fitness guide

How To Exercise: Choosing the right type of exercise for you

2008-01-25T22:22:00.001-08:00

So you have to start an exercise program. What are you going to do? How are you going to exercise?
Well the type of exercise you do largely depends on you. What do you like doing? What do you hate doing? Do you have to pay membership fees? Do you need a training partner? Do you need to buy equipment?
These are all questions you need to answer.
If you choose something that you don’t like doing, you’re not going to keep doing it for long. Think about it, if you don’t like jogging you’re hardly going to keep dragging yourself out of bed at 6am, especially when winter comes around! If you can’t find something you like, just choose the thing you hate the least. This is usually walking.
Walking is great because it suits all fitness levels. Anyone can start a walking program at any time, it’s just the intensity and duration that differs. Walking is also very social. It’s not hard to find a training partner to chat to while you exercise. This also makes the time go faster.
Whatever exercise you do, starting at a low intensity and building it up over a number of weeks is essential to the longevity of your exercise program. If you start too hard you could get an over-use injury such as shin-splints, and then you’ll have to take time off to get over it.
If you are really unfit, start by walking for 10 minutes each day. Increase it by 5 minutes every 2 weeks.
To make it more interesting try walking a different course every few days. You can also roster a different friend to walk with you each day of the week.
If walking is not for you then you may like to try a fitness centre. They have loads of variety and usually have trainers on hand to answer any queries you might have. When choosing a fitness centre, make sure they give good service. If they’re not willing to treat you well before you join, then they certainly aren’t afterwards! Also make sure that their equipment is well serviced. It’s easy to find out, just listen when the machines are being used. If they squeak a lot, or make a grinding noise, then there’s a fair chance that they’re not looked after.
If you’re still not sure what you should do, then why not consider tennis or golf? There are social competitions in most areas and you may find a few new friends. Tennis is great for fitness and it’s a great social activity but it’s not for someone who is just starting out. If you haven’t exercised in a long time then you’re better off finding something a little easier.
Whatever you decide on, it must be something that you enjoy. Find that type of exercise and you’ll be well on the way to the new you!

The Perfect 35 Minute Workout!

2008-01-25T22:20:00.000-08:00

Most of the physical fitness trainers, and coaches agree that doing some sort of resistance training, and cardio training, sets up a good foundation for all around fitness. What most people like to do is alternate days. M-W-F do resistance training and on Tues-Thurs-Sat do aerobic training or some other variation. Now this is not a bad thing but it can be very time consuming and for people who have real busy lives it might be hard to make this kind of commitment.
I say why not do both in one training session? Now I am not saying to do both in the same day. I am talking about doing a workout for about 30-40 minutes that gives you resistance and cardio for that time frame. Instead of making them separate, combine them into a more efficient workout.
In other words you perform a resistance exercise, it could be your own bodyweight, weights, cables, tubing, it doesn't matter. Immediately after this is completed you perform a cardio movement. It could be running in place, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, anything that is aerobic for about (30) seconds, and then continue on to the next movement. Doing say 6-8 resistance exercises and in between (30 seconds of aerobics) for let's say 3 sets. Now these 3 sets are without resting you are continually moving for roughly 35 minutes.
Let me give you an example: Let's use weights. 1} 10 reps of lunges, then run in place. 2} 10 reps of squats, then run in place. 3} 10 reps of bicep curls, now run in place. 4} 10 reps of dips or pushups, now run in place. You can choose any exercise you want just hit all major bodyparts. Like I said choose 6-8 resistance exercises and 30 seconds of aerobics and do at least 3 sets alternating. This is fat burning exercise.
Believe me when I tell you this is not for the faint of heart. You will be breathing heavily quickly. The beauty is it saves time and cuts workout time in half. When I first tried this I did make it thru the 3 sets but it wasn't easy. If you have to stop do so. Catch a breath and then complete it. You will gradually improve as you keep doing this exercise protocol.
Now for the people who don't have weights at home or do not want to do this at their local workout establishment, or are just looking for a change of pace, I have found the perfect alternative. A complete system for under $50. For men and women. You get a 3 cable color system for tension, a video to follow along, a manual, and travel bag. It's very portable. And the workout you get in 35 minutes is fabulous. The name of this product is {BODYLASTICS}. You should really check this out.
When I am pressed for time and want a killer workout this is what I use. So I get both resistance and cardio in (1) 35 minute workout. I highly recommend this product for people who want a gym in a bag. Excellent for people who travel. Give it a try and please let me know what you think.

