Weight training has so many benefits, but it can be a confusing area for many people – and for many reasons! Why is this? Well, the majority of people about to tackle a specific weight training program can be intimidated by so many ‘things’ to move, lift, and press! It can be incredibly daunting.
Weight Training Benefits
Making weight training a part of life is such an amazing decision. Benefits include:
- Muscle tone/definition
- Injury prevention/management
- Improved posture
- Increased bone density
- Increased metabolic rate
- Better balance and co-ordination
- Emotional wellbeing
- Confidence!
Why Am I So Nervous?
When you’re new to weight training, or working out, when you enter the gym you may look around and think to yourself “I don’t understand what it is they’re doing”. You’re not alone – the reality of this is that most people don’t either! They are most likely following a program that they pulled out of a magazine 10 years ago, it took them 6 months to get their technique OK-ish and now that they feel alright with it, that’s it.. forever more!
They are just as nervous as you are – honestly! Nobody is looking at you, they’re simply getting their own workout done and hoping they don’t look lost. If you’re training at home, then this isn’t an issue and maybe you’re just apprehensive about correct form. This is fine and there are so many demos available t0 you.
Also read: 5 Easy Steps for Staying Motivated
Do I Use The Machines or Free Weights?
If you’re a beginner, then machines are a brilliant way to get your confidence up, as you are placed in a position where you are set up for the exercise in it’s execution. It is easy to select your weight, quickly find the correct settings for that movement and punch out your set with ease.
Moving on from machines to free weights is a fantastic way to challenge more muscles. This is because you’re required to hold yourself in position for the exercise and engage lots of muscles at the same time. Awesome! If you really want to build up functional strength, improve your balance and work on tightening up your core strength, then head for the dumbbell and barbell rack!
Will I Bulk Up?
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard this from a female client, I would indeed be writing this article for my rather expensive beachfront mansion! Ladies, we do not have the genetic capacity to build ourselves up to looking like our head is a pea on a fridge. Please don’t be disillusioned by fitness mags that highlight that this buff look is normal. This amount of muscle requires testosterone and women, we just don’t produce it like men. Unless you’re training like a bodybuilder, eating like a bodybuilder and adding performance enhancement supplements into your routine, then you are not going to get that really solid physique.
Training with weights will absolutely tighten up your body, make you stronger, improve your metabolism and provide a much more flattering posture – so give it a try and don’t let yourself get intimidated.
Let’s lift!
