Make Your Weight Training Program Work For You

by Emmanuel Palmer

You’ve seen enough action flicks to know you want the same body as the hero who gets the girl-now you’re taking the next step by enrolling in a gym and getting a weight training program to get you to your goal. Read on to get the best muscle building exercises and facts that will help you understand your body better; effectively putting substance on your workouts.

There are two philosophies in weight training: the high intensity training and the periodization program. The main difference between the two is the time and aggression that you hit each session with. High intensity focuses on short and highly charged workouts with emphasis on drills that you need to do until failure (unable to lift weights because of sheer exhaustion). Periodization is training over a period of 2 to three months; wherein you will do light, medium and heavy training for three weeks per level.

If you are unsure which is a better method-it is both. They have advantages and disadvantages and the best approach is to take the parts which works for you and integrate it into your regimen. Always keep in mind though that you will need to vary the exercises and weight loads often because your body remembers the pain you subjected it to and it will prepare for it. When it becomes familiar and complacent, the workout will not be as effective as before.

Aside from weight training, the two other factors you need to concentrate on are rest and nutrition. Now I know they are an unassuming pair and more often than not, new and overzealous trainers put them at the bottom of their priority list. However, you cannot expect the best results without giving proper attention to them. For instance, when you train and put tears in your muscles– rest is what repairs and builds up the tissues to be the bigger and stronger than before. If you train 4 times a week, getting good sleep the rest of the days will benefit you.

For the best muscle building diet, consume food that are rich in protein and carbohydrates. This will fuel your workout sessions and give your body the nutrients it needs as you put yourself through grueling activities. Your calories should come from lean meat, fish, eggs and the like instead of food high in fat content. Also include protein shakes and recommended muscle supplements that will help your body.

Before you start your training, always make it a point to warm up and stretch thoroughly. Doing so prepares your body for the upcoming physical strain and furthermore enhances your performance. Stretching increases the body’s temperature as well as flexibility and blood flow to vital organs in your body. Stretch before, during and after workout sessions.

Cardiovascular workouts are of utmost importance to your body’s health. Of course if you are just beginning and aim to bulk up, you will need to refrain from too intense aerobic exercises. Set aside an hour a week for light running and sports. When you get nearer to your weight goals however, increase your cardiovascular exercises.

A perfect weight training program is the holy grail of all bodybuilders and professional trainers alike- much desired but few take the effort to see it through. And while mistakes may litter the path to the amazing physique of your dreams, with determination and persistence it will not fail to come.

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