Easing Into a Weight Training Routine

By Trevor Onions , last updated December 9, 2011

Easing into a weight training routine holds many advantages. A gradual descent into strengthening your muscles may actually carry a greater chance of success than throwing yourself into an intense regimen without the proper build up. All progressive exercise takes time and dedication. Use these tips to get started with weight lifting safely and steadily.

How to Start Weight Training

Many novice weight lifters are uncertain about where to begin training. The best answer is to start weight training at home. Basic exercises can be done in an affordable and effective way without extra supplies. Rapidly pursuing work outs at a gym may lead to confusion and burn out. Instead, build up your muscles gradually in the comfort of your own home, and purchase a gym membership later on for a more advanced routine.

Start out exercising about three times per week. This pace gives your body ample time to adjust, without feeling over strained. Recovery days are just as important as work out ones. They are essential periods for your body to rebuild and start developing larger, more toned muscles. Eventually, you may ramp up to every other day to maximize your work outs.

There are plenty of easy ways to start boosting muscle. Use reliable exercises like dumb bell lifting, curls, and push ups to start strengthening the arms and shoulders. Stomach crunches and raising your legs will help bolster your upper body strength. For legs, squats, dumb bell lunges, and light cardio are good tools that yield ready results.

Keeping Yourself on Track

Part of easing into a strength training routine is making it a regular part of your lifestyle. No program is successful without getting committed early on. To help with this psychological necessity, consider logging your work outs and inventing a system of rewards to promote enjoyment of exercising.

First, set aside a regular time during the days you plan to do weight training. Many people find mornings to be the most effective time, since it comes before all of their other daily activities. However, evening schedules work just as well, as long as you can make your work outs consistent and free from interference by alternate obligations.

Reward yourself with a healthy snack or activity after each weight training session. This gives you something to look forward to after the hard work is over, and a small amount of immediate gratification. While working toward a body that can only be built with effort and patience, it's important to balance short and long term rewards.

Finally, keep a log of every work out session, including details about its duration, the exercises completed, and any special notes. As your weight training sets and reps increase, you'll be able to see the results on paper. You'll find yourself doing more exercises faster than you imagined was possible. This is an outstanding way to inject motivation into your routine by putting progress in front of your eyes.

Gradually shifting into a high powered weight training program is a sane and rewarding way to start creating a healthier you. As your routine improves, it will seem second nature, paving the way for years of stronger living.

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