Easy Steps To Avoiding Gym Rage

2008-01-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about this recently? Many of us go through this at our local gym or fitness centre on a regular basis and are become increasingly frustrated. It usually starts as a group of trainees chat away their experiences of the day on a bench or at a piece of equipment for fifteen minutes while you are waiting to use it.
Or someone is standing directly in front of the barbell rack doing tiny lateral raises when you want to get at the really big weights. Or casuals using equipment favoured by the regulars and often looked at like pieces of personal furniture for their own use.
All this builds up stress especially between the months of January and April when the newcomers hit the gyms and fitness centres in an attempt to lose the weight gained over the Christmas and New Year period.
In trying to realise their New Years resolutions they overcrowd the aerobics area and take over the weight room leaving weights lying around and causing queues for equipment. Regulars of the gym experience these problems and tempers start to flare in a phenomenon becoming known as
"Gym Rage"
During this testing time, all gym-goers, both new and experienced and the employees of the fitness clubs know that the newcomers usually only last until April and after that their good intentions run out. To help you through this stressful time have a look at and follow some of the hints below:
· Stand at the back of the aerobics class when you first start, as you will usually find the hard-core regulars will be down the front.
· Their are no rules that govern how many members a gym can sign up, causing some fitness centres to become overcrowded with everybody wanting to use them in the morning and afternoon on their way to and from work.
So try to plan your visit to the gym a little earlier than usual or later in the day or evening. There is only one effective way to beat the January to April rush and that is to workout out late at night after 7.00pm
· Talking on your cell phone whilst you are working out, this will tie up a machine or piece of equipment for a long time causing problems. It’s recommended that you turn off your cell phone whilst at the gym.
· Don't hog the machines; try not to go over the time limits set on the particular machine you are using. If there is a time limit please stick to it. The thing that annoys most people is the way people sit on a machine knocking out set after set.
By performing one set to muscular failure and moving on will free up the machines for use by the next person.
· Wipe the machines down after use, try not to leave your sweat on the piece of equipment you have just used, use a towel to separate yourself from the machine while you make use of it and wipe it down thoroughly after use.
· Don't drop the weights onto the ground and don’t clang them loudly as this is very off-putting to the other members. Make sure you return the weights to there correct place on the racks when you're finished with them even though you might have found them lying on the floor.
· One thing you don't want to do is constantly ask people if they've finished using a machine when they're obviously still exercising on it. If anything the trainee will try to sit on it longer just to annoy you. Be patient; don't interrupt them while they are lifting, wait until they finish their set first.
· A gym isn't a social club don’t stand around in large groups chatting especially if you have a machine in use, do your talking in the locker room or at reception.
· Don’t leave your towel or other personal items lying around on a bench or piece of equipment if you are not using it. Leave your training space as clean as the way you found it. If the equipment is unattended for more than five minutes go ahead and use it, but be prepared to share also, let people work in with you if the difference in weight is not too large.
Leave enough space around you so that other people can approach the weight rack and get the equipment they need.
· Don’t scream when you are going for that personal best lift, remember that the others around you are concentrating on their own work out to and don't need to hear you screaming out for attention. Exhaling loudly as you contract the muscles during your set is fine.
· Don’t hog the water fountain, only take a few mouthfuls of water and then move away, don’t fill up your huge water bottle with cold water and leave warm drinking water for the rest of the members.
· Follow the gyms code of conduct usually seen on the walls of the gym or fitness centre, if trainees are not following the code report it to management don’t take it into your own hands.
Do yourself a favour and put these simple steps to use the next time you are in the gym and you will be in for a much more pleasant experience.

