About StrengthTraining

Want a firm, tight and well toned body? Want to be fit? Then, strength training is the answer. Strength training or weight training is resistance exercise to build muscle mass , improve strength and endurance by weight lifting. Do not mistake weight training with weight lifting. Weight training involves lifting weights to increase muscle size and strength whereas weight lifting concentrates on how much weight a person can lift at one time

Strength training is a short cut to figure firming and body shaping. Though, cardiovascular exercises on machines such as treadmills and exercise bikes help you to lose more weight, it shrinks the muscle simultaneously. Therefore, you will have to do strength training to strengthen your muscles and prevent muscle loss. The benefit of this resistance training is that the body continues to burn fat even after you are done with your workout and while you rest or sleep as well. Apart from toning muscles, strength training increases energy level, makes your bones stronger, revs your metabolism, and lowers cholesterol.

You should categorically consult a physician prior to training. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic hypertension, muscular or joint problem, diabetes, asthma or obesity it would be a good idea to seek medical advice . People with back problem should not train with weights.

Before hitting the gym ,do some warm-up exercises like sit-ups and push ups. Stretch all the major muscle groups, and include 5 minutes of light aerobic activity like walking and cycling. Train weights only for about three times a week. Do not train on back-to-back days. Remember to start gradually and then increase workouts to prevent injury. As muscle strength increases, the weights used must also be regularly increased.

The muscles to be worked on include: chest, shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and abdominals. The best exercises are the basic ones like bench press, squats, dead lifts, lunges, roving movements , dips and barbell curls. The exercises have to be done in a series of repetitions. Your weight training should be supervised and controlled by a qualified coach .Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Never eat, drink or smoke in the exercise area. Above all, do not continue lifting if you feel pain. Discontinue the painful exercise for some days or try it with a lesser weight.

Are there any strength training etiquette? Well, it will be thoughtful to rack the weights after the training and not to monopolize the mirror.

Many women are cautious about doing strength training as they fear that the increased muscle will make them look masculine. It is not so! Women have very low levels of Testosterone and hence, a little resistance training will not make them look masculine. Therefore, for a balanced exercise routine, you need to do strength training along with aerobic exercises for an overall strong, firm and well toned body!