Graig posted on August 10, 2015 11:28
The first day in the strength training facility should set the tone for all workouts that follow it. Going in with a sharp, concise plan will go a long way in fighting that sensation of panic and possibly feeling overwhelmed. The options that are offered are endless and the trick is to find the best way to minimize your weaknesses while maximizing your strengths.
When first entering the facility more often than not, the first thing you will see is the cardio equipment; this may consist of bikes, rowing machines, elliptical machines or even upper body ergo meters, machines of this type are designed to strength your lungs and heart and are good for “warming up” the body in preparation for getting ready to raise your training intensity. These machines are also quite beneficial at burning fat, increasing basal metabolic rates, decreasing your risk for heart disease and increasing your overall sense of well-being. No activity or machine is better than another, the effectiveness is based on how hard, how often, and how long you engine in your chosen activity.
Strength training equipment in the weight room will be a mix of machines and free weights. Machines generally utilize “selectorized” plates to operate. The user will slide a pin into a stack of weights at the desired amount. Free weights involve barbells and dumbbells, which are hand held and very versatile in their use. They allow the user to work on numerous planes and ranges of motions, and an extra feature is that it also helps the body with proprioception, or balance. All kinds of strength training equipment are effective in challenging the muscles in the body to grow and have greater endurance.
Please be aware, that it’s not the weight equipment itself that creates the results, the results are dictated by your training protocol, and your genetic makeup.
The recipe for a good training protocol is having a strong commitment, being consistent and sticking to safe and effective exercise guidelines. Is it worth the time, effort and money to invest in hiring a qualified fitness professional when first starting out? I say yes, you stand to gain a better understanding of exactly how each exercise benefits you as it pertains to your goals. The trainer will help set up guidelines that map out how hard, how long, and how often to train and the appropriate progressions to follow for a safe, effective, and rewarding training protocol.
Once you understand why and the how you’ll be well on your way to being a motivated exerciser.
Written by Graig White
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