Exercise Equipments That Suit Your Fitness Goals

2008-01-25T22:17:00.000-08:00

Health-buffs that have been using exercise equipments are surely no neophytes on this matter. But newbies on exercise equipment won't have a hard time on knowing which to use. It's just a matter of getting armed with the right info and sufficient determination to be at your fittest.
Choosing the best fitness exercise equipment to meet your needs could be a bit tricky and complicated. Equipments could cost you thousands of dollars. What's worse is that they might just end up collecting dust in your basement. Surely you don't want this to happen so here's a few tips:
Decide on What To Work On. Are you a wheezing kiddo? Plainly stick thin? Could you qualify as an overqualified sumo wrestler? Blue baby? Just decide what you need to improve on. Consulting a physician might help. Or maybe simply looking at the mirror will do the job.
Canvass Through Friends. You might have a health enthusiast friend like you who have been using exercise equipments for quite some time now. It'll be one fun activity if you could actually convince him to lend you his equipments. If you are close friends, you might even enjoy more bonding time while exercising. If you are just casual acquaintances, consider making the most out of your charm. Stealthily persuade him to lend you those stuff. By hook or by crook! All for the name of fitness.
Home Work. And when finally you were able to earn that friend's trust, get your clammy hands on those equipments quick. Get those equipments inside the steam room of your house, where you won't mind getting sweaty that is. Figure out how much space in your home you have to work with. Did that exercise equipment fit in that spot? Does it look good against that wall? If not, consider renovation.
Go Large. Go to a large gym and try out the various pieces of exercise equipment, including cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. Just a piece of advice, don't do this all of this testing activity in just one day. Trust me. Keep the weights very light - you just want to get a 'feel' for each piece of exercise equipment so you can figure out which ones you like the best. Make a list of your top 5 pieces.
What's in Store. If there's a local fitness equipment store in your neighborhood, by all means, do visit that store. Ever clicked on your remote control and crossed upon a channel selling things from Abflex to miraculous necklaces? This might be one of the best time to finally get something from your drooling over those ladies doing workouts. See what exercise equipment they are offering to obtain those washboard abs and tight tushies, if that's what you're planning to morph your into. Oops, don't forget to compare prices.
Financial Fitness. After all that trust-earning fuss, note-taking, drooling and renovations you actually succumbed to, it's time to check on your dough. Can you afford those exercise equipment? If not, Yoga or Pilates tapes could come in handy.
I told you this could get really tricky. Exercise equipments stuck on your basement is a lot better than having nothing to turn to if you finally felt like exercising with an equipment, right?

What Are The 3 Critical Exercise Routine Success Factors?

2008-01-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

The 'Rule Of 3' Meets Pareto's '80/20'--And You Get Fit Faster As A Result!
Everybody likes simple lists.
Everybody likes Rules Of Thumb.
And as far as I can tell, everyone wants tighter abs and more energy.
So, naturally, we all look for the “best” diets and the “best” training routines to bring us closer to that six-pack...ideally, in the least amount of time possible…
...Oh yeah--and we don’t want to think too hard either!
The Old Way:
Counting calories? Fuh-ged-a-bow-dit!
Getting a bodyfat measurement each week? No way!
Calculating our new “estimated 1-rep max” for 27 different exercises? Puh-leeze.
So what’s the solution?
Well, if you don’t mind limiting our example to exercise for the moment, I think I have a few things that can help you in your endless search for the most efficient use of your fitness time…
(which is like, what? about 45 minutes a day 3-4 times a week if you’re lucky?) ...It’s OK--you’re human! I do this stuff for a living, and I don’t spend much more time than that myself.
Introducing: “The Rule Of 3-80/20 (Principle)"
Any activity of importance (like exercise) can be broken down into three, and only three Critical Success Factors. Furthermore, one of these critical success factors should account for 80% of your efforts. And the other two, on average, just 10% of your time, energy, and effort (that is, of course, if you actually want to get anything done).
Thus sayeth The Fitness Sage (that’s me).
And you should listen to me when it comes to getting things done, because I have a Masters Degree *and* ADD! (attention deficit disorder). Without principles like the above, I would be hocking blackmarket Pi-Tae-Boga-Lates tapes to out-of-work actors in LA...
Yeah, so I’m ripping off the Pareto Principle and the Rule Of 3--but you’ll forgive me real quick when you see how this applies to your exercise routine.
Now that I’ve circumnavigated my point a few times, here it is real simple, in 3 (surprise, surprise) easy steps:
The Three Critical Exercise Routine Success Factors
1. Consistent Progression: Needs 80% of your time and attention.2. Sufficient Intensity: Needs 15% of your time and attention.3. Intelligent Evolution: Needs 5% of your time and attention.
Simple huh?
But maybe you need some clarification, so here goes…
Consistent Progression Explained:
There are really just 3-4 workout parameters that even matter to the average Jane or Joe who wants a good body and excellent health: Rest Period, Load, Reps-Per-Set, and Total # Of Sets.
So your job is to simply pick one of these, hold all the rest constant, and improve your chosen workout parameter from week-to-week, workout-to-workout until you can no longer do so (just remember to hold everything else constant! especially total workout duration).
When you can’t improve on your chosen parameter, pick a different one and repeat.
That’s it. It really is that simple. Tools needed: 1 pocket-sized notebook and a stopwatch.
Of course, you might want some proven, superior methods to “improve on your chosen parameter.” At the bottom of this article, you'll get your wish! But first...
Sufficient Intensity Explained:
Make sure you’re doing resistance training folks. Not aerobics. Not LSD (long slow distance cardio). Or any other fitness fad that makes your lungs burn more than your muscles. If you’re consistently getting 20+ reps on all your exercises, then you need to choose more difficult exercises. Period.
Cardio and aerobics have health benefits no doubt, but if you’re really looking for “bang-for-your-fitness-buck”, and you’re short on time, then stick with resistance training. It’s the only kind of exercise that builds muscle and boosts your metabolism permanently--not just during your workout.
Shoot for exercises that are so difficult, you can only perform between 1 and 15 reps. This could be weightlifting (if you lack the creativity and sophistication of a "Tao Of Functional Fitness" devotee who relies solely on portable exercise equipment--like Fitness Bands--and their own bodyweight), but it doesn’t have to be. If you know how to manipulate leverage, even bodyweight only exercises can be made difficult enough.
Why just 15% of your time worrying about this? Because all you have to do is make sure most of your exercise (excluding a proper warmup of course) falls within this rep range. Not exactly rocket-science. Nuff said.
Intelligent Evolution:
This is just another term for “periodization” or “cyclic training.” Basically it means that you need a strategy for changing your exercise routine over the long haul as you get stronger and closer to realizing your goals. Most of the time the Consistent Progression rule takes care of this, hence the paltry 5% of your noggin that’s required to intelligently evolve.
But over the long haul, you sometimes need to dramatically change your workout protocol. There’s not space here to explore all the ins-and-outs of doing this, but a simplified recommendation would be to cycle between phases where you focus on increasing the Average Load you handle during your workouts, and phases where you’re more concerned with the Amount Of Work Per Unit Time you perform (i.e. “Strength” vs. “Density").
Conclusion
Consistent Progression (80%) + Sufficient Intensity (15%) + Intelligent Evolution (5%).
Find an exercise routine that gives you that, and you’re on to something!

