Barbell Weight Research Articles

Effect of sub-maximal and maximal barbell weight training on selected physical parameters and squat performance of power lifters

Effect of sub-maximal and maximal barbell weight training on selected physical parameters and squat performance of power lifters

Effects of load increase on lower extremity kinetic and kinematic variables in the back squat exercise.

Squats are one of the most widely used weight training methods worldwide, and the single most ubiquitous with regard to multi-joint resistance training. The objective of the present study was to investigate kinematic and kinetic changes in the lower extremities as a result of load increases during a back squat exercise, and to propose an association between back squats and lower extremity injuries. Eight individuals with experience of back squat training were recruited. The subjects performed back squats with loads of 25%, 50%, 100%, and 125% of their body weight. During the performance, the center of pressure (COP) sway; vertical center of mass (COM) velocity; joint moment; joint range of motion (ROM) of flexion/extension and adduction/abduction; and rotation of the ankle, knee, and hip joints were measured. The participants' lower extremity joint ROM, vertical COM velocity, and COP variability did not change significantly with changes in weight loading. However, the moments applied to the lower extremity joints differed according to changes in barbell weight. The moments of plantar flexion (f= 54.362, p< 0.001), dorsiflexion (f= 8.475, p< 0.001), knee flexion (f= 12.013, p< 0.001), knee extension (f= 8.581, p< 0.001), hip flexion (f= 5.111, p< 0.001), and hip extension (f= 11.053, p< 0.001) increased in the sagittal plane (flexion/extension). There was also a significant increase in ankle eversion (f= 5.612, p= 0.004), hip abduction (f= 3.242, p= 0.037), and adduction (f= 5.846, p= 0.003) in the frontal plane (adduction/abduction). Among the moment variables in the transverse plane (rotation), there were significant differences in ankle internal rotation (f= 7.043, p= 0.001) and hip external rotation (f= 11.070, p< 0.001). As the barbell load increased, posture and performance were maintained, but rotational moments of the joints differed. It is expected that the joint directions that showed significant differences in this study are likely to be vulnerable to the risk of injury when an excessive load is applied to the body. Examples include the hip adduction moment, hip external rotation moment, and ankle internal rotation moment, and apply regardless of the increase in the rotational moments of joints from load increases.

Elephant trunks use an adaptable prehensile grip

Elephants have long been observed to grip objects with their trunk, but little is known about how they adjust their strategy for different weights. In this study, we challenge a female African elephant at Zoo Atlanta to lift 20–60 kg barbell weights with only its trunk. We measure the trunk’s shape and wrinkle geometry from a frozen elephant trunk at the Smithsonian. We observe several strategies employed to accommodate heavier weights, including accelerating less, orienting the trunk vertically, and wrapping the barbell with a greater trunk length. Mathematical models show that increasing barbell weights are associated with constant trunk tensile force and an increasing barbell-wrapping surface area due to the trunk’s wrinkles. Our findings may inspire the design of more adaptable soft robotic grippers that can improve grip using surface morphology such as wrinkles.

Front Squat Increases Lumbar Lordosis Compared to Back Squat without Changing Lower Limb and Trunk Muscles Activity at the Same Absolute Barbell Weight

Front Squat Increases Lumbar Lordosis Compared to Back Squat without Changing Lower Limb and Trunk Muscles Activity at the Same Absolute Barbell Weight

THE CONDITIONS FOR TRANSITING TO THE STAGE OF PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT IN 14–15-YEAR OLD WRESTLERS

