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HOW TO LIFT WEIGHTS: GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

The weightlifting journey is an advanced step to increase strength, stamina, and overall health. If you’re new to the world of weightlifting, navigating the gym and understanding where to start can be a little overwhelming. Do not be afraid! This article is a complete beginner’s guide with the essential knowledge and practical tips to start your weightlifting journey with confidence. If you are in the process of changing your appearance, this article is for you.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO START WEIGHT TRAINING?

If you’re new to weightlifting, it’s advisable to begin under the guidance of a certified personal trainer. They can instruct you on the correct form for specific exercises and create a personalized strength training program to suit your individual needs.

Many gyms and fitness centers offer introductory training sessions at minimal or no cost, and they often have trainers available to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, numerous personal trainers provide online coaching through video platforms.

While most gyms have a variety of resistance machines and free weights like dumbbells and barbells, you can also achieve a thorough weight training workout at home with basic equipment.

EQUIPMENT OPTIONS

You can effectively build lean muscle mass and tone your body without necessarily using weights. For instance, exercises like push ups or lunges utilize your body weight as resistance.

If you want to diversify your at-home workout, you can incorporate dumbbells. A beginner’s set of adjustable weight dumbbells typically starts at around $50, with the cost increasing as you add more weight.

Kettlebells, which are balls with handles, present another popular option. Many kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, offering an efficient full-body workout, especially if you’re short on time.

Adding resistance bands to your workout equipment can also be beneficial. These color-coded elastic bands provide different levels of resistance when stretched and pulled.

A set of resistance bands is available for $10 to $60. Since they are lightweight and portable, you can easily take them with you when you travel.

WEIGHT LIFTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

WARM-UP ROUTINE

Before diving into your weight training session, it’s crucial to warm up your body. Engage in some aerobic activities such as a brisk 5-minute jog, a lively walk, or opt for activities like skipping rope or jumping jacks. These activities enhance blood flow to your muscles, preparing them for an effective workout.

BEGIN WITH LIGHT WEIGHTS

Initiate your weightlifting routine with lighter weights. Choose a weight that you can comfortably lift 10 to 15 times with proper form. Start with 1 or 2 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, gradually progressing to 3 sets or more as your strength improves.

GRADUAL WEIGHT INCREASE

As you become adept at completing the recommended sets and repetitions with ease, consider increasing the weight by 5 to 10 percent. Ensure the new weight is suitable for you before incorporating it into your entire workout routine.

STRATEGIC REST INTERVALS

Allow at least 60 seconds of rest between sets. This deliberate rest period helps prevent muscle fatigue, a crucial consideration especially for those starting out with weight training.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Keep your workout duration in check, limiting it to no longer than 45 minutes. Research suggests that an effective workout can be accomplished within this timeframe. Extended sessions may not yield better results and can increase the risk of burnout and muscle fatigue.

STRATEGIC REST DAYS

Factor in a day or two of rest between your weight training sessions. This downtime is essential as it provides your muscles with the opportunity to recover and replenish energy stores before your next workout. Prioritizing rest is key to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of your weight training routine.

EXERCISES FOR BEGINNERS

DUMBBELL CHEST PRESS

Targeted area: Focused on your chest muscles.

How to do:

  • Begin by lying flat on a bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing forward.
  • Gradually lift the dumbbells upward until your arms are directly over your shoulders, taking care not to lock your elbows.
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly to the initial position, ensuring your elbows remain slightly below your shoulders.

BODYWEIGHT SQUATS

Targeted area: Body

How to do: 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, as if sitting in a chair.
  • Keep your back straight and chest up.
  • Lower down until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  • Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for 10-15 reps.

BENT-OVER ROWS

Targeted area: Arms

How to do: 

  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing your body.
  • Bend at your hips, keeping your back straight, and let your arms hang in front of you.
  • Pull the dumbbells towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  • Lower the dumbbells back down.
  • Repeat for 10-15 reps.

OVERHEAD DUMBBELL PRESS

Targeted area: Arms, shoulder

How to do:

  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
  • Press the dumbbells overhead, extending your arms fully.
  • Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
  • Repeat for 10-15 reps.

DUMBBELL LUNGES

Targeted area: Hip, leg

How to do:

  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand by your sides.
  • Step forward with one foot, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Push through your front heel to return to the starting position.
  • Switch legs and repeat for 10-15 reps on each side.

PLANK

Target area: Your entire body

How to do:

  • Begin in a quadruped position, aligning your hands beneath your shoulders and knees beneath your hips.
  • Extend your legs backward, maintaining a hip-width distance between your feet. Engage your core muscles.
  • Maintain this position for 10 to 30 seconds.
  • Gradually progress by extending the duration, aiming for one minute or more as your strength improves.

