Weight Training Routines
Weight training is the core component of any good muscle building routine. Without this, you obviously won't be able to build your muscles. In short, you won't be able to reach your goal of gaining bigger muscles. Many people think that doing exotic-looking workouts is the best way to stimulate muscle growth, but this isn't necessarily so. Simplicity is key, and you don't really need all those fancy exercise machines shown on home shopping networks. Your handy dandy humble free weights are really all you need. Here are several tips and techniques for you to be able to make the most of your precious time:
1. Try to exercise several large muscle groups for you to gain maximum effects in a relatively shorter time. Also, using several muscle groups allows you to burn more calories than if you just focus on one muscle group.
2. Be prepared to push yourself to the limit. Try to do every workout routine such that when you're doing the last 2 repetitions, you feel like you just can't do any more. Keep in mind that this is what makes your muscles grow big and strong.
3. Apply the principle of progressive overload. This means that you should try to take your routines a step further every week or so. You can do this either by using heavier weights or increasing the number of repetitions. Progressive overload is important so you will continue to gain muscle size. Many beginners take this fact for granted, and continue to do the same routines at the same intensity, believing that it will still be effective in promoting muscle growth. More often than not, these beginners will find themselves hitting a plateau on their progress.
4. Try to keep every workout session as short as possible. Try to finish within an hour. If you continue exercising for a longer time, this makes your body secrete a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is known as a muscle-waster, so obviously you won't want this to happen if you're looking to gain muscle mass.
5. Rest between workout days. You don't have to workout every single day of the week. In fact, working out too frequently can be counterproductive. Give your body the rest it needs so it can repair itself. Keep in mind that it is during rest that your muscles actually gain size.
Try to put all these techniques into practice, and you'll gradually see yourself getting closer to achieving that dream body you've always wanted.
1. Try to exercise several large muscle groups for you to gain maximum effects in a relatively shorter time. Also, using several muscle groups allows you to burn more calories than if you just focus on one muscle group.
2. Be prepared to push yourself to the limit. Try to do every workout routine such that when you're doing the last 2 repetitions, you feel like you just can't do any more. Keep in mind that this is what makes your muscles grow big and strong.
3. Apply the principle of progressive overload. This means that you should try to take your routines a step further every week or so. You can do this either by using heavier weights or increasing the number of repetitions. Progressive overload is important so you will continue to gain muscle size. Many beginners take this fact for granted, and continue to do the same routines at the same intensity, believing that it will still be effective in promoting muscle growth. More often than not, these beginners will find themselves hitting a plateau on their progress.
4. Try to keep every workout session as short as possible. Try to finish within an hour. If you continue exercising for a longer time, this makes your body secrete a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is known as a muscle-waster, so obviously you won't want this to happen if you're looking to gain muscle mass.
5. Rest between workout days. You don't have to workout every single day of the week. In fact, working out too frequently can be counterproductive. Give your body the rest it needs so it can repair itself. Keep in mind that it is during rest that your muscles actually gain size.
Try to put all these techniques into practice, and you'll gradually see yourself getting closer to achieving that dream body you've always wanted.
