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There are three basic types of weight
training methods:
1. Training for muscular
endurance and definition
2. Training for strength
3. Training for power and
muscle mass
You should select a training method
that reflects both your present fitness
level and your long term goals. You
should begin carefully and with proper
professional guidance. You can always
move from one training method to
another as you progress.
If you are beginner, you should start
slowly and carefully, gradually increasing
the frequency and intensity of your
training. Always play it safe – be realistic
about your goals and your schedule.
Realistic goals are safer and easier to
follow.
Which is the right training method
for you? First, take a look at your
present physique and determine your
objectives. Do you want a trim, toned,
well-defined body? Are you involved in
a sport where speed, strength and
power are most important? Maybe you
want bulging muscles and a terrific
V-shape torso so you look great on the
beach. Once you make a decision on
what the final results should be, you
can set up your personal program
using the proper training method to
achieve your goals.
Which training method is right for you?
DESIGNING YOUR PERSONAL ROUTINE
FOR MUSCULAR
ENDURANCE & DEFINITION
This training method incorporates
achieving and maintaining a high
cardiovascular (heart) rate and helps
burn away excess fatty tissue. It also
adds muscle definition and muscular
endurance to your entire body.
Exercises are most commonly
performed for 15 to 20 repetitions and
3 to 4 sets using a light to moderate
weight. The rest period between sets
should be about 30 seconds. These
short rest intervals will help maintain an
elevated heart rate and prevent the
muscles from cooling down.
FOR STRENGTH
This type of training is the most
popular of the three and is designed
specifically for increasing strength
throughout the muscle and the
muscle-tendon junction. This type of
training is especially important for
athletes. Normally, exercises are
performed using moderate to heavy
weight for 8 to 12 repetitions and 2 to 3
sets. The rest period between sets
should be from 60 to 90 seconds. This
allows a degree of muscle recovery
before you hit them again.
FOR POWER
AND MUSCLE MASS
This is the method most often used by
bodybuilders and is recommended
only for the intermediate and
advanced lifter. The weights used are
heavy — this shocks the muscles and
stimulates a more rapid increase in
muscle size. Usually exercises are
performed for 2 to 6 repetitions and
3 to 4 sets using very heavy weight.
The rest period between sets should
be from 3 to 4 minutes. The prolonged
rest periods allow ample time for
recovery between sets.
DETERMINE YOUR
TRAINING METHOD
FIRST:
You need to decide which of the above training methods is
best suited to accomplish your personal goals.
SECOND:
Study the exercise poster that came with your Body-Solid
machine and select one or two exercises per body part (body
parts are listed to the left of the exercise pictures). Be sure to
include exercises for all body parts. If you leave out certain
body parts your exercise routine and your body will not be
balanced. If you are trying to increase muscle mass or
increase strength to a muscle group it is alright to add extra
exercises to the area you are particularly concerned about.
THIRD:
Coordinate your body part exercise program and your
personal schedule. If you select one exercise per body part
you can normally do your entire routine in the same workout.
If you choose to do more than 12 exercises you may decide
to divide your workout routine into upper and lower body
exercises. You can split your schedule to work upper body
one day and lower body the next day. Remember to rest each
particular muscle group 48 hours before working it again.
FOURTH:
Order