29th Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Upper-Body Strength Gain in Men Using Free Weights and Machine Weights
Katelyn R. Welker
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
Controversy exists concerning the potential of free weights (FW) and machine weights (MW) for developing upper-body strength development. The purpose of this study was to compare upper-body strength gain between FW and MW resistance training. College men self-selected to training using FW bench press (n = 85) or MW vertical press machine (n = 32). The two groups were not significantly different in initial body mass, fat-free mass (FFM), or method-specific 1RM strength. Each group performed similar training programs 3 days/week for 12 weeks before being retested. FW (18 ? 11%) group increased specific strength more than MW (10 ? 9%). FFM increased significant in both groups (~1%) with a significant correlation with strength gain only for FW (r =0.29) compared to MW (r = 0.16). The outcome suggests that similar training programs on different modes of resistance will result in greater strength gains in men from FW training.
Keywords: upper-body strength development, free weights, machine weights, resistance training
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-3
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30