Find a Tailored Weight Lifting Program Just for You
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009The right weight lifting program is crucial in attaining the goal of any muscle builder seeking to build his muscle mass. It entails the design of a program that will bring about the desired result. This means that a muscle lifter should not simply go into the gym and throw weights around. Rather, he should have a specific routine to follow. Specifically, lifting weights involve weight training programs that are based on the proper science and tested techniques. According to some professional weight trainers, there are some rules that should be followed. Here are the five rules in weight training.
Stand with feet wider than shoulders and hold a heavy dumbbell in both hands. Bend knees and, keeping weight in the heels, lower butt until it is parallel to floor. Keep abs in and make sure you can see your toes. Push through the heels to raise back up and repeat. Come onto all fours, hands a bit wider than shoulders, lower body resting on knees. Pull the abs in and, keeping back straight, bend elbows and lower body towards the floor until elbows are at 90 degree angles. Push back up and repeat.
Progressive overload requires having more time in your discomfort zone. This is the most basic rule of all strength-training principles. But this is nit understood well enough by trainers. The body is only able to gain strength and muscle mass if it is being exercised to its limit. In contrast, if one exercises only in his comfort zone, the body learns to adjust so no muscle mass is built. This means that the more time in your discomfort zone equals less time in the gym.
The other type of weight training is dubbed periodization. This type of weight training shifts the focus from intensity to frequency. So the weight lifter goes through three phases of weight training under this type of program. In the initial stage, he needs to go through light training for at least a three-week period. After a few weeks, this is followed by medium training. Obviously, this medium type is an improvement from the initial stage of the workout.
Holding on to a chair for balance, bend right knee to 90 degrees. Keeping body upright, lift bent leg straight up until it’s parallel to the floor. Slowly lower back to start and repeat on each leg. For added resistance, use 1-5 lb ankle weights or a resistance band. Stand with feet hip-width apart and bend at the waist until back is parallel to floor. Pull the elbows up next to torso. Keeping elbows static, straighten arms by contracting triceps. Lower and repeat.
It is not enough to just lift a weight. It is important to explode with it, that is, raise it as fast as you can while still retaining control. This is also known as speed-strength conditioning, and it has great influence on power, endurance, and metabolism. It is important to be warned though, this training style will easily drain you like never before.
Lastly, a weight lifting program involves the fundamentals of a science. As such, it involves proper form and execution. Any weight lifter must approach it with precision and care. Otherwise, the time he spends in the gym comes to naught. It is important that he goes through the program with this in mind if he seeks to be successful in transforming his body into the muscle buff he desires that it becomes.