Resistance Training

There are many forms of exercise you can do, and one popular form is resistance training. Why do resistance training? Resistance training increases muscle strength by pitting the muscles against a weight or force. This then builds muscles because the muscle cells adapt to the extra workload by getting bigger. There are many different kinds of resistance training you can do, but it is important to recognize that resistance and strength training are two different terms for the same thing, so don't let that confuse you. They are both simply activities that build muscle.
Using free weights is a great way to do resistance training. You can use weights such as dumbbells or barbells, and use these same weights in different ways to target every muscle in the body. This is a great way to get started with resistance or strength training.

Another great way to start is with resistance bands. Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands. The reason resistance bands are great for beginners is that they can be adapted to most workouts. For example, to work the biceps you step on the band and hold the other end in your fist and curl up and down. These also offer another great benefit in that unlike free weights, the bands provide continuous resistance throughout the movement, so they give you more for each movement, although they are best for gentle shaping and toning as they don't exert as much force on the muscle as a free weights.

You can also do strength training on weight machines. Most people choose to use weight machines at a gym, but you can also purchase them for your home. These are devices that have adjustable seats with handles attached to either weights or hydraulics. Like the above two options, weight machines are good for beginners as well, although for different reasons. Weight machines are helpful for beginners because they guide the movement and ensure good form, so even if you aren't 100% sure what you are doing, you are likely to do it right.

Most of the above options require a gym pass, or some equipment, and not everyone likes to work out with equipment. However, you can do resistance training, or strength training with just your own body weight. An example would be when you use your own body weight to do bent-knee sit-ups, abdominal curls, push-ups, and chin-ups. The only drawback to this free convenient method of strength training is that once you are strong enough to cope with your own body weight, you can't add any more resistance without turning to devices such as resistance bands or free weights. So it is a great place to start, but you will eventually need something more.

With resistance training there are some things you will want to do, for example you need to tailor your workout to address specific body areas, but also be sure to maintain balance. If you want bigger and stronger arms, you need to use exercises that target the particular muscles involved. But you do not want to be too big there and whimpy somewhere else. I am sure you have seen guys with chicken legs and then huge built tops. not too cute. While doing your exercises, you also want to be sure to use a full range of motion as it helps work the muscle fully and reduces the risk of joint injury. You also want to maintain control of the weights at all time, and gradually progress to heavier weights and more repetitions. Gradual is the key word! Also, it is very important that you give your body some time to recover. You essentially tear your muscles, and they must have a chance to rebuild. So, give yourself a break, maybe only work out every other day at first, or give yourself rest between sets. Decide what you are going to do to rest, and make sure you stick with it.
Make sure you enjoy using the many different forms of resistance exercises, and always remember to give yourself plenty of recovery time.