Knowing how to start training feels like it should be something obvious…until you decide to do it. That’s when it turns out that it’s not necessarily something that will come to you as automatically as going for a walk every day for a bit of a cardio workout. That said, even if things look a bit daunting at first, there’s nothing to worry about it. Yes, there is a learning curve, but it’s not nearly as complicated as it first appears.
Why Start Weight Training in the First Place?
Cardio is fantastic for your body and should be done on a regular basis. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s the only type of workout your body needs. When you start weight training, you’re working your body in an entirely different and highly beneficial way. Moreover, it’s not just about your muscles. Yes, you are building strength in your muscles, but there is a growing body of evidence that these workouts go far beyond that.
When you start weight training, you also work all the supporting tissues such as the ligaments and tendons around your joints. Furthermore, it also has substantial effects on your body composition and even the strength of your bones.
Do You Need a Gym Membership?
Many people absolutely love the gym and find it easy to start weight training there because of the spectrum of equipment available, as well as the assistance that staffers have to offer. However, a gym membership is certainly not a requirement. If you have a bit of space – about the same amount you’d need to do yoga – and a few dumbbells, hand weights and/or kettle bells, you have everything you need to begin.
Leaving Old Theories Behind
One of the most important things to do as you start weight training is to begin with a fresh perspective. Leave old theories behind, particularly those that are completely outdated and that have been replaced with newer knowledge since you learned them.
For instance, delaying meals until after you exercise and doing your workouts on an empty stomach. This is now known to spike your cortisol levels because it stresses the body. As a result, strategies involving workouts on an empty stomach frequently backfire, causing people to be hungrier after workouts than they’d otherwise be, and gain weight as a result of overeating in response to that hunger.
Instead, choose your fuel wisely and use resistance training to gradually build your muscle tissue. This strategy to start weight training is not only more pleasant and less stressful, but it also helps you to build a better relationship with your workouts. At the same time, it reduces your risk of injury. Gradually, you’ll build more lean muscle, and your body will burn through more calories, reducing your risk of weight gain over time – or supporting your efforts to lose, if that’s what you’re working on.