Resistance training or in other words, strength training, is a good form of exercise for building muscle, and increasing your strength. There are many different ways to do resistance training. Many people want to build muscle but they run out of options to mix things up, and the exercises become tedious and boring. The following are some of the different forms of resistance training:
Different forms of resistance training
Resistance training and strength training are different terms for the same thing – an activity that builds muscle. Examples include:
– Resistance bands – This is a great way to do resistance training, and this form is often more fun than simply pumping weights. Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands. The good thing is that the bands are portable and can be adapted to most workouts. For example, to work the biceps you step on the band and hold the other end in your fist and curl up and down. So why not just use dumbbells? Well, unlike free weights, the bands provide continuous resistance throughout the movement. However, bands don’t exert as much force on the muscle as a free weight, which means they may be better suited for gentle shaping and toning. So, when you already have some muscle, you can better shape and tone it with resistance bands.
– Own body weight – One of the best ways to get in a little extra resistance training is to do it when you are not at the gym, and when you don’t have any equipment. You can use your own body weight for resistance training. Your own weight can be used to do bent-knee sit-ups or abdominal curls, push-ups and chin-ups. Using your own body weight is convenient and free. However, once you are strong enough to cope with your own body weight, you can’t add any more resistance without turning to devices such as resistance bands or free weights. So, this is for those who are just starting out, not for those who already have a strict regime of resistance or strength training. Many athletes that do not want to bulk up, but want to increase strength use this form of resistance training (such as runners and swimmers).
– Free weights – The most common form of strength training is training using weights. Free weights such as dumbbells or barbells are a great option. Free weights can be used to target every muscle in the body, and you can do a number of different exercises with free weights to keep up the variety and knock off the monotony. Generally, you need a gym membership or a set of weights at home. However, beginners can use everyday household items for dumbbells, such as a couple of soup cans, or jugs of laundry soap, or anything you have that will act as a weight. You can even use a child sitting on your back while you do pushups etc.
– Weight machines – When most people think about strength training they thing weight machines. These are devices that have adjustable seats with handles attached to either weights or hydraulics that act as the resistance. So what are the benefits of weight machines over free weights? Weight machines are helpful for beginners because they guide the movement and ensure good form so there is less chance of injury, and it is like having some help. So what is the downside? With weight machines, you can’t always adjust it enough to get the perfect fit for your body size and shape.