If you’ve never been to a gym in your life, it can be overwhelming. There are all sorts of equipment and machines, not to mention all the regulars who look like they’re familiar with them. They can be daunting, especially if you’re looking at beginning a new training routine like strength training.
What is Strength Training?
Strength training is a form of exercise that focuses on increasing your muscle strength and endurance. It often involves lifting weights but can also include bodyweight exercises such as push-ups or planks.
Strength training is beneficial for you because it helps build muscle. Muscle is what gives the ability to move, and the more muscle you have, the more energy you’ll have to do things that require physical exertion. It also helps increase your metabolism and burn fat. The more lean muscle tissue you have, the higher your metabolism is likely to be.
Tips To Begin Strength Training
Start with a plan
The first step to getting into strength training is to have a plan. Not only does this make it easier for you to stay on track, but it also helps keep you motivated and inspired when the going gets tough.
You should also have a goal in mind when starting out, whether it’s improving your health or increasing performance at work. Having something specific that motivates and inspires you will help keep you focused on why this is important.
Get a spotter and get some help from an experienced trainer
If you’re just starting out, a spotter is your best friend. A good spotter will help ensure that you lift the right amount of weight and avoid injury. They’ll also make sure that you keep good form during each exercise so that you can build strength safely and effectively.
A personal trainer with experience in strength training is another great way to learn proper technique without risking injury, but if you’re on a budget or just want to focus on learning at home first before working with someone else, having a friend or family member who knows how to spot for safety’s sake will do the trick just fine.
Try basic exercises before doing anything fancy
The first time you get into a gym, it’s tempting to gravitate toward the machines and exercise equipment. This is because they look like they’ll give you results faster than free weights or bodyweight exercises.
But when it comes to strength training for beginners, there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned barbells and dumbbells. For instance, you can start doing basic exercises in the comfort of your own home in order to build up some strength first and start small. You can get a dumb bell rack at Mirafit and gradually grow your strength before tackling anything bigger.
Start easy and work up to heavy weights slowly
When you’re starting out, it’s best to start with light weights and work your way up. Stay away from heavy weights in the beginning. Doing so can be dangerous and cause injury. Using the right equipment, such as dumbbells, can help you build mass slowly, and before you know it, you can lift more heavy weights. If you aren’t sure where to begin, talk to a personal trainer who can help you get started.
Add protein
You need to eat well if you want to gain strength; your body needs fuel – not only to perform exercises but also to repair, recover, and grow muscle. For that to happen, you need balanced nutrition and to boost protein in your diet. Make sure to calculate the amount of protein you need daily and ensure you consume it every day.
Don’t forget the basics
The best way to ensure you’re always getting stronger is to have a strong foundation, which means always doing a warm-up, cool down, stretching, and cardio before working out. If you don’t have time for all these things, try to stretch after each session and eat well so that your body has the strength it needs to lift weights.