Hi

Over the past few emails we've gone into some detail about compound and isolation exercises and hopefully, as you can see, it's not a case of one's necessarily "better" than the other, they both have a legitimate place in your workout routine.

Where compound exercises are the predominant part of your routine, this'll ensure you get a complete, efficient and functional workout; however, there are times when you need to focus on a specific muscle, muscle group or joint is necessary and recommended. If need be, a personal trainer or athletic trainer can help to locate any muscle imbalance or weakness you may have an design a program to fit your needs.

One silly myth often but out about these exercises, that I thought I'd debunk as I wrap up, is that "isolation exercises are for getting toned, lean and defined" and "compound are for building lots of muscle and bulk". In essence, both compound and isolation exercises are complete equals in terms of being for "tone" or "bulk" or whatever words are related to this myth.  Ignore it.

If your primary goal is performance related (increasing strength, improving performance, etc) then compound exercises should comprise the majority of your workout routine. Isolation exercises should be limited.

If your main goal is looks related (building muscle, losing fat, getting "toned", etc) then compound exercises should comprise the majority of your workout and isolation exercises a good minority.

If you're just starting out, strike a balance, but put the majority of your focus on a compound routine, with minimal isolation and as you build up, adjust that balance.

Paul