If you're looking to get in shape, or tone up those loose muscles, one of the best ways to achieve your goal is through strength training. The beauty of strength training is that you can see results very quickly, and you can also begin your programme of training in your own home, with very minimal resources and a couple of spare hours in the week. In this article we'll look at some of the key ways you can train your body to tone up and get in shape in no time to leave you looking and feeling great.
Before you begin any course of exercise or training, it is essential that you take into account your current medical health, and any underlying conditions which you may be suffering from. Take the time to visit your doctor, and ask for a general health check. He should be able to advise you on the best types of exercise for your body and health, and should be able to recommend a suitable course of action. Of course seeing a doctor regularly is a good idea anyway, but it is utterly essential when it comes to embarking on a programme of strength training.
Strength training might carry connotations of muscle men and women, but this isn't the whole picture. In fact, strength training can just be used to tone up and keep fit, and it is an excellent way of doing so. One of the first exercises you can do in your own home is the crunch. Lie flat on your back and bend your knees. Bending at the waist, sit up until you feel the muscles in your abdomen 'crunching' and then release. Repeat this process for 10 reps three times a day to see quick results. If you find this is too painful on your back, you can always lie on a bed, although take care not to bounce your way up, or to establish a rhythm. Another great exercise at home is the push up.
Lie face down on the floor and use your hands and arms to support your upper body. Extend your legs fully and rest on your toes. Lower and raise yourself steadily to strengthen the arms and stomach muscles. Alternatively, kneel with your legs, for a push that is less of a strain, and easier to pull off. Again with regular repetition, you'll feel the difference in no time.
