Strength training, otherwise known as resistance training or weight training is a hugely important aspect of any fitness programme or routine. Not only does it help your muscles become stronger but it’s also great for burning calories, increasing your metabolism and improving the shape and appearance of your body through fat loss.
While many may associate strength training with weight training, there are numerous ways in which you can take part in strength training. From free weights and resistance machines that we all use in the gym to our own body weight and resistance bands; there are numerous ways to introduce strength training into your workouts. In fact, it’s so versatile in fact that many now carry out their strength training in the comfort of their own home without any of the usual equipment you would find in the gym. Before we get on to how you can introduce strength training at home, let’s first look further into the benefits of strength training.
The Benefits Of Strength Training
As we mentioned above, strength training can lend itself to reduced body fat and increasing your metabolism but did you know research has shown that strength training can also help with the following:
- Building lean muscle
- Burning calories
- Increasing bone density
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion
- Improving cognitive functions and even overall brain health
- Improving balance and stability
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving overall mood
- Reducing symptoms of numerous chronic illnesses such as back pain and arthritis
Can You Really Strength Train At Home?
It comes as a surprise to many that you can actually strength train at home. In fact, it’s rather easy and would you believe, there are several benefits to strength training at home?
Benefits Of Strength Training At Home
- Forget travelling time and simply step into your front room or garden. This will save you so much time.
- Forget gym fees and the cost of travelling to the gym too and save yourself a fortune.
- Say goodbye to peak times and packed out weight racks as you get to work out when you want with ease.
- You also get to enjoy complete privacy.
Ready To Start Strength Training At Home?
If you think you’re ready to get started (after consulting a doctor to ensure you’re fit and well enough to begin any course of exercise), it’s a good idea to find the right space to begin working out. Whether it’s the garden or the front room, designate yourself an area big enough to swing your arms and legs easily. Then ensure it’s clear at all times. The last thing you want is to have to clear a space every time you want to workout.
If you’d like to grab a few things to make life a little easier, we suggest:
- Exercise or yoga mat
- Resistance bands
- Kettlebell
- Stability ball
If you’d rather not, simply improvise with cans of food, sandbags or even water bottles. To get started, you should also find yourself a great workout guide to follow. Luckily for you, we have a great FREE PDF created by www.fitfob.com giving you three different workouts to try in the comfort of your own home. These workouts include a mix of cardio and bodyweight exercises to get you started! Just click the link below and let us know how you get on.