The Effects of Training with Free Weights or Machines on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Testosterone and Cortisol Levels

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Date
2008Author
Schwanbeck, Shane
Type
ThesisDegree Level
MastersMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)Department
College of KinesiologyProgram
College of KinesiologySupervisor
Chilibeck, PhilCommittee
Farthing, Jon; Arnold, Bart; Rodgers, CarolCopyright Date
2008Subject
strength training
hormones
hypertrophy