on assessment, fitness myths and how to begin a program at any level...NYSC Pro Trainer Ashley Miller and I recently presented a 45 minute seminar at NYSC Wall Street with insights from NYSC and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Please contact me to host our powerpoint presentation at your location, and help your co-workers, employees or members meet their fitness goals.

TRY KINESIS AT NYSC WALL STREET - BY APPOINTMENT

Join me for a demonstration of this state of the art functional training system, RSVP 917.603.3813. As beautiful as it is functional, KINESIS moves freely from any position as in everyday life, allowing us to train for balance, stabilization, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. On Kinesis, you can train to maintain good posture through a full range of motion, and to generate power while moving --- improving your performance on the slopes, tennis court as well as in everyday life. Kinesis systems are available at only 12 locations in North America and can only be used under the supervision of a trained professional. I am pleased to be among the initial group of NYSC trainers to have completed the Functional Training Progression course necessary to use Kinesis. Contact me if you are interested in experiencing KINESIS.