Compound Exercises vs. Isolation Exercises

October 8, 2010

Whether or not compound exercises or isolation exercises are better is a question that comes up often when trying to get in amazing shape. Depending on your goal, whether it be weight loss, muscle building, or just getting really fit – you’re going to want to know which kind of exercise is going to help you reach that goal in the fastest time possible. So which kind of exercise should you focus on? Well, let’s do a quick analysis…
First…What Compound Exercises Are
Compound exercises are exercises that target multiple muscles. With weights, the “big 3″ compound lifts for mass and functionality are deadlifts, squats, and bench presses since they all target multiple muscle groups. Any exercise that targets multiple muscle groups qualifies as a compound exercise.
What Isolation Exercises Are…
Any exercise that only targets one muscle group qualifies as an isolation exercise. Bicep curls and calf raises are good examples of this.
Compound […]

Original post by rafael@thefitnessadviser.com (Rafi Bar-Lev)

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