Aim. The purpose of the article is searching for conditions in the training process for forming a permanent part of motor coordination typical for a competitive technique during the growth spurt. Materials and methods. Body length and body weight were measured in 2 groups of young males on an annual basis. The first group consisted of non-athletes (n = 18), the second group comprised of young weightlifters (n = 18). The examination was conducted in the following age groups: from 10 to 13 years and from 14 to 16 years. Body composition was assessed through the Matejko method. Special fitness was measured by the barbell velocity during the lift established with the help of the photoelectron device based on a transmitter (optical quantum generator), a photodetector, and a recording device. Using the correlation between the factual and model values of minimum fixation speed the efficiency of motor coordination was assessed in the range of 60–100% of barbell weight. These correlations were also used for establishing a limiting character of technique and strength. Results. The analysis of body weight during the annual cycle showed the change in weight categories. This reflected athletes’ weight gain while preserving their qualification. An earlier increase in general growth in young weightlifters has been established, which confirms the advisability of early specialization. It was found that when performing a jerk, the minimum fixation speed of the barbell increases with increasing body length. The insufficiency of this indicator compared to qualified athletes is compensated by an increase in the importance of the muscle factor, which reduces the reliability of motor actions. A training technique is proposed aimed at a more effective implementation of motor skills and a decrease in the barbell speed based on pedagogical instruction and information on the barbell speed. This resulted in a statistically significant (t = 2.89; p &lt; 0.05) increase in the number of successful barbell lifts. Conclusion. When doing weightlifting, it is necessary to stimulate general growth and the growth of muscle mass with training loads being a leading factor in sports results. The training process combined with pedagogical instruction forms a stable motor skill and a reasonable transition to the stage of performance enhancement.

Impact of Accommodating Resistance in Potentiating Horizontal-Jump Performance in Professional Rugby League Players.

This study investigated the efficacy of deadlifts and box squats, with a combination of traditional and accommodating resistance, as a postactivation potentiating stimulus of standing broad jumps (SBJ) in a multiple-set contrast protocol. Twelve professional rugby league players (21.4 [2.5]y; 181.3 [8.3]cm, 91.9 [8.8]kg; 1-repetition-maximum [1RM] back squat/body mass 1.59 [0.21]; 1RM deadlift/body mass 2.11 [0.25]; ≥3-y resistance-training experience) performed baseline SBJ before a contrast postactivation potentiating protocol involving 2 repetitions of 85% 1RM box squat or deadlifts, loaded with a combination of traditional barbell weight (70% 1RM) and elastic-band resistance (∼15% 1RM), followed by 2 SBJs. Exercises were separated by 90 s, and 4 contrast pairs were performed in total. Using a repeated-measures design, all subjects performed the squat followed by the deadlift and finally the control (SBJ only) condition in the same order across consecutive weeks. Changes from baseline in SBJ distance were moderate for the box squat (effect size [ES] = 0.64-1.03) and deadlift (ES = 0.80-0.96) and trivial in the control condition (ES = 0.02-0.11). The magnitude of differences in postactivation potentiating effect were considered moderate (d = 0.61) for set 1, trivial for set 2 (d = 0.10) and set 3 (d = 0.05) in favor of box squats, and moderate for set 4 (d = 0.58) in favor of deadlifts. Accommodating resistance in either box squats or deadlifts is an effective means of potentiating SBJ performance across multiple sets of a contrast protocol with only 90-s rest.

Comparison of the Effect of Flexible Barbell Weight Position on Max Ground Reaction Force

Previous research reported that force production of a flexible barbell (FB) to that of a steel Olympic barbell (SB) resulted in the FB generating greater maximum ground reaction forces (GRFmax) for experiments with a lifting machine and human subjects lifting at 1.73 ft/s at an inner position. No studies have shown that the same trend is true for other lifting speeds (LS) at various inner and outer positions of the FB. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare maximum ground reaction force production (GRFmax) of the FB at various physiologically relevant LSs at an inner-most and outer-most position for the loaded weight plates. METHODS: Using a bar-lifting machine, FB were lifted at various speeds of 2.04 ft/s, 2.21 ft/s, and 2.38 ft/sec. The weight of each bar was set to 63lbs and placed at an inner-most (in) and outer-most (out) position on the FB. The GRFmax of FB in and out positions were compared with independent-samples t-tests. RESULTS: The FB had significantly higher GRFmax for all speeds for the out position (see table below). CONCLUSIONS: These results may provide a physiological mechanism to recruit more type IIx muscle fibers compared to the SB under these conditions. Future studies need to be conducted to validate these results with human subjects for different types of lifts.Table: No title available.

Effect of Barbell Weight on the Structure of the Flat Bench Press.

