The Effects of Training with Free Weights or Machines on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Testosterone and Cortisol Levels
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Free weights are generally preferred over machines by practitioners of strength training because they involve incorporation of greater muscle mass because of the greater stabilization that is required. Using free weights may therefore allow one to gain more muscle mass and strength with chronic training; however, this has not been thoroughly addressed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of training with free weights or machines on muscle mass, testosterone and cortisol concentrations, and strength. Fifteen males and twenty-one females aged 22 ± 3 y with previous weight training experience trained using only free weights or only machines for eight weeks. Hormone concentrations were assessed via saliva samples pre and post workout at the beginning, mid-way, and end of the study. Muscle thickness, lean tissue mass, and strength were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Elbow flexor thickness increased significantly by 3.9% and a 5.1% in the free weight group and machine group, respectively (p
Description
Keywords
strength training, hormones, hypertrophy
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
College of Kinesiology
Program
College of Kinesiology