Fit for What?

2008-01-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Unless we’re talking about our bodies, and the amount of exercise they can do, we usually talk about being fit in relation to something. An object is ‘fit for use’, clothing is ‘fit to be worn at work’, and food is ‘fit to be eaten’. My parents used to have a running joke that they were fit – fit to drop! Everything else is fit 'for something'. So why do we insist on describing ourselves as ‘fit’ or ‘unfit’ without relating the concepts to anything else?
GENERAL PRINCIPLESIt’s a basic truth that the human body wasn’t made to sit still for any length of time. We spent tens of thousands of years evolving in an environment that required us to move – to find shelter, to catch food, and to keep ourselves safe from predators. We’ve only been living lifestyles that allow us to be sedentary for the lesser part of a hundred years – not nearly enough time for evolution to adapt our bodies to this new environment. We see this constantly reflected in modern rates of heart disease, atherosclerosis, chronic aches and pains, and muscular and bone deterioration in people who have become inactive as they age.
On top of this, activity has a very real effect on both stress and energy levels. Our bodies have a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ way with energy – if we don't constantly use and then replace energy (with activity, followed by rest and good nutrition), we start noticing our energy levels gradually draining away. We feel tired, lethargic, and as though any amount of effort is just too much to be worth it. And if we’re also under stress – for example, at work, or in a difficult relationship – we feel the energy loss and the stress even more intensely.
These are general principles that seem to be true whoever we are. But different lifestyles require different amounts of energy, and exact different prices in terms of stress. We enjoy doing, and our bodies are suited for, different kinds of activity. It makes sense then, that the amount and type of activity that will help us reach our optimum fitness, will be different.
DIFFERENT STROKESIf that’s the case, then getting ‘fit’ without a frame of reference seems like a meaningless concept. Unless we know what we want to be ‘fit for’ – what fitness means to us – there’s no reason for us to get or stay that way. If my life is basically calm, quiet and easy-flowing, and I’m quite happy to keep it that way, my ‘optimum fitness’ is going to be very different to someone who’s discovered a deep fulfillment in setting themselves a goal and achieving it. Someone who’d just like to go for a walk with friends without getting puffed is going to have a different optimum fitness level to someone who wants to discover how it feels to finish a marathon.
On top of this, what people want often changes over time. Perhaps at one point in your life, you enjoyed spending a couple of hours a day exercising, but now you’re finding there are things you’d like to do far more with that time. Alternatively, when you first started creating your optimum life for yourself, it might have been enough for you to just keep your body healthy. As you tried new activities though, you might have discovered you were actually enjoying some of them for their own sake, and wanting to get fitter so you could do more of them. So at different times in your life, you’d have a different optimum fitness level.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE “FIT FOR”? Which brings us back to our original question – can we talk about being fit, without knowing what exactly we’re ‘fit for’? The way we see it, your optimum fitness level depends completely on what you want to be able to do in your daily life, how you want to be feeling, how much energy you’d like to have and how exercise fits in with the rest of your life. So your first step in moving closer to optimum fitness needs to be to make that all-important decision “What do I want to be fit for?”