Król, H and Gołaś, A. Effect of barbell weight on the structure of the flat bench press. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1321–1337, 2017—In this study, we have used the multimodular measuring system SMART. The system consisted of 6 infrared cameras and a wireless module to measure muscle bioelectric activity. In addition, the path of the barbell was measured with a special device called the pantograph. Our study concerns the change in the structure of the flat bench press when the weight of the barbell is increased. The research on the bench press technique included both the causes of the motion: the internal structure of the movement and the external kinematic structure showing the effects of the motion, i.e., all the characteristics of the movement. Twenty healthy, male recreational weight trainers with at least 1 year of lifting experience (the mean ± SD = 3.3 ± 1.6 years) were recruited for this study. The subjects had a mean body mass of 80.2 ± 8.6 kg, an average height of 1.77 ± 0.08 m, and their average age was 24.7 ± 0.9 years. In the measuring session, the participants performed consecutive sets of a single repetition of bench pressing with an increasing load (about 70, 80, 90, and 100% of their 1 repetition maximum [1RM]). The results showed a significant change in the phase structure of the bench press, as the barbell weight was increased. While doing the bench press at a 100% 1RM load, the pectoralis major changes from being the prime mover to being the supportive prime mover. At the same time, the role of the prime mover is taken on by the deltoideus anterior. The triceps brachii, in particular, clearly shows a greater involvement.

Impact of heavy weight drops at Crossfit® training facilities on adjacent doctor’s examination rooms and on conference rooms

Significant sound and vibration are generated when members of Crossfit® training facilities drop heavy barbell weights to the floor from waist or shoulder height. Weights between 40 kg (90 lbs) and 100 kg (225 lbs) are repeatedly lifted from the floor to should height, then dropped to the floor and then picked up again. Crossfit® combines a variety of exercises using weights, pull up bars, and tires for dragging to increase the strength of participants. The sound and vibration generated by dropping of the weights is the only activity that has generated strong reaction from adjacent spaces. The Crossfit® facilities are found in many spaces, but often in warehouse/office or strip offices, i.e., locations with many types of tenants. Examples are Crossfit® facilities next to optometrists, conference rooms, and massage parlors. The sound and vibration generated by the weight drops and resulting sound and vibration in the receiver space are presented for several conditions of the equipment and the floor. Severa...

The Relationship Between Biomechanical Indicators of the Snatch Technique and Female Weightlifters' Levels

Abstract Introduction . The snatch technique is a discipline in Olympic weightlifting. The lifter has to raise the barbell from the platform directly above their head in one movement. While reviewing the literature on biomechanical analysis of the techniques of weightlifting, one can find positions on the analysis of parameters, such as barbell track, horizontal displacement, and angular positions of the joints in the individual phases of the lifter's movement. Many texts concern female and male lifters taking part in World or European Championships. The parameters of the best competitors are outlined - mostly those who finish in the top five places in competition. Mostly these are parameters regarding male lifters, and less frequently those of female lifters. In the literature review, an overlooked aspect is that of the definition of the diversity of indicators as regards the snatch technique practiced by female lifters depending on score. Material and methods . In the research, registered snatch attempts during the World Championship were used. Videos were used by judges to establish a maximum weight limit for female lifters. The attempts were registered by two cameras and were later digitally processed by the APAS 2000 system. Barbell parameters, maximum speed, average of the bar, and the parameters of the lifter-bar collocation (horizontal displacement of barbell weights and height elevation) were assessed. Results . The analysed attempts show the margin of error for measurement of the average speed of the barbell as 0.03 m/s. The difference in maximum speed of analysed attempts is 15%. The height of clearance of the first-placed female lifter's barbell was 12.7 cm, 30 cm for the last-placed. Conclusions . The sporting level of weightlifting by female lifters influences the analysed biomechanical indicators of the snatch. Those indicators, which are similar in the case of both the World Championship winner and the female lifter who came last, may be described as the average speeds of the barbell. The high sporting level of female lifters performing heavy lifting is characterized by the clearance of the barbell.

Three-Dimensional Kinematic Analysis of the Snatch Technique for Lifting Different Barbell Weights

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of increased barbell loads on barbell and body kinematics of the snatch lifts at 60, 80, and 100% of 1 repetition maximum and to evaluate the biomechanics of snatch technique. The study was performed on 7 elite male weightlifters of the Turkish national team. Four cameras operating at 50 fields per second were used to record the lifts. For 3D kinematic analysis of center of gravity (CG) and barbell movement, the points on the body and the barbell were digitized by using an Ariel Performance Analysis System. There were significant differences between the vertical work values (p < 0.05). The power values of the 3 snatch lifts were also found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Another significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between maximum vertical displacement of the barbell, maximum vertical velocity of the barbell, maximum vertical displacement of CG, the vertical velocity of CG during the turnover under the barbell. The results demonstrated that vertical and horizontal kinematics of the barbell and body decreased at the pull phase of the snatch technique as the barbell load increased. The power output during the second pull increased although the work done did not change, whereas work and power output increased during the first pull phase depending on the increase in the barbell weight. The finding of this study suggested that weightlifters had to perform the turnover under the barbell and the catch phase faster, because when the barbell weight was increased at snatch lift, vertical kinematics of the barbell decreased.

