Resistance or strength training is a great way to build muscle and tone. It can help increase your metabolism and burn calories, long after you have stopped working out.
Equipment
There are a few different kinds of equipment to help you with strength training:
Free Weights: These are what most people think about when they hear “resistance training.” Free weights are great for increasing mass and building muscle. However, they can also cause more injuries and accidents than other forms of resistance training so it’s important that you use them properly.
Machines: Gyms have a variety of machines that people use to build muscle. It’s important that you use the machines properly. Ask a staff member at your gym for help if you are unsure.
Resistance bands: Sometimes called exercise bands or therabands, this light-weight exercise equipment can be a great starting point for someone who is just starting out. They are easy to use and can add some good resistance to your favorite workouts. They are light and packable, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
Body Weight: This last form of resistance training uses gravity and your own body weight to target certain areas. This is a great way to work on improving balance. Body weight training utilizes twisting, turning, pushing, squatting, and jumping to get the desired effect.
What Happens When We Start Building Muscle
When you start doing resistance workouts regularly, your body starts a process of building and toning muscle and burning fat. As you workout using resistance, tiny tears can form in the muscles. This is usually why people get sore after working for the first time after a long break. That may sound like a negative thing, but this actually helps to kickstart the process of building and strengthening muscles – as long as you don’t overdo it. With proper rest and nutrition, the muscles are able to grow and heal stronger than before resulting in more muscle tone.
Precautions
Keep these precautions in mind when starting a new workout regimen:
- Go slow: Many people feel pressure to keep up with the person next to them. But don’t feel like you have to be the best right from the start. Taking baby steps will help prevent injury and muscle strains.
- Ask for help: Our professionals here at RPT would be happy to show you proper lifting form and exercise ideas.
- Don’t give up: If you don’t see results immediately, don’t be discouraged. This process takes a long time and can often take months and years of hard work.
