Tips For Building and Maintaining Muscle

For those that would like a more vigorous workout plan, weight training is a viable option that can combine building muscle tone and working the cardiovascular system. Weight training tones your muscles and raises your metabolism, which helps your body burn more calories when exercising and while you sleep. Weight training reverses the natural decline in your metabolism, which begins around age 30; therefore, this is something to think about for all those who have reached that age. Working with weights can produce great energy, and a complete workout works multiple muscles. In terms of long-term benefits, weight training strengthens bones, reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis. Of course, this is a big concern amongst women since osteoporosis afflicts women much more than men.

Many women worry that weight training will make them too muscular and bulky like men, which is far from the truth. Men and women have different muscular structures; weight training will not develop big muscles in women, just toned muscles. Weight training is a routine that makes you vital and prepares the body to build muscle instead of fat. It takes stress off key areas of the body, such as the lower back, making you less prone to injury in that area. Since high blood pressure or hypertension is a big concern for those who are obese, it is welcome news that weight training decreases your resting blood pressure. Weight training has also been proven to increase your blood level of HDL cholesterol, commonly called good cholesterol. Overall health is improved through weight training.

Start with a plan, which may be joining a gym where you can regularly get a full workout or purchasing a home workout system that uses resistance instead of weights but produces similar results. You must assess what type of person you are and make the appropriate decision from there. Suppose you like going out daily for your workout, welcoming the change of scenery, and benefiting from the comradery of others who are also training. In that case, you may opt for a gym membership. However, if you know you are the type that enjoys working alone and will not work out unless it’s in the convenience of your home where you do not have to get dressed and go out. Only you can make this assessment of yourself. In that case, the home gym system option is for you. Some popular home gym systems include Functional trainers and squat racks. Many quality home workout systems exist, but none work when not used, so be sure that you remain focused and dedicated to your plan.

Whatever exercise plan you choose, aim for exercising first thing in the morning. Our bodies are made to be active daily. When exercise is performed in the morning, people are likelier to keep that mindset throughout the day. Make your exercise sessions as enjoyable as possible. Consider utilizing music, a digital book, or watching television during your workout, depending on the type and location of your workout. For example, if you’re a walker, you may want to listen to a good podcast or play your favorite songs. If you’re exercising indoors, walking on the treadmill, or riding a spin bike, you could watch your favorite series on Netflix or turn up your music while exercising. Whatever you do, make your exercise experience FUN!