국민 건강체조 등펴기 동작 시 몸통 근육의 근활성도 비교 분석

국민 건강체조 등펴기 동작 시 몸통 근육의 근활성도 비교 분석

Mechanical Properties of Weightlifting Bars

Weightlifting training and competition involves lifting a revolving shaft bar loaded with weights. The design of a bar and the location of the weights result in bar deformation during lifting tasks. Because there are many manufacturers of weightlifting bars, the actual deformation of a bar may vary, depending on the steel alloys used. A modified 4-point static bending test was used to assess deformation of 8 weightlifting bars and 1 general purpose weight training bar. The apparent stiffness of the bars was determined by plotting bending moment vs. bar deformation (the vertical height difference between the center vs. ends of the bar). All bars tested had an absence of hysteresis during cyclic loading and unloading in 50-kg increments (up to 220-kg total barbell weight), demonstrating pure elastic properties. At maximum loading, bar deformation was 4-5 cm. A large range existed for apparent stiffness. Based on apparent stiffness calculations, recommendations are made for which bars are suitable for weightlifting training and competition. The deformable nature of weightlifting and weight training bars should be considered before their use in exercise, sport, or research.

Stability Reliability, Precision, And Association Of Measures Of Average Rate Of Dynamic Force Development

Average rate of dynamic force development (ARDFD) may be calculated from direct and indirect measures of force obtained using force platforms (FP) and accelerometers (A), respectively. However, its utility during jump squats has not been established. PURPOSE: To determine the stability reliability and precision of ARDFD during jump squats calculated from FP and A data, and to ascertain the association between them. METHODS: Fifty-two subjects (27 women and 25 men) with squat training experience were recruited from a university population. All performed a back squat to 90° of knee flexion with an external load > body weight. Subjects used maximum acceleration in performing duplicate countermovement jump squats (CMJ) and static jump squats (SJ) at 20, 30, and 40% of their back squat 1RM on two separate days in a counterbalanced sequence. ARDFD was operationally defined as (Δ force from initiation of concentric phase to peak / Δ time). Data were obtained using a single uniaxial FP beneath the lifter's feet and a pair of A's affixed to opposite ends of the barbell. A-derived force was determined via inverse dynamics with mass considered the sum of body and barbell weights. Force data from FP and A systems were synchronized for ARDFD calculations. Stability reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation, precision by coefficient of variation, and association via Pearson correlation. RESULTS: With one exception (SJ @ 40% 1RM for one A), stability reliability for the different measurement systems met the minimum standard for all jump squat conditions (r > 0.71, n ≈ 44). However, with only one exception for the A's (SJ @ 30% 1RM, CV = 13.6%) and two for the FP (SJ @ 20 and 30% 1RM, CV = 12.2 and 14.5%, respectively), the minimum standard for precision was not attained (CV > 15.1%, n ≈ 44). Since precision was generally poor, two sessions were averaged for each of the dynamometers prior to assessing association. Correlations were high overall (r > 0.81, n ≈ 40). CONCLUSIONS: The different measurement systems generally produced reliable but imprecise ARDFD data. When two-day output was averaged, the association between the various measurement systems was high at all three loads for both types of jump squat. As operationally defined, ARDFD lacks sufficient precision to be a useful tool for monitoring small changes in performance.

