Strength Training Exercises

Strength training should be a part of everyone’s exercise routines. Not only does it help to develop strong muscles, but it can also help to increase your overall metabolism, making it much easier to lose weight and maintain a sleeker appearance.

Here are some simple tips to help you get your strength training program started.

Basic Strength training exercises

Though there are literally hundreds of strength training exercises to choose from, when you’re first starting out, the simplest ones tend to be the best. There are actually five exercises that you can do to have a complete and thorough strength training routine.

The Squat for Strength Training

Start with the squat exercise for your lower body strength training. To do this, you will want to have either a barbell or some dumbbells in each hand over the shoulders. You will then try to keep your body in a straight line as you make the motion as though you are sitting down in a chair. Try not to let your toes go past your ankles as you do this and keep your chest up.

The Deadlift for Strength Training

Next in this strength training routine, you can do the dead lift which works out your upper body as well as your lower body and lower back. Put a barbell on the floor in front of you and bend over, holding your stomach in, to pick it up. Keep your body rigid as you slowly lift the weight up across your legs until you are standing up. Doing this movement slowly will reap the most rewards.

*Always keep your back straight when lifting like this*

After that, you can take a barbell or dumbbells and place them at shoulder level in front of you. Push the weights straight up and then slowly lower down. Try to keep your hands in line with your shoulders as you repeat this exercise and your body straight and upright.

To work out your entire upper body, try pushups for strength training. You can do these with a straight leg approach or with your knees bent. And to round off this simple program, you will want to lie on your back and perform a set or two of crunches to work out those abdominal muscles.

Basic diet for strength training

To support your strength training, you will want to make sure that you are eating a well-balanced meal with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy and lean meats.  Make sure that you are eating only when you’re hungry and every four to six hours to keep your metabolism going.

You will also want to make sure that your strength training program includes plenty of water and fluids to keep your muscles from becoming dehydrated.  Be sure to take a few sips of water during your workout as well as before and after.  You can also try diluted sports drink if that helps you to drink enough fluids.

Strength training is a great way to get in shape, but only when you take the time to learn how to properly learn your form and nourish your body as you repair those hard working muscles.