The Mayo Clinic recommends strength training for good health. Not only does it burn calories, but it also helps strengthen the bones and joints, tones the body and can aid in managing chronic illness, like diabetes. It may seem complicated, but strength training doesn't have to be. A few common-sense strength-training tips can get you started in the right direction. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.
Keep Them Guessing
Mix your strength-training workouts up to keep your muscles guessing. This is one of the best ways to keep your strength training from reaching a plateau, the FitSugar website explains. If you usually do biceps curls and triceps extensions, switch to push-ups or a weight machine every now and again to keep your muscles from getting used to one exercise.
Variety Keeps You Interested
Finding a variety of workouts is good for more than keeping the muscles guessing. It can also keep you interested in your workout, making you more likely to stick to it. Boredom is just one of many reasons why people give up on their fitness. Experiment with different exercises to find things that interest you and to prevent burnout on one particular routine.
Use Different Weights
Some muscles are stronger than others. While a 3-pound dumbbell might be just the weight for your triceps extensions, you may need 5 or 6 pounds for your biceps. Your legs are stronger than your arms, so you are bound to need even more weight for leg workouts. Experiment with different weights to find the right resistance to give your muscles the workout they need to build strength and for optimum calorie-burn.
Use Controlled Movements
Slow down. Strength training is not about speed, like some cardio activity is. Rushing through your workout may cause you to use momentum instead of your muscles, defeating the purpose of your workout, FitSugar warns. Use controlled, slow movements and engage your muscles in your workout for maximum benefit.
Expand Your Options
Dumbbells and barbells are not the only things you can use for strength training. Experiment with different equipment options. Kettlebell training has become more popular in recent years. Plastic resistance bands can also provide an interesting variation on traditional strength training. The weight of your body can even serve as a useful strength-training tool.
Member Comments