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Lift Some Weight!

Posted By: Blair on 12/01/2010

Studies show there are so many benefits to incorporating strength training into your daily exercise routine--even if you're an avid cardio-exerciser.  Building lean muscle tissue is the key to increased metabolic function, injury prevention, balance and core stability, improved strength and endurance, as well as overall health.  The question is, "How much weight do I need to lift?"  The truth is, maximum weight with good form is a great goal.  When training with weights, whether dumbbells, bands or your own body weight, the muscles have to achieve short-term "failure" to reap the benefits of the exercise.  This means that the last few reps of each exercise should be challenging to complete--with good form, of course.  Depending on your overall goal, there are several different ranges of reps you should aim for:  If your goal is stregth and muscle size, you'll aim for lower reps with heavy weights; but if your goal is muscle endurance and tone, you'll shoot for a higher range with lighter weights.  (Just remember, first and foremost is technique and your safety.)  This may seem like a lot to take in, and that's where we come in.