There are two different types of muscle building exercises. One is compound exercises, and the other is isolation exercises. They both work your muscles very differently. Compound exercises are designed to work multiple muscles at the same time and isolation exercises target a specific muscle or muscle group.
If you are trying to build muscle, compound exercises are the fastest way to go. They will build overall muscle, while toning too. Compound exercises build more than just muscle though, they also work your tendons, joints, and ligaments. It puts strain on the weakest part of you body, helping to strengthen overall.
When are Isolation Exercises better?
Isolation exercises are perfect for targeting a specific muscle group that needs improvement. For example, if your left bicep is bigger than your right, you will want to do some isolation exercises that will strengthen your right bicep. Compound exercises on the other hand are the fastest way to build overall muscle mass, but you can’t focus on a specific muscle.
Isolation exercises will also allow you to put on short-term muscle mass in a short amount of time. Pro body builders will do isolation exercises before a competition and it will help them add an inch or so of muscle. It doesn’t last though, and it will quickly disappear if you don’t keep up with workouts.
If you want to build lasting muscle, start with compound exercises. You can then fine tune your muscles with isolation exercises if you find any imbalances. This sometimes happens with our dominant side.
Some Common Compound Exercises Include…
- One of the most popular exercises is the bench press. It works out so many muscles in your upper body, including arms and back.
- Squats are another popular exercises, and one of my favourites. You will work calves, thighs, butt, and more by doing squats.
- Deadlifts are another popular choice. Deadlifts will have you working your abs, legs, back, hips and your forearms.
There are so many other compound exercises to choose from. You can easily create an entire strength routine with moves that match your fitness goals. Choose moves that workout the areas you want to improve.
Compound exercises are the foundation of a great strength routine. Isolation exercise are also important for sculpting you perfect body and keeping you muscles balanced, but the bulk of your strength moves should be compound exercises.
