Do you want to turn your body into a rock solid fat-burning machine? Are you looking for ways to not only get in shape, but to maximize your physique in the process?
If you’re diligently doing cardiovascular exercises on a regular basis, then good for you; you’re on your way to health and wellness. However, if you aren’t including resistance training in your exercise routine, you’re missing a huge piece of the fitness puzzle.
What is Resistance Training?
Resistance training, also known as strength training, is when you work your muscles in an effort to build them and strengthen them. You can use free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, weight machines or just use your own body weight for resistance.
While you can’t change the shape of your body with cardio exercise, other than by reducing the amount of fat you have, resistance training can actually change your physique. So, if it’s a certain stomach or booty you’re after, you can achieve it by doing specific resistance training exercises.
One of the biggest benefits to resistance training is that muscle burns more calories than fat, even while at rest. So the more muscles you have the more weight you lose, even when you’re doing nothing other than sitting or sleeping.
Resistance Training Guidelines
Just as with any other form of training, there are certain guidelines you need to keep in mind when adding resistance training to your exercise regimen. Here are just a few:
- Never work the same muscle group two days in a row. Allow 24-48 hours for the muscles to heal and repair themselves before working them again.
- Work opposing muscle groups. To get a symmetrical shape, you want to make sure you work muscles that are opposite each other. For example, if you work your thighs (the muscles on the front of your upper legs), you’ll also want to work your hamstrings (the muscles on the back of your upper leg).
- Push your muscles to exhaustion. Choose exercises and weights that you can only do 8-10 times before you can’t do another one. Your muscles will strengthen and grow more quickly when you push them to the max.
To enjoy complete fitness, you want to include resistance training in your exercise regimen. Work your muscles and you’ll look and feel better now and well into the future.