Elliptical Trainers - Are They The Perfect Workout?

2008-01-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

Elliptical trainers are the hottest of the hot in fitness equipment. They are easy to use, and provide a great workout. Using an elliptical machine will give you a great cardio workout, similar to that of running, and will tone your lower body as well. And, because the impact is less than that of walking, even those of us with not so great knees can use an elliptical trainer without pain. Many people are finding the elliptical trainer to be such a great workout that they aren't interested in doing anything else. However, no one machine can give the perfect workout. So, how does the elliptical machine stack up against other ways of working out? Well, if you take a closer look, you'll find that elliptical training has distinct advantages, but a few disadvantages too.
One of the great benefits of elliptical trainers is that it provides an aerobic workout through a weight bearing exercise. Running does this, of course, but working out on an elliptical trainer provides an impact to your joints comparable to walking. In addition, many people report that working out on an elliptical trainer feels like less work than working out on a treadmill. Plus, if you use the upper poles on the elliptical machine, you are working your upper body as well. With a treadmill, you get no upper body workout.
Serious Runners Take Note
But, what if you are training for a marathon? Here's where a treadmill has a real advantage over the elliptical. If you are training to be a runner, you need to run. The gliding motion of the elliptical machine won't provide you training comparable to running in terms of preparation for a race.
Another issue you should consider is your need to build muscle. If you are looking to build bulk, you will still need to lift weights. Elliptical trainers provide great cardio workouts, and are great for toning your legs and arms, but they won't build bulk. For a complete training regimen, it is best to alternate using the elliptical trainer with weight machines and free weights a few days a week.
Impact Is Not All Bad
One final issue about elliptical trainers - the very thing that makes them great also has its own disadvantage. Elliptical trainers are so popular because they provide a low impact workout. But impact has its advantages, especially if you don't have knee problems. Your body responds to the shock of the impact of exercise by building new bone cells, thereby increasing your bone density. So, if your knees are healthy enough to withstand the impact, running will protect your bone health in the long run.
The most important issue when it comes to any exercise is longevity. You need to find an exercise that you can stick with. If you have joint or knee problems, an elliptical trainer can allow you to workout more easily than other weight bearing exercises. But, if you love to run, and are healthy enough to do so, the elliptical trainer might not be for you. It is beneficial to try out both machines, and, if you're buying a machine, be sure to check out elliptical trainer reviews as well as those on treadmills. Be assured that both can help you improve your cardiovascular health, lose weight, and gain overall fitness.

All Natural Weight Loss Supplement Hoodia Gordonii

2008-01-25T06:33:00.001-08:00

In my time I have been an international competitive swimmer, ranked number 1 in the UK, in the top 20 worldwide, represented England, and won medals at World level. Having been in the environment of top class athletes, and everyday healthy people, I have become very knowledgeable in the area of nutrition and fitness. Still maintaining regular fitness and excellent nutritional levels, I regularly converse with many people of all types of fitness levels. The majority, at fitness centers, are obese and vastly over weight, constantly looking for ways to lose weight.
Spending years training in public, and seeing bodily changes on a day to day basis, I have become very familiar with Hoodia Gordonii, and have seen rapid improvements, that have in turn had life changing effects on people, and all for the better.
You may be wondering what Hoodia Gordonii is, and may have heard from the newspapers and television.
It is grown in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa, Hoodia Gordonii is an all-natural appetite suppressant, derived from a cactus-like plant with prickly spikes. Scientists have been researching the Hoodia plant for almost a decade, and have found it to be completely free of harmful side effects.
The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii, the molecule known as P57, imitates the effects that glucose has on your brain, signaling that you are full. Your brain has what is called a Hypothalamus. This part of your brain controls your appetite. When you eat, the glucose levels in your body rise. As these levels go up, the hypothalamus sends off a signal to your cells to stop eating. This is when you start to feel full. Hoodia Gordonii's molecule, P57, tells your brain the same exact thing, even if you haven't eaten a bite. By mimicking the effects of glucose on your brain, the hypothalamus starts to send messages to your cells which in turn, make you feel full.
Paul Callis is extremely knowledgeable in the field of sports and nutrition in the UK . Paul’s passion for swimming in his earlier years, helped him achieve world medals and gain great knowledge and understanding in all aspects of looking after the human body, eating correctly to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and discovering what does and does not help with weight loss.

