Whether you have just begun your workout journey or you are simply looking to add more strength training to your routine, weightlifting is a great way to get results. For many people, the idea of weight training can be intimidating but with the guide we have put together below, we can help you conquer your goals in the gym! Start With The Right Weight If you are just starting out, or a more experienced weightlifter, it is always important to know how much weight to start with. If you are intimidated about the whole idea, start with only using your bodyweight. This is a great way to not only get a great strength training workout, but also to get comfortable with the movement patterns in strength training. Once you have conquered these moments and understand how to move your hips, butt and knees, it may be time to try dumbbells and more. Invest in Equipment With many gyms still closed during the Coronavirus Pandemic, a great idea to improve your strength training is to invest in some quality equipment. Dumbbells are a great place to start and may be considered to be the most user friendly. As you continue to get comfortable using weights, we suggest adding kettlebells and even barbells. Kettlebells are a great way to improve core strength and stability. Non-weight equipment is another great way to add more variety into your workout and these can include mini-bands, resistance bands, sliders and much more. These kinds of things are a great way to stimulate the muscles and to focus on stretching. Prep Your Muscles A proper warm-up is a vital part of an effective strength workout. Doing so dilates your blood vessels, ensuring that your muscles are well supplied with oxygen and raises your muscles' temperature for optimal flexibility and efficiency. Start by waking up your muscles with a foam roller. Foam rolling loosens tight muscles and increases your range of motion. Increasing your range of motion allows you to go deeper into those squats and fully extend those bicep curls, which means more muscle retention and better results. Make a Routine By making a routine, you will be able to better hold yourself accountable for working out which will ultimately lead to muscle growth and fat burning. One effective way to schedule weight training is to make every workout a “total-body workout”. This way you will be doing a little bit of everything, everytime you workout (lower body, core, upper body, and even cardio on some days). Once you become more comfortable with your schedule, you can leave some days to focus solely on areas you want to improve. It is also so important to listen to your body and take time to rest and rebuild your muscles. Weight lifting doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Remember to start small and work toward your goals at your own pace. Once you stick to your routine, you will be pleased with the results.
