Weight Training
The concept of weight training as a goal that only applies to men who are working toward a world class title is a thing of the past. Today, many people - men and women alike - become involved in a regular program of weight training in order to attain better health, tone and overall muscle condition. Don't believe for a moment that you can simply pick up a barbell and expect to achieve muscle fitness without some knowledge of how muscles work, as well as the "dos and don'ts" of weight training. Without careful attention to the details, you might just end up damaging that which you're trying to strengthen. Strengthening Your Muscles Muscles are, of course, responsible for providing the body with the necessary strength to perform a variety of functions. In order to build your muscles, however, some form of muscle or weight training must be integrated into your regular routine. Muscles will only be strengthened when they're pushed beyond their normal limit of functionality - thus, the need for a regimen of intense exercise which targets the particular muscles that you're striving to build. There are a few ways that this can be achieved: a variety of specific exercises, the gradual addition of extra weight to barbells or other muscle resistance equipment, and repetitive movements with a weight that targets the same set of muscles. Weight Training Exercises Depending upon the muscle groups that you're attempting to build, there are specific exercises that will need to be done in order to achieve your desired goal. While there are numerous types that may be employed by a weight training coach, there are some basics that can be found in most health club programs. These include bench presses - for specific shoulder and elbow muscle groups that are designed to build upper body strength; sit ups - used to strengthen the abdominal muscles; leg presses - targeting specific knee and hip muscles in order to develop lower body strength; bicep curls - for strengthening and toning the arms; leg curls - utilized to strengthen and develop the lower portion of the hamstrings; and chest presses - used to strengthen chest muscles. How Muscles Work The movement of a muscle - or group of muscles - is achieved through electrical charges that are relayed by the central nervous system. In order to realize the goal of optimum muscle building capacity, exercises that require the greatest degree of electrical