How do you go about selecting a strength training routine? This is a very discussed and often misunderstood part of any fitness program. My personal opinion is that it is a
necessary addition to help fulfill you personal workout goals. If your goal is add muscle mass than there is no better way than to increase
the weight you use for your lifts and in order to do this you must increase your overall strength. Here are some things to remember when
you add strength training to your workout routine.
1. Set your weight lifting goals This is one of the most important things you can do when you start any
type of fitness and weight lifting program. Decide what your goals are then tailor your program to reach those goals. If you don’t know
where your going then chances are you will end up somewhere. Not necessarily where you want to go though. If you are trying to lose weight
the tailor your fitness program towards those ends. If you want to add muscle mass then find a program that will focus on gaining muscle
mass and not necessarily weight loss. Simply writing down your goals can dramatically increase your progress and make sure you record what
you are doing to meet those goals.
2. Consistency is King In order to see results you must be consistent in your workouts. If you are
cycling your training and your current cycle is to strength train then don’t deviate from that plan. You must allow the time for your body
to adapt to the stress you are putting on it. Once you plateau in your progress then it is time to change your workout routine. If you
change your strength training before this happens you will not get the desired results.
3. Strength training workouts It is important to not over train any particular muscle group. When first
starting out it would be wise to only train each specific muscle group one time a week. Too often we see beginner weight lifters working
out everyday and seeing little to no results. Your strength training routine sould start with working out each muscle group only one
time a week in the beginning. This will greatly increase your chances of success.
4. Compound weight-training exercises I consider compound exercises as one of the most effective ways to build muscle mass and dramatically increase your overall
strength. Squats, dead lifts and bench presses will workout your entire body and should be utilized in your strength training
routine.
Just using these 4 simple to remember ideas will allow you to build an impressive physique in a relatively short time. It is
important to keep in mind that strength training should be an integral part of your overall fitness program. As you build strength you
build confidence and get one step closer to attaining all your weight lifting goals.
