The Benefits of Compound Exercises
Compound exercises work multiple muscle groups at the same time. For example, bench press is a compound movements that actives the chest, arms and shoulders.
Compound exercises differ from isolation training exercises. Those work a single muscle group at a time. A traditional bicep curl is an isolation exercise meant to strengthen the biceps, for example.
The biggest benefit of compound movements may be that they are an efficient use of your time. If you only have a limited amount of time to exercise, you’ll affect more muscles and build more strength by utilizing compound movements.
A good trainer will recommend starting your resistance training sessions with a compound lift and moving to isolation and accessory lifting as you go through the rest of your workout.
Other benefits include:
- burning more calories
- improving intramuscular coordination
- elevating heart rate
- improving flexibility
- improving strength
- gaining more muscle mass
