The Three Best Tips for Your First Strength Training Program

 

You have decided that it’s time to take action, so you have invested in the latest fitness gear, joined a gym and read the mountains of information available about muscle building. There is so much on the web these days that it can be difficult to know where to start, especially with the conflicting opinions that are thrown around. What kind of muscle building program should you choose? How do you know that it will work? This article gives you the three best tips for starting your first strength training regime.

It is vital to say that you should go to your doctor for a health check before you start any new exercise program. This ensures that you are healthy and ready to go. Your personal trainer will also want to know your health and exercise background.

1 – A Full Body Program

A strength training program which focuses on your whole body is the best type of workout. Later down the line you can devise split programs, where you only work one or two muscle groups per session, but to start with it is important to build up strength evenly and in a balanced way. This includes exercises for your upper body, your lower body, and your core muscles. With this kind of regime you are making sure that you minimize muscle imbalances and the chance of injury.

2 – Workout Length

Often you will go to the gym and see the same people there, whatever time of day you visit. There are people who seem to live in the gym, but for you, one hour is more than enough time to do an effective strength training session. The key at the beginning of the process is to stay disciplined and not let your excitement and enthusiasm get the better of you. If you suddenly decide to do half an hour of abdominal crunches, or a few extra sets of bicep curls, your body will not thank you and you will more than likely end up injured. Stick to your program and pace yourself so that you can target your whole body effectively.

3 – Workout Intensity

As this is your first strength building program it is sensible to start out gently and lift weights comfortably and under full control. You must strive for perfect technique and develop good habits. Look at yourself in the mirror as you work out to check your form; this is not vanity, it is just common sense. Perform no more than three sets of ten to twelve repetitions for each exercise. With this approach you are allowing your body to respond and adapt to the new strains placed on it, minimizing the risk of injury. It can take a month or more for you to see the results of your disciplined efforts, but then you will feel a sense of confidence and accomplishment as you move on to the next level of muscle building.

Follow these three tips religiously and your first strength training program will be fun and safe. On top of that, you will experience the added reward of more muscle, power and confidence.

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