Cardio exercise is the perfect way to get into working out regularly. Cardio prepares your body for the elevated heart rate and the grind. As you get used to cardio, you can start looking into other types of exercises. Weight training can be the perfect next step to take at this stage.
Weight training helps the body develop better, more capable muscles. It doesn’t just build up strength, but also improves muscular endurance and strengthens your bones at the same time. If you want to get started with weight training, here are the best tips and tricks for beginners.
Ease into it
Similar to getting started with cardio, you must always ease into weight training. The last thing you want is starting the weight training with rigorous, heavy exercise sets. Not only will you injure yourself, but the heavy exercise will also make it more difficult to stick to a more consistent weight training routine in the long run.
You can actually start with just your body weight. The weight of your body provides sufficient resistance for the muscles to work through. On top of that, using your own weight means you don’t have to rely on heavy fitness machines or complicated gear to get started.
That said, many beginners struggle with knowing exactly how to progress or how to lift with proper form. If you’re looking for more structured guidance, working with a powerlifting coach could be a smart choice. A coach can help ensure you’re lifting with proper form from the start, offering tailored advice and a gradual progression plan that matches your fitness level. This is especially helpful for beginners who may be unsure about technique or how to safely increase intensity.
Easing into the weight training regime also means spacing out the exercises properly. A great starting point is two exercise sessions a week. This gives your body enough time to recover. Each session can be as short as 20 minutes; you can then build up your weight training routine to include 60 minutes of exercise every other day.
Target Different Areas
One of the best things about getting into weight training today is the wealth of resources you have at your disposal. It is still best to have a professional trainer helping you establish a good and effective exercise regime, but websites and resource centers are just as effective in helping you target different areas.
Targeting different areas is the best way to build up muscles in a more even way. You can have upper-body day, followed by core strength day, leg day, and exercise sessions designed to target other parts of the body. By focusing on a particular area, you can also keep the exercise sessions short and manageable, even when you have busy days.
Add a Post-Workout Cooldown
Stretching is an important thing to do before every weight training session. It is also a great idea to do some stretching after the exercise. This gives your muscles the opportunity to improve their flexibility and cool down the right way. Post-workout stretching works the same way as walking after a long run; you want to ease out of the exercise too.
Once the post-workout cooldown routine is completed, you can do some refueling by drinking enough water and adding protein to your diet. Depending on the kind of weight training goals you want to achieve, what you consume after the exercise matters.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to get into weight training in no time. It is the next challenge to tackle and a great way to improve your health and strength.
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