There are two classification of resistance training exercises, multi-joint and single joint. The names are pretty self explanatory, but we will go over some benefits and advantages of them.
Multi-joint exercises:
* Require neural coordination among muscles and thus promote coordinated multi-joint and multi-muscle group movements
* Longer initial learning period than single- joint exercises
* May be more transferable in regards to real life activities, since few movements only use one joint or one muscle
Examples: power cleans, power snatches, dead lifts, squats, bench press, lat pull-down, military press
Single- joint exercises:
* An attempt at isolating a particular muscle group's movement
Examples: biceps curls, knee extensions, and knee curls
Other benefits of multi-joint exercises are that they are more time-efficient. The muscle tissue activated, hormonal response and metabolic demands far outweigh single-joint exercises and they should be the focal point of resistance training programs.