No matter who you are or what you do you can benefit from a strength training plan. However, thanks to the media, magazines, and perhaps your own observations of the so-called “meat heads” at the gym over the years, you may be a little reluctant to try strength training. Here are the most common excuses about strength training debunked and hopefully when you’re done reading this you’ll be ready to add strength training into your routine.
I’m Too Weak To Lift Free Weights
First let’s be clear on what “free weights” are exactly. Basically free weights are any weights that you lift that aren’t connected to a cable. You may be picturing Arnold Schwarzenegger in your mind but in reality all ages and genders can and do lift free weights. When starting a strength training program I have beginners follow a pattern of linear progression. Quite simply this means that you start off lifting a manageable amount of weight and increase the weight at the next workout. People can be fearful of adding heavier weights so quickly but the body will adapt. The really good news is that in the first 12 weeks of strength training people see rapid results. The trick of continuing the results is to adjust the program after those initial weeks of improvement. With proper guidance this can be achieved.
For example, I’ve coached women in their 20s and 30s to 300+ lb. squats and 330+ lb. deadlifts, as well as, 155+ lb. bench presses.
Lifting Free Weights Causes You to Bulk Up Too Much
Simple fact: strength training programs will make you stronger. However, they don’t have to make you look like the Incredible Hulk. In fact most people who employ strength training programs don’t bulk up like a bodybuilder unless they’re eating a crazy amount of calories a day and working on bulking up for many hours throughout the week.
Some clients come into the strength training program with a tangible goal of wanting more definition in their muscles. With the right program and proper dedication of the client this is an achievable goal and the end result looks aesthetically pleasing.
I Don’t Have Time for Machines
Here’s the thing, you don’t actually need machines to get stronger. The strength training program I use only utilizes free weights because it’s far more effective. Plus machines are usually very specific to certain muscles which means it takes longer to workout your body because you’re traveling to various machines in a circuit.
Getting stronger is a good thing. Examples of the benefits of a strength training program are:
- Chronic back ache relief
- Improvement in athletic performance
- Increase in self image and confidence
- Less prone to injury
Don’t let ill preconceived notions block you from some of the amazing benefits of strength training.
If you’re in the Chicago area and would like a consultation contact me using the link below.