CALF RAISES

Target area: Your calf muscles (back of your lower leg)

How to do:

  • Stand on the brink of a step, aligning your feet parallel to each other.
  • Lift your heels gradually, raising them a few inches above the step, and sustain the position for a few seconds.
  • Lower your heels slowly below the step’s edge, holding the position for a few seconds. Experience a stretch in your calves.
  • Intensify the exercise by incorporating resistance—hold a lightweight dumbbell in each hand, positioned down by your sides.

LUNGE

Target area: our leg muscles, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, as well as your glutes (buttocks). If you include a dumbbell, you’ll work your biceps

How to do: 

  • Maintain an upright stance with your feet at shoulder-width apart (utilize a dumbbell in each hand for increased difficulty).
  • Initiate a substantial step forward with your left leg, ensuring your heel makes contact with the ground first.
  • Descend your body, bringing your left thigh parallel to the floor.
  • Pause briefly (if you’re more advanced, execute a curl with the dumbbells towards your chest, then lower them back to the starting position).
  • Propel yourself off your left heel to return to the initial stance.
  • Repeat the sequence, this time leading with your right leg.

RESISTANCE BAND PULL APART

Target area: The muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms.

How to do:

  • Stand with your arms extended in front of you at chest height.
  • Securely grip a resistance band parallel to the ground with both hands.
  • Maintain straight arms as you draw the band towards your chest, extending your arms outward from your body. Initiate this movement with your mid-back.
  • Ensure a straight spine as you contract your shoulder blades together and downward, then gradually return to the initial position.

TRICEPS EXTENSIONS

Target area: Your triceps

How to do:

  • Perform this exercise either seated on a bench or standing with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
  • Grasp the dumbbell handle with both hands.
  • Elevate the dumbbell above your head, ensuring your arms are fully extended.
  • Maintain elbows close to your ears as you bend them to a 90-degree angle, lowering the dumbbell behind your head.
  • Gradually extend your arms, returning the dumbbell to the overhead position.

WEIGHT TRAINING SCHEDULE

For those aiming primarily to enhance strength, three weekly weight training sessions are likely sufficient to achieve desired results. Engaging in a weight training routine three times a week proves to be equally effective for strength development as more frequent workouts.

On the other hand, if your objective is to increase muscle mass, incorporating higher repetitions and more frequent workout sessions becomes necessary.

During a single workout session, you can target all your muscle groups, starting with 1 or 2 sets per exercise and gradually progressing to more sets or heavier weights as the exercises become more manageable. Alternatively, you may opt to concentrate on specific muscle groups on designated days.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO WHILE WEIGHT TRAINING

Follow these guidelines to avoid common mistakes during your weight training sessions:

Take your time: Avoid rushing through your workout. Move the weights in a deliberate, controlled manner. This approach helps target specific muscles and prevents reliance on momentum. Allow approximately one minute of rest between each exercise.

Moderation is key: Most individuals find that completing one set of exercises to the point of fatigue is sufficient. Doing additional sets may extend your workout time and increase the risk of overload injuries. Adjust the number of sets based on your fitness goals.

Listen to your body: Never ignore pain during exercises. If a particular movement causes discomfort, stop immediately. Consider revisiting the exercise in a few days or try it with less weight.

Footwear matters: Don’t overlook the importance of proper footwear. Choose shoes that offer foot protection and good traction to prevent slipping or injuries while lifting weights.

FAQ

1. Is it OK to lift every day?

No. Lifting weights every day is not essential, and doing so raises the likelihood of overuse injuries and overtraining syndrome.

2. How much weight should I lift as a beginner?

Initially, start lifting 2 to 5 kilograms, adjusting the weight based on the specific muscle group. Over time, you can gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.

3. How much weight should a 70 kg man lift?

A person weighing 70 kilograms, bench-pressing 100 kilograms, can lift 1.42 times their body weight.

4. How long should a beginner lift for?

Begin by incorporating brief workouts, lasting 30 minutes or less.

5. Is 1 hour enough for lifting?

Yes. Commencing with one hour of weight lifting per day can serve as a beneficial starting point for muscle building.

CONCLUSION

By emphasizing proper techniques, gradual progression, and strategic planning, beginners can embark on a journey that not only enhances physical strength but also contributes to overall well-being. Remember, the key lies in consistency, listening to your body, and progressively challenging yourself. As you integrate these principles into your weightlifting routine, you’ll not only witness physical transformations but also cultivate a sustainable and rewarding fitness journey. So, grab those weights, start lifting, and enjoy the empowering benefits of weight training on your path to a healthier and stronger you.

what is functional strength training?

If you’re someone who’s looking for a workout that’s more than just lifting weights, you may have heard the term “functional strength training” being thrown around. But what is functional strength training and how is it different from traditional weightlifting? 

This article provides everything you need to know about functional strength training – what it is, how to use it, its benefits, and much more.

