Resistance training has many known names such as weight training, strength training, hydraulic circuit training, isometric training and many more. But don't be mistaken resistance training is for everyone.
Resistance training should be utilized as a main tool in creating a complete and healthy lifestyle.Many people have the mistaken notion that Resistance training is only for the serious athlete, or those who wish to build and tone muscle, or of course to chisel out a better looking body. Although these are some of the benefits of resistance training, there is much more value to adding it to your everyday routine.
First a little background. Resistance training is typically used to describe workouts using weights, machines (hydraulics,selectorized,etc.), yourself (isometric) to activate and work your muscle structure. Resistance training is an all encompassing title, including any workout that accomplishes muscle training, whether you use weights or not.
Strength training is probably the most common term associated with resistance training. This however is a term which puts a fright in to many would be exercisers because they think it is only for those trying to get bigger and stronger. In reality resistance training when performed properly does increase strength, but does not have to visibly increase size. In the case of women, because of their lack of testosterone production, large muscle growth is rare without muscle enhancing drugs.
Resistance training will improve the posture, look and tone of your body, but also benefits you in many other ways, such as those found in numerous medical research studies on the effects of resistance training.
Some of the Benefits of Resistance Training include:
1-Strengthening of the muscular system
2-Strengthening of the skeletal system
3-Improvements in bone density limiting the effects of osteoporosis or even decreasing it's chances of limiting you
4-Increased metabolism to burn more calories in a day. Due to the demands of the muscle tissue which burns more fuel than fat
5-Improved posture
6-Lessens the amount of muscle atrophy and loss with age
7-Helps those with hypertension get it more in control
8-Helps to decrease your cholesterol count and build good cholesterol
9-Aids in both fat loss and weight management issues
10-Increases the flow of circulation throughout the body and into areas which previously may have been starting to get restricted
11- Helps in the prevention of those pre- disposed to adult-onset diabetes
12-Creates a confidence and vigor which may have been lacking previously giving you more self esteem and a better disposition
13-Allows you to do more easily the things which were becoming harder. Giving you more range of motion, strength and endurance thus improving your quality of life
14-Gives you additional help in fighting many diseases of the heart, diabetes, some cancers and numerous other health problems.
This list alone is enough reason that everyone should get involved in a appropriate resistance training program to benefit them. Whether young, old, middle aged, male, female, black, white, Mexican or any other race, resistance training will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Being able to feel good about yourself again is an awesome state of mind to achieve, and it can be accomplished through resistance training.
There are no excuses not to do it. Resistance training can be done anywhere, even without specialized equipment. Although there are many options in workout facilities to choose from.
But if your on a budget and can't afford a gym, improvise and use everyday objects you find in your home or isometrics.
Gyms of course have many great machine options such as Genesis Circuits Nautilus, Cybex and many more. Home brands of workout include Bowflex, Weider, or the use of resistance bands or dumbbells.
There are many good choices in clubs such as the 30 minute fitness clubs, your standard gyms, and many communities have the YMCA or a community center where you can workout.
Whatever your choice the key will be the proper technique, performance and dedication to commit at least 30 minutes a day 3-5 days a week to your resistance training program. Work the muscle through the range of the exercise on both the positive and negative movements and don't get in a hurry.
Get to know your muscles and understand them by working the range of motion at a pace where you can fully concentrate on the tensing and contracting of the muscle. The more you listen to your muscles the stronger and more conditioned you will become.
Whatever your excuse has been get rid of it and start resistance training today. You'll enjoy life more and you'll be the example for the rest of those you love in your family. So as Nike said so well many years ago, and is still appropriate today,
Just do it.