Safe use of Ephedra for Weight Loss and More

2008-01-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

Over 5000 years ago the Chinese discovered Ephedra, also known as Ma huang and Ephedrine. The Chinese have safely been using ephedrine to treat asthma, allergies, colds, hay fever and rheumatism. Ephedra works by opening bronchial passages to help treat asthma and cough, stimulating the heart and increasing perspiration to help a person recover from a minor cold and promoting the production of urine to relive edema. It also reduces the secretion of both saliva and stomach acids. More commonly ephedra is known for its ability to burn fat extremely effectively. Recent research has revealed that ephedra increases metabolism and highly efficiently promotes weight loss. No prescription drug has even come close to replicating the ability of ephedra to powerfully burn fat while sparing the lean muscle tissue. These properties of ephedra are exceedingly sought after by fitness enthusiast, body builders and anyone who is trying win the battle against the bulge. Ephedra is a stimulant and a thermogenic. If used properly ephedra is safe for most people. However there are certain situations in which these properties could possibly become harmful. By following a few common sense rules with the use of ephedra problems can be avoided. Anyone with medical problems, especially any kind of heart condition should not use ephedra. If your activity or environment will prevent you from dissipating heat ephedra should not be used. And of course you should never take more than the manufacturer recommends. For a person in good health who wants to shed unwanted pounds and inches quickly and safely, when used properly, ephedra based weight loss products are safe and extremely effective.

7 Must Know Facts to Build Your Strength Training Routine

2008-01-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Building a strength training routine can be one of the trickiest parts of a fitness program. Ask 10 personal trainers what the best strength training routine is and you will get 10 different answers. Below are 7 must-know guidelines to use when building a strength training program. Each guideline provides the basic foundation that all strength training programs abide by. Learning the proper way to use free weights will greatly improve your strength, fitness, and health levels.
1) We cannot strength train a muscle today and tomorrow. We have to allow at least 24-36 hours of rest. Lifting on consecutive days leads to overtraining, muscle fatigue, and possible injury. All of our strength gains are made during the rest time!
2) We cannot spot reduce. This means if we want to lose weight in our stomach, doing 100 crunches a day will not make our stomach flab disappear. To reduce stomach fat, we need an overall reduction in body fat. Reducing overall body fat results from eating well, regular exercise, and proper rest.
3) We can spot tone. If we want bigger biceps, we can strength train for hypertrophy (fancy word for muscle growth). It is possible for us to focus on one specific muscle group. This is sometimes called targeted training. Studies have shown that machines isolate a muscle better than free weights.
4) Our strength training routines must be regular and consistent for results to take place. It took us years to put on the weight. We shouldn't expect it to all fall off in three weeks. The best outcome from your fitness and strength training program should be a lifestyle change. Replace bad habits with healthy ones and reap the rewards.
5) Realize that our strength training routine must be changed every 4-6 weeks. This will prevent our body from hitting a plateau and it will keep things interesting. We can change our method, our exercise or our intensity level. Not changing our routine on a regular basis will eventually stop producing results. We will continually grow stronger as we progress with our fitness program. Be sure your body is challenged on every workout.
6) Our strength training routines must be built according to our specific goals. Specific goals may be: fat loss, hypertrophy, maintaining weight or adding bulk. Each goal will have a different method that is best suited for optimal results. Someone who is interested in losing body fat will strength train differently than someone looking to increase muscle bulk. Knowing what your specific goals are will aid in creating the best strength training program possible.
7) Our strength training routines must work all of the major muscle groups in our body 1-3 times per week. This includes our biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, back, abs, quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves. Leaving out muscle groups will create an imbalance.
By using these 7 guidelines, anyone should be able to build a decent and effective program. The idea is to develop a safe strength training routine that provides us with major health and fitness benefits. Strength training has certainly increased in popularity over the past few years. Knowing how to build a strength training routine for our specific goals will move us one step closer to a fit body.