Sports

A Guide to Weight Training

Claire Miles
Mar 18, 2023

Weight training is an excellent way to strengthen your muscles. Whether you are incorporating weight training in your workout schedule for weight loss or building muscles, you will benefit in terms of stronger muscles, bones, and joints. This results in the added benefit of a faster metabolism because you will be burning more calories even in a resting state. Weight lifting is also not limited to your younger age groups. With the right guidance, people from older age groups can also practice weight training. It’s never too late! This article is a guide for those starting out with weight training.

Wide shot of woman spotting friend bench pressing while working out in home gym - stock photo

Getty Images / DigitalVision / Thomas Barwick

If you have never done weight training before, it is a good idea to start out with a certified trainer. This ensures that you learn proper form for specific exercises, otherwise you may end up damaging your bones when lifting weights. You can also seek guidance from free online videos to help you get started. One common misconception of weight training is that you need weights to build muscles. While they are one way to build lean muscle mass and tone your body, they are only one way. This can also be done through strength training exercises, such as pushups, lunges, or any exercises that require your body weight to provide resistance.

Some of the most common equipment while weight training includes dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. These are readily available at all gyms and fitness centers, but if you are working out at home you can easily purchase them. Adjustable weight dumbbells cost as low as $50. As you add more weight to them, the price increases. Kettlebells are weighted balls with handles and are commonly used for a full-body workout. Resistance bands are a popular piece of equipment used to add an extra kick to your workout.