In general, the benefits gained from weight training are similar to those from other types of strength training.
There is increased muscle and ligament strength, flexibility, metabolic rate and postural support.
However, compared to other types of strength training, weight training has some additional benefits and limitations as well.
Weight training versus resistance training In resistance training, there is the application of stretch or hydraulic resistance to the muscle contraction instead of gravity.
Weight lifting offers a provision of the bulk of resistance, which is at the initiation joint angle of all the movement.
The muscle has to surmount the inertia caused by the mass of the weight.
The resistance changes depending on the angle of the joint.
In contrast, hydraulic resistance usually provides an amount of resistance that is fixed depending on the speed of movements.
Weight training versus isometric training In the case of isometric training, a constant amount of resistance, which is based on the amount of force output by the muscle, is provided.
This helps in strengthening the muscle at the particular joint angle where the exercise takes place.
At the proximal joint angles, less strength is gained.
In the case of lifting weights against gravity, the muscles are strengthened the whole time there is a range of motion.
The joint is able to force an increase in the physical strength from the starting point to the terminating joint angle.
Weight training and bodybuilding Weight training and bodybuilding may be similar, but the differences are brought along by the objectives.
For the body builders, weight training is a way of developing their muscles for shape, size, and symmetry in spite of there being any increase in strength.
For the weight trainers, this is a bit different since they train to develop their strength and anaerobic endurance.
The source of the weight training doctrines has been the bodybuilding community.
Lifting weights allows for a great flexibility in weights and exercises, which makes it possible for body builders to aim for particular muscles, muscle groups and goals too.
Strength Training utilizes both free weights and machine weights.
Free weights comprise of barbells and dumbbells.
These do not limit the users to particular movements and therefore more effort is required from the users' stabilizer muscles.
This arguably makes them more superior.
For starters, it is advisable to begin with the weight machines to avoid poor form.
A major disadvantage of using the free weight exercises is that the muscle works maximally against the gravity.
Some movements can also not be done using free weights alone.