BY LUCIA YGLESIAS
When it comes to exercise and working out our bodies, options can go from heavy machinery to load-handling inexpensive barbells. Regardless if you are an elite athlete or a beginner in fitness, the benefits of barbells is that they allow small increases in weight based on the level of comfort and training goals.
Wayne Boucher, Fitness and wellness coordinator at Algonquin College says that “(with barbells) you are not limited to the range of motion of a machine, for example. It activates the body, psychically and mentally is very stimulating.”
Going online and finding YouTube tutorials on how to perform fitness exercises is becoming more popular, but strength and training coaches as Boucher and Rob Maggio from St. Clair College believe looking for certified trainers to correct bad postures and habits would potentially decrease the risk of injury.
Both professional trainers at St. Clair and Algonquin colleges agree that deciding how much weight you can lift is the first step. The longest repetition is equal to the lowest weight. If you feel capable of perform easily two more reps, the bar is the right one for you; however, if the exercise feels really challenge or easy when completing the rep, the bar is to heavy or to light, respectively.
Adjustability and limited space are great reasons to consider barbells for work out, but it isn’t a tool for everybody. While Boucher urges students to define their training goals, and choose the right tool depending on experience, coordination, comfort and preference; Maggio suggests barbells will help athletes to grow and strengthen muscles.