Exploring Different Types of Strength Training
Strength training strengthens muscle and definition, increases bone density, optimizes joint flexibility and stability and enhances injury resilience. Furthermore, studies suggest it may reduce the risk of several major killer diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Experts generally advise two full-body strength workouts per week; however, finding an exercise program tailored specifically for you may take some trial-and-error.
Resistance Training
Resistance training can increase muscle strength, boost metabolism and benefit bone health while slowing the loss of lean muscle mass that comes with age (known as sarcopenia).
An effective strength training program must incorporate the progressive overload principle. It varies weight or resistance force, exercises, repetitions and sets and then adjusts them regularly in order to challenge and advance fitness levels.
Traditional and functional strength training are both effective approaches; you just have to consider your goals when selecting one over the other. Your approach will depend on whether your aim is building muscular endurance or increasing muscle size; depending on this objective you may choose variable factors like frequency, intensity, reps and set structure as suggested by personal trainer and holistic nutritionist BB Arrington CPT.
Strength training exercises such as squats, pushups and bodyweight deadlifts are common forms of strength training. You can use resistance bands or weight machines to increase resistance during exercises.
Bodyweight Exercises
Bodyweight exercises involve using your own weight as resistance without resorting to equipment like barbells, dumbbells or kettlebells – creating exercises such as push-ups and mountain climbers without equipment like barbells, dumbbells or kettlebells.
Bodyweight exercises provide a great alternative for those without access to gym equipment or facilities, or for those just getting started in strength training who wish to build an initial foundation of strength before branching out into more complex, compound movements.
Bodyweight exercises can be challenging and provide an intense cardio workout, much like weight training does. Just like with weights, it is crucial that all workouts begin with a light warm-up to prepare both blood flow and muscles for more rigorous work ahead. A warm-up could include walking slowly in place or performing slow bodyweight circuits as a warm up.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardiovascular exercises teach your lungs, heart and blood vessels how to use oxygen more effectively during physical activity, making a valuable contribution to overall wellness and helping prevent conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes obesity or high blood pressure.
Strength training on the other hand can help maintain and build muscle mass, enhance bone and joint health, boost your metabolism and ensure that more calories are burned throughout your day, even while at rest.
Strength training entails contracting your muscles against an external resistance source – this may include your own body weight, free weights, medicine balls, resistance bands or machines. For optimal results it’s essential that you choose an enjoyable program and gradually progress from it; working each muscle group until fatigued but without suffering any physical pain should be your aim.
Yoga
Strength training may conjure images of someone lifting heavy weights at a gym; this image may also represent traditional strength training; however, many other exercises can also count as resistance training: for instance squats or push-ups using bodyweight; exercises targeting multiple muscle groups like plank or handstand; or using small equipment like exercise bands or sand bags can all qualify.
No matter the form of resistance training used, all exercise causes tiny tears in muscle tissue that are repaired through anaerobic glycolysis and made stronger through strength gains. Increased strength allows you to better perform everyday activities, boosts metabolism in order to manage or shed unwanted weight, as well as improving balance and flexibility.
Exercise has many health advantages, one being stress reduction. Yoga is an example of resistance training which can be used for this purpose; its physical postures combine with breathing exercises and meditation techniques to promote overall well-being.