Strength training offers many benefits. It can increase your core strength, reducing back pain. It makes the body more injury resistant. It can also adds curves to your body.
Excessive cardio and dieting will turn you into a stick figure. Strength training adds shape, definition and tightness to the body. Done correctly, it will also promote physical symmetry.
Unfortunately, most people do not know how to perform strength training correctly.
Here’s how.
Watch your form
As previously mentioned, watch your form. Do not cheat!
Never perform less than 3 sets per muscle
Last year, I read a scientific study regarding strength training. 3 groups of respondents were tested. The first group was a control; they performed no form of exercise whatsoever. The second group only performed 1 set of repetitions per muscle group. The third group performed 3 sets of repetitions per muscle group.
The strength of the respondents was tested before and after the experiment. The results were predictable. The group that performed 3 sets produced the largest strength gains.
But that’s not the interesting part.
The control group and the 1-set group both reported similar results. This means that, strength-wise, performing only 1 set of repetitions is almost as useless as not exercising at all.
This study merely proved what weight-lifters and bodybuilders have known for years. To improve your strength gains, you must perform an adequate amount of sets.
Watch your load
For more mass and strength, increase your load. If you’ve reached a plateau, the lack of load may be the cause for your lack of growth.
But remember, never sacrifice form for load. Always ensure that you maintain strict form for each repetition. And if you aren’t confident about increase your load, always ensure that you have a competent spotter to look out for you.
Supplement with protein
Supplementing your diet with protein is essential. It improves recovery time and aides muscular growth.
If you are trying to fill-out your figure, supplementing with protein, along with the correct training, will help you fill out your body with your desired curves.
If you’ve never purchased protein powder before, you may want to learn more about my experiences with protein powder.
Remember; always consult your doctor or physician before embarking on any exercise or fitness regime!
Read more Health and Fitness Articles
