Compound or Isolation

sarahi2009

I was just wondering what do you prefer and why? Thanks!

micheleb15

Compound - more muscles engaged = less time in the gym.

JoRocka

Compound.

Then Isolation.

I do both. But compound is like Wal-Mart- without the ethical/moral issues. more things done in less time- one stop shopping.

I use isolation work when I have the time to do round out my workout.

TR0berts

Yes.

Compound for the main work.

Isolation to round out and hit areas that might need a little extra work.

89nunu

Compound.

Then Isolation.

I do both. But compound is like Wal-Mart- without the ethical/moral issues. more things done in less time- one stop shopping.

I use isolation work when I have the time to do round out my workout.

Funny and true for me too

Unknown

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DoingitWell

Compound, I feel that it gives me a bit of aerobic exercise too .

sugarfree123

All our muscles are made for working together (that's why they are all attached to one another) That is how they work best and get stronger. If you work a muscle in isolation, you will get muscles that are imbalanced. These muscles can pull on joints unevenly and can cause joint pain. Focus on compound.

WVprankster

I try to use compound movements whenever possible to maximize the time in the gym. Generally I'll use isolated mobility work before and after my workouts to keep everything limber on top of being strong. Speaking completely for my ego, I give many more props to people I see making big compound lifts as opposed to isolation movements. For example: Leg press 400lbs? PFFFT. Back squat that same weight to adequate (adequate being parallel, idc about atg) depth? I'm 'mirin'.

BigWin20

Are you a novice to weight training? Compound, compound, compound. After you've developed some basal strength then you can start sprinkling in some isolation exercises. If you are new to lifting, doing curls and side laterals will do little if nothing for you. Not to mention you will burn more calories performing compound exercises and will up your BMR when you gain lean muscle mass, if you care about that kind of thing. You ain't gaining any significant LBM doing 5 lb concentration curls!

sarahi2009

Thanks all, yes, I guess you can say I am sort of a newbie I am following a program just curious mainly.

msunat97

Use isolation to really fatigue the muscle after hitting it with compound exercises. That will ensure you can hit the targeted muscle for adequate burn.

jwdieter

If you can only do one, do compound.

contingencyplan

Isolation lifts are merely accessories to compound. A program based entirely on isolation lifts serves virtually no real purpose except in the realm of physical therapy.

AllanMisner

Prefer is an interesting word. For overall results, I prefer compound movements. But I enjoy the feeling (pump and burn) I get doing isolation movements.

JoRocka

All our muscles are made for working together (that's why they are all attached to one another) That is how they work best and get stronger. If you work a muscle in isolation, you will get muscles that are imbalanced. These muscles can pull on joints unevenly and can cause joint pain. Focus on compound.

incorrect.

Isolation is for filling out and sculpting.

There is NOTHING wrong with isolation work when done in conjunction with compounds or a balanced split program.

Neither is right or wrong- nor best/worst.

navyrigger46

Compound.

Then Isolation.

I do both. But compound is like Wal-Mart- without the ethical/moral issues. more things done in less time- one stop shopping.

I use isolation work when I have the time to do round out my workout.

This. I place most emphasis on compounds, then I'll add in some isolation to finish the workout. If I could only do one though it would be compounds, and if I could only do one exercise it would be deadlifts.

Rigger

JoRocka

This. I place most emphasis on compounds, then I'll add in some isolation to finish the workout. If I could only do one though it would be compounds, and if I could only do one exercise it would be deadlifts.

Rigger

GUILTY!!!!
If I HAVE to pick... it's definitely
DEADS
deads
deads
then
Pull ups
Squats
Bench
OHP