Muscle strength training

Muscle strength training

Today it is widely accepted that muscle strength training is the most important factor in building solid muscles, losing fat, increasing endurance and generally promoting health.

Before we begin, let's define strength training. It is the method of exercise by which we increase or maximize our physical strength. It is divided into two subcategories:

a) Strength training and muscle building

b) Strength training without increasing body weight

Let's start with the second category. Strength training without weight gain refers to athletes who use strength to achieve their goals. They increase their strength through their athletic activity without adding a notable amount of weight to their body. For example, bikers, swimmers, hikers and soccer players train to increase their strength, but only to achieve their goals.

On the other hand, in weightlifting and bodybuilding, strength is achieved by adding mass and building muscle. Strength training in bodybuilding is most often part of an annual schedule.

Another question would be why strength is so important. Here are some reasons:

1) Increased stamina

Strength training has been scientifically proven to increase endurance. Better endurance means longer training, which is what we all strive for.

2) More muscles

Being stronger means lifting more and lifting more simply means more muscle. These two factors are closely related. Developing strength inevitably leads to adding more muscle mass.

3) Strength creates self-confidence

When you are physically strong, you also feel mentally strong. Stronger people are much more confident and disciplined, which makes achieving their goals much easier.

4) Lose fat

I left the best for last. What many people don't realize is that working on your strength is the best way to lose fat! It helps to increase metabolism and therefore lose weight more easily.

Now that we've identified some of the benefits of muscle strength training, let's see how we can build our strength:

a) Try to reach your limits

Give your strength an extra boost by doing one or two more reps than you normally would.

b) More reps less weight

This is the best training method to increase your strength. Keep your rep range at 10 to 12 and weight load at 70% of your maximum lift.

c) More speed

Perform the exercises faster to engage more muscle fibers in the movement. Greater muscle fiber involvement ultimately leads to an increase in strength.

Muscle strength training is mandatory for every athlete, regardless of their sporting activity. It is the basic element for any muscle or body development.

Keep those muscles pumping!

Inspired by Chris G Pap