Comparative Force Outputs From Non-Centered Accelerometers During Loaded Barbell Jump Squats

The direct acquisition of ground reaction force data during isoinertial resistance tasks typically requires a force platform. As this is not always practical, alternative devices have been used to estimate dynamic force by directly measuring other variables and then using inverse dynamics to calculate it. For example, linear position and linear velocity transducers have been tethered to bars and used for this purpose. Recently, a dynamometer incorporating an accelerometer and no tether became available for this application. However, since barbell equipment inherently allows for asymmetrical movement through multiple planes, it follows that force output may differ depending upon bar orientation, especially deviations from horizontal. Furthermore, differences related to dynamometer placement and/or variations in the lifting movement pattern could be problematic if training-induced changes are to be monitored. To determine if peak force differed during barbell jump squats using non-centered accelerometer placements. 52 subjects (27 women & 25 men) with squat training experience were recruited from a university population. Subjects performed duplicate loadspectrum countermovement jump squats (CMJ) and static jump squats (SJ) (20%, 30% & 40% of their back squat 1RM) on two separate days in a counterbalanced sequence. A triaxial accelerometer device was directly affixed to each end of the barbell midway between the lateral-most aspect of the shoulder and the thumb side of each hand. Acceleration data were downsampled from 1.5 KHz to 500Hz by averaging every 3 data points. These data were then low-pass filtered (4th order Butterworth) with a cutoff frequency of 10Hz via proprietary software. Force was determined via inverse dynamics with mass considered the sum of body and barbell weights. Peak force data from the two dynamometers were always obtained from the same trial. Paired t-tests were used for data analysis. Dynamometers provided similar peak force values for both CMJ and SJ at 20% and 40% 1RM loads (p > .05) and different values at the 30% 1RM load (p < .01). Mean differences (20, 30, & 40%, respectively) for the CMJ were 9.8N, 15.1N, 8.1N and for the SJ were -1.5N, 15.4N, 5.9N (Table 1). For relatively light countermovement and static jump squats, dynamometer placement on both ends of barbell may result in differential peak force output. It appears that accelerometer placement during jump squats should either be as close as possible to the center of the bar or a squat machine with a horizontally-fixed bar should be used. Although not tested herein, it is likely that linear position and linear velocity transducers would have the identical constraints. As contiguous accelerometer placement was not tried herein, it is unclear what, if any, contribution the dynamometers made to measurement error.

Effect of Kinetically Altering a Repetition via the Use of Chain Resistance on Velocity During the Bench Press

It is theorized that the force and velocity profile of a repetition performed during a standard barbell exercise may be altered by substituting suspended chains for some portion of the total resistance. The purpose of this study was to document the alterations in lifting velocity that occur when the bench press exercise is performed as standard (BP) or with the substitution of resistance via chains draped over the barbell (BP+CH). Thirteen professional rugby league players participated in this study as part of their usual training program. Each subject performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions under the following conditions: The BP+CH condition, where the barbell resistance of 60% 1RM (repetition maximum) was supplemented by 17.5-kg in chains draped over the barbell (total resistance was about 75% 1RM), and the BP condition, where the total resistance was the same but was constituted in the form of standard barbell weights. The BP+CH condition resulted in increases in mean and peak concentric lifting velocities of around 10% in both sets as compared to both BP sets. Eccentric peak velocities were more varied in response, but generally the addition of chain resistance could be said to allow for increased velocities. The result may be partially explained by the eccentric unloading that occurs as the chain links furl upon the floor in the latter stages of the eccentric range. This eccentric unloading precipitates a more rapid stretch-shorten cycle (SSC) transition and possibly a within-repetition postactivation potentiation (PAP) that allows the subject to utilize faster lifting velocities in the initial concentric portion, which flow through to the remainder of the concentric phase. Therefore the use of chains appears warranted when athletes need to lift heavy resistances explosively.

플랫 벤치프레스 운동과 인클라인 벤치프레스 운동 간의 최대근력 관계

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of one repetition maximum between flat bench press exercise and incline bench press exercise, and so 40 male students of U-university were sampled purposedly, who were skilled in flat bench press and incline bench press exercises. After measuring lRM of each exercise by free barbell weight, the correlation analysis and the simple regression analysis were examined by using SPSS 120 at a significance level .05. The conclusions were as follows; Firstly, it was identified that 1RM of flat bench press exercise and incline bench press exercise were , respectively, and the coefficient of correlation between two variables was 0.969, so the relationship was positive correlation. Secondly, it was identified that the regression equation predicted 1RM of incline bench press exercise was significant actually and statistically, so it was expressed that the equation was -6.648 + 0.827 (1RM of flat bench press exercise).

