Strength Training

By: Ralph Ruckman

Strength training is a lot more than just going to the gym and
lifting some weights. Strength training has a lot to do with
desire and set routines. When you are strength training with
weights you need to know that you are using your muscles to work
against the extra pounds that you added on. This will not only
strengthen the amount of muscle mass in your body, but it will
help increase it as well. It does this by making your muscles
work a lot harder than they are used to working. Using aerobic
exercise, such as running or using bikes, you can make your
muscles use oxygen more efficiently. By doing this process you
are strengthening your heart and lungs as well.

Most of the people that use weights and work out with them use
two different kinds of weights. The most popular types are free
weights and weight machines. Free weights include barbells and
dumbbells, while weight machines are specifically made by
companies. Weight machines are designed to help isolate and work
on certain muscles, whereas free weights are designed to work on
a group of muscles at the same time.

Here is a typical instance using squats: you can do a squat
using free weights by placing a barbell across your back and
shoulders. You then proceed with the exercise by using squatting
and back-up motions. Squatting works multiple muscles all at the
same time. Now if you were to go to a machine and do a leg
extension exercise, you would be exercising just your
quadriceps. Knowing what you want to work on and how to do is an
important part of strength training. You can work certain
muscles at once, or you can break up the exercises and focus on
just one muscle.

There is a huge difference when it comes to strength training
and weightlifting. Strength training uses resistance methods
like the free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands to
build your strength and muscle. Weightlifting or more
specifically power lifting concentrates on how much weight you
can lift at one time. This type of lifting is not recommended
for younger people. Younger people's bodies may still be
developing during their younger years, and this can lead to
injuries of their bones, joints, and muscles.

Knowing proper lifting techniques goes a long way when it comes
to strength training. If you are not using them properly then
you run the risk of a serious injury. You also could be wasting
your time if you are not working the specified area that you are
focusing on. Read up on the muscles you intend to work, and
study the exercises involved very thoroughly so that you can get
the most out of your strength training.

About the author:
Ralph Ruckman is the owner of a strength training weblog. Feel
free to visit the blog for more information at: Strength Training