Strength training isn't just for bodybuilders

Many who think of strength training think of the massive muscles that many bodybuilders get and consequently show off in competitions. This can be a plus or a drawback for many consumers. The average person likes to be able to say they feel good about themselves in a bathing suit, but many are concerned about building too much muscle during weight lifting and suffering from stereotypical perceptions. This needn't be a worry for anyone considering strength training.

The average bodybuilder works out a lot in order to get the muscles they are famous for, plus they have to be on a very strict food regimen with lots of protein and little to no fat. It would take a person a lot of effort to become as built as the average bodybuilder. There are different ways to build muscle and maintain it. Many people can use simple free weights or weight machines in order to maintain the muscle mass that they have or to add muscle strength. Some use strength training equipment such as resistance bands, medicine balls, and kettlebells to add definition or shape to certain areas of the body.

If you use them properly and alternate your strength training workout with yoga or stretching exercises there is little risk of you bulking up too much. Many find that using stability ball exercises intertwined with their weight lifting routine as an effective way to ensure a balanced workout of the muscle groups they are targeting that session. They enjoy the challenge of working out strength and stability training. You should gradually increase the weight as you work out over a period of time and after your workouts, you really will feel the burn in your muscles.

Always be careful of using too much weight at once. Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is often felt 24-72 hours after intense exercise or unaccustomed physical activity and can take the wind out of your sails if you're new to strength training. It's easy to sprain a muscle and hurt yourself, putting you out of commission for a few days or more. A good rule of thumb is that if you think you can start out with a certain weight begin about five or even ten pounds lighter and after a few repetitions move up to the next weight level. Every 4 weeks or so your body should have adapted to the workout program you are doing and so that makes it a great time to reassess your progress, goals, and program.

I want to retouch one very important factor to never leave out of your strength training sessions: stretching. A few minutes of stretching before and after a session can make the difference between a killer session and a session that just killed. Foam rolling, also known as Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) is highly recommended before and after working out because it is so effective for helping reduce trigger points and decreasing pain. Stretching can also improve flexibility and joint range of motion as well as improve neuromuscular control. It is am important factor in any exercise program and should not be left out.

I use to be someone who believed lifting weights would make my arms like a man and my thighs bigger than my head. I have since learned that lifting heavier weights helps to accelerate the definition of my very feminine shape and I love it. Whether you are a man or a woman, lifting weights, strength or resistance training, as it is also referred to, is good for building strong bones, shaped figures and stong bodies that function well. Don't be deterred by stereotypical perceptions of gym-goers. Just get going and enjoy the stronger you and all the benefits you experience!

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📗 About D Goosby of JDs Organic Productions

🌺My Story... The Journey Continues🌺

D Goosby of JD's Organic Productions is a wife and a mom to 8 beautiful kids including 2 sets of twins. At one point, she weighed close to 300 lbs and then lost half of it just to put most of it back on. D eventually got tired of the yo-yo. She learned some hidden truths about our food system and decided to get educated and make lasting changes. D studied to become a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and peristeam practitioner because she realized that she was not alone in wanting to make healthy lifestyle changes but lacking the knowledge to make anything permanent.

That is what D does today, she helps busy moms like herself, get back to where they feel good again, they look the way they want to look and they get to be a healthy role model for their families and friends.