subject: Why Lift Weights And Build Lean Muscles? [print this page] It does not matter what you call it; weightlifting, pumping iron, or bodybuilding - lifting weights both light and heavy has long been a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. There are so many health benefits for both men and women when they are lifting weights. There are weightlifting and weight-training exercises that are creates specially for men, women, even children of any age, any size, and any body type. If you want to build lean muscle, increase stamina, improve cardio vascular system, or even eradicate the symptoms of osteoporosis this can all be done plus a lot more by good weight training routine to your regular workout.
To gain the outmost benefits of lifting weights, you must combine your weight training with other exercise. You must add cardio vascular exercises to your workout routine if you have not done already. And before starting any workout routine, it is very important that you do warm up exercises. The idea of doing warm up is to get the blood moving" and your muscles primed for some heavy lifting. As a good practice, before proceeding to lift weights, do a good ten minutes on a stationary bike, tread mill, jump rope, or take a short jog. The key to successful weight training involves what are called repetitions. In trying to build lean muscle, not only how heavy are you lifting but equally important is how many repetition you do. A proper weight lifting routine will be designed to work out all of the major muscle groups of the body, which include: The Shoulders, Neck and Back, Biceps, Triceps, Quadriceps Chest, Abs, Hamstrings, Calves, and of course the Gluteus.
The next question on your mind is likely to be "should I use free weights or machines?" and "how much weight should I work out with?" You can use free weights or machines or maybe a little of both. If you are working out in a gym, of course they will have both and will likely be able to recommend a "circuit" of weight lifting exercises for you. If you intend to lift weights in the home, it all depends on your budget and physical space to determine of you want to buy a "Home Gym" type resistance trainer - or a good set of free weights and barbells - or both. Or if you are under budget constraint, you can build muscle without weights. I found this site that can give you a good idea how you can build muscle without weights. Needless to say, it is by using resistance band exercises.
Weight machines are great for beginners because they have been designed to work a specific muscle or muscle group, and will insure that you are seated or standing in the right position to target that group when you lift. Free weights are the traditional barbells and dumbbells that have been around for centuries, and they work great. In fact some would argue that once you learn how to use them properly you get a better workout than machines because it is only the force of your muscles and your ability to balance the weight that keeps the weight and your muscles moving properly. There is no aid from the machine, so you are effectively using more muscle with free weights.
Lifting weights will greatly improve your strength and stamina. Lifting weights does not build your build your muscles only, but also your confidence, improves cardiovascular health and can actually help prevent other sports injuries and deadly diseases. And lifting weights can help you lose extra pounds and keep them off - so what are you "weighting" for come on start pumping iron!
