Strength training in Salem isn’t just for pro weight lifters anymore. People are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a toned, muscular physique, and embracing strength training. If you’re new to the practice, you may be nervous about getting started. Entering the gym alongside people who are bench pressing their own weight is daunting enough. Plus you don’t want to run the risk of hurting yourself with poor form. But don’t let your doubts hold you back. Today, Salem Speed Academy shares some pointers on strength training and how to make the most of it.
Understand the benefits of strength training Salem
If you’re going to incorporate a new activity into your workout routine, you want to make sure it’s worth your while. Strength training has clear benefits that make it a worthy pursuit. This activity doesn’t just make you stronger. Done right, it can also help burn calories, decrease abdominal fat, reduce your risk of injuries, and improve heart health. According to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, muscle-strengthening activities are also linked to a longer life span and a decreased risk of non-communicable diseases.
Find or set up the perfect space for training
One of the great things about strength training is that you can do it at a gym or at home. If you plan to join a gym, take a tour first. Consider factors like gym hours, training options, and guest privileges before signing up. If you’re going to work out at home, invest in some basic equipment. Shape has tips for setting up a home gym, and suggests getting strength training items like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. If you want to do cardio at home too, you can also invest in equipment like an elliptical machine, stationary bike, or treadmill.
Develop a workout plan
Don’t just jump into strength training blindly. If you really want to reap the rewards of this form of exercise, come up with a plan. You need to work out frequently enough to build muscle, while also leaving rest days for the muscles to grow. BodyBuilding has a selection of workouts you can check out online for free. There are also apps that can help, such as Freeletics Bodyweight, which has more than 900 workouts you can access. An app is great if you travel a lot, for example for business or as a digital nomad, since you don’t need a gym.
Strength Training Salem: Make sure to fuel your growing muscles
It takes more than exercise to make muscles grow. You need to make sure you’re getting enough protein to help nurture growing muscle fiber. A healthy diet will also give you the energy needed to make the most of your workouts. Add more foods that are good for muscle gain to your diet, such as lean meats, seafood, nuts and seeds, and eggs. If you want to minimize cholesterol intake, stick to egg whites only. Protein powders and shakes are another way to boost protein intake.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Newcomers to strength training run the risk of hurting themselves if they aren’t following proper form. If you aren’t confident in your weight-lifting technique, consider getting a personal trainer who can help you get the results you want. Having a personal trainer is also a great way to stay motivated and ensure consistency. They can hold you accountable and cheer you on at the same time, making your workouts more fun.
Strength training is a great way to boost muscle mass while also reaping other health rewards, like reducing your risk of noncommunicable diseases. If you’re new to weight lifting, enlist help to get started. An app can provide workout plans, for example, while a personal trainer can make sure your form is on point. This ensures that you won’t hurt yourself and that you’ll maximize muscle gains.
Salem Speed Academy is here to help you reach your full potential. Questions? Email [email protected].
This article was written by Marty Craig of The Wellness Scale.