Fitness

How you use weight training depends on what you’d like to achieve through this type of exercise. If you’re a bodybuilder, you may wish to focus on bench-pressing an ever-increasing amount of weight as well as using weights to strengthen and define your “abs,” and legs. This is especially true for competitive bodybuilders. Take a look at Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a young man and a former “Mr. Universe” to see bodybuilding at its finest. Women also compete in bodybuilding, developing clearly-defined muscles.

For the rest of us, weight training increases strength and range of motion in our muscles and joints. You will feel less fatigue, your cardiovascular health will greatly improve, and you will lessen the likelihood of developing health problems as you age.

If you enjoy power-walking, try adding weights to your ankles; it will take more effort to move your legs, but in time you will gain strength and you’ll want to gradually increase the amount of weight your legs carry. Start with light weights and work your way upwards. You can do the same with attaching weights to your arms and swinging your arms as you walk. Finally, you can use weights to do “curls” with your arms, increasing muscle strength as you progress to using more weight.

Weight training should not be painful; if it is, you’re trying to do too much too soon. Torn ligaments aren’t fun. You may want to consult a trainer at a fitness center before you start weight training. You can purchase “home gyms” for at-home weight training. Take it slowly and carefully; any successful type of increasing wellness takes time and perseverance.