역도 인상동작 수행시 바벨 증가에 따른 EMG 경향성에 대한 연구

This research was to know EMG tendency on increasing record in snatch weightlifting. In order to perform this research, we choiced 3 man national weightlifters, EMG analysis were executed on 8 major muscle(Latissimus Dorsi, Trapezius, Anterior Deltoid, Posterior Deltoid, Gastrocenemius, Vastus Medialis, Erector spinae, Abdominal). First trial record of athletics is 80% of each maximal record and increase the gradually. In this study, EMG signal scale of all muscle except posterior Deltoid muscle don`t increased according to increasing the barbell weight, This showed a difference between general recognition and experiment result. In posterior Deltoid muscle, EMG signal scale increased according to increasing the barbell weight. It was assumed that EMG signal of protagonist shows possibility of linear increasing if motion have a consistency. It was assumed that In present, In order to increase one`s record to , Motion consistency training is more effective training method than increasing the muscle force.

역도 인상동작 성공 시 최대 바벨무게 예측

The purpose of this study was to predict the failure or success of the Snatch-lifting trial as a consequence of the stand-up phase simulated in Kane's equation of motion that was effective for the dynamic analysis of multi-segment. This experiment was a case study in which one male athlete (age: 23yrs, height: 154.4cm, weight: 64.5kg) from K University was selected The system of a simulation included a multi-segment system that had one degree of freedom and one generalized coordinate for the shank segment angle. The reference frame was fixed by the Nonlinear Trans formation (NLT) method in order to set up a fixed Cartesian coordinate system in space. A weightlifter lifted a 90kg-barbell that was 75% of subject's maximum lifting capability (120kg). For this study, six cameras (Qualisys Proreflex MCU240s) and two force-plates (Kistler 9286AAs) were used for collecting data. The motion tracks of 11 land markers were attached on the major joints of the body and barbell. The sampling rates of cameras and force-plates were set up 100Hz and 1000Hz, respectively. Data were processed via the Qualisys Track manager (QTM) software. Landmark positions and force-plate amplitudes were simultaneously integrated by Qualisys system The coordinate data were filtered using a fourth-order Butterworth low pass filtering with an estimated optimum cut-off frequency of 9Hz calculated with Andrew & Yu's formula. The input data of the model were derived from experimental data processed in Matlab6.5 and the solution of a model made in Kane's method was solved in Matematica5.0. The conclusions were as follows; 1. The torque motor of the shank with 246Nm from this experiment could lift a maximum barbell weight (158.98kg) which was about 246 times as much as subject's body weight (64.5kg). 2. The torque motor with 166.5 Nm, simulated by angular displacement of the shank matched to the experimental result, could lift a maximum barbell weight (90kg) which was about 1.4 times as much as subject's body weight (64.5kg). 3. Comparing subject's maximum barbell weight (120kg) with a modeling maximum barbell weight (155.51kg) and with an experimental maximum barbell weight (90kg), the differences between these were about +35.7kg and -30kg. These results strongly suggest that if the maximum barbell weight is decided, coaches will be able to provide further knowledge and information to weightlifters for the performance improvement and then prevent injuries from training of weightlifters. It hopes to apply Kane's method to other sports skill as well as weightlifting to simulate its motion in the future study.

Varying the effective mass of geophones

Traditionally, acquiring seismic data has rested on the assumption that geophone mass should be as small as possible. When Steeples and coworkers in 1999 planted 72 geophones automatically and simultaneously with a farm tillage implement, the effective mass of each of the geophones was significantly increased. We examined how the mass of a geophone affects changes in traveltime, amplitude, frequency, and overall data quality by placing various external masses on top of 100‐Hz vertical geophones. Circular barbell weights of 1.1‐, 11.3‐, and 22.7 kg; an 8.2‐kg bag of lead shot; and a 136‐kg stack of barbell weights were placed on top of geophones during data acquisition. In addition, a very large mass in the form of a truck was parked on top of two of the geophones. Four seismic sources supplying a broad range of energies were tested: a sledgehammer, a .22‐caliber rifle, a 30.06 rifle, and an 8‐gauge Betsy Seisgun. Spectral analysis revealed that the smaller weights had the greatest effects on the capacities of the geophones to replicate the earth’s motion. Consequently, using geophones with a large effective mass as part of an automatic geophone‐planting device would not necessarily be detrimental to the collection of high‐quality near‐surface seismic data.