What is Functional Strength Training?

Functional strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on building strength in movements that mimic real-life activities or sports. It emphasizes movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, rather than isolating individual muscles. The goal of functional strength training is to improve your overall movement patterns and body mechanics, making everyday activities easier and reducing the risk of injury.

Functional strength training often incorporates equipment such as medicine balls, resistance bands, and stability balls, which can help to improve stability, balance, and coordination.

How to do Functional Strength Training

Functional strength training can be done by anyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, a weekend warrior looking to stay healthy and injury-free, or someone who simply wants to move better in their day-to-day life, functional strength training can be a valuable addition to your workout routine.

To get started with functional strength training, it’s important to first assess your current movement patterns and identify any areas that need improvement. This can be done with the help of a qualified trainer or through self-assessment using videos or other resources. Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, you can begin incorporating functional strength exercises into your routine.

Some examples of functional strength exercises include:

  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Deadlifts
  • Pushups
  • Pullups
  • Rows
  • Planks
  • Medicine ball throws
  • Resistance band exercises

When performing these exercises, you should focus on proper form and technique. This will help to ensure that you’re targeting the correct muscles and reducing the risk of injury. Remember to start with lighter weights or resistance bands and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable with the movements.

Benefits

Improved Movement Patterns

Functional strength training can help to improve your movement patterns and body mechanics, making everyday activities easier and more efficient. By focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities, you’ll be better prepared to handle physical challenges both in and out of the gym.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Because functional strength training focuses on compound movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, it can help to reduce the risk of injury. By improving your overall stability, balance, and coordination, you’ll be less likely to experience strains, sprains, or other common injuries.

Increased Strength and Muscle Mass

While functional strength training may not target individual muscles in the same way as traditional weightlifting, it can still help to build overall strength and muscle mass. Because functional strength exercises often involve heavier weights or resistance bands, they can be just as effective at building muscle as isolation exercises.

Improved Athletic Performance

Functional strength training is especially beneficial for athletes, as it can help to improve performance in sports that require explosive movements, such as sprinting, jumping, or throwing. By focusing on movements that mimic the demands of your sport, you’ll be better prepared to perform at your best.

Functional Strength Training vs. Traditional Weightlifting

While functional strength training and traditional weightlifting share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two:

Movement Patterns

Functional strength training focuses on movements that mimic real-life activities or sports, while traditional weightlifting typically involves isolated exercises that target individual muscles.

Equipment

Functional strength training often incorporates equipment such as medicine balls, resistance bands, and stability balls, which can help to improve stability, balance, and coordination. Traditional weightlifting typically involves using free weights or weight machines.

Injury Risk

Because functional strength training focuses on compound movements that require multiple muscles and joints to work together, it can help to reduce the risk of injury. Traditional weightlifting may be more likely to cause injury due to the repetitive use of certain muscle groups.

Tips for Incorporating Functional Strength Training into Your Routine

  • Start with bodyweight exercises before progressing to weighted exercises.
  • Focus on proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injury and ensure that you’re targeting the correct muscles.
  • Incorporate functional strength exercises into your existing workout routine, rather than replacing it entirely.
  • Gradually increase the intensity and weight of your exercises as you become more comfortable with the movements.
  • Consider working with a qualified trainer to help assess your movement patterns and develop a personalized exercise plan.

FAQs

  1. Who can benefit from functional strength training? Functional strength training is beneficial for individuals of all fitness levels and ages. It can help athletes improve sports performance, older adults maintain independence, and anyone seeking to enhance everyday activities and reduce the risk of injuries.
  2. Is functional strength training suitable for weight loss? Yes, functional strength training can aid in weight loss. It increases muscle mass, which can boost metabolism and calorie burning. Additionally, it helps improve overall fitness, making it easier to engage in other forms of exercise for weight management.
  3. How often should I do functional strength training workouts? The frequency of functional strength training workouts depends on your fitness goals and schedule. However, aiming for at least two to three sessions per week is a good starting point. Allow sufficient time for muscle recovery between sessions.
  4. Can functional strength training help with rehabilitation or injury prevention? Yes, functional strength training can be valuable for rehabilitation after certain injuries and for preventing injuries in the first place. It can improve joint stability, flexibility, and muscular balance, reducing the risk of common injuries.
  5. Do I need special equipment for functional strength training? While some exercises can be done with little to no equipment (using body weight), functional strength training often involves the use of equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, and stability balls. The choice of equipment depends on your goals and fitness level.

Final Takeaway

Functional strength training is a highly effective way to improve overall strength, mobility, and athletic performance. By focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities or sports, functional strength training can help prepare you for physical challenges both in and out of the gym. Whether you’re an athlete looking to take your performance to the next level, or simply someone who wants to move better in their day-to-day life, functional strength training is definitely worth considering as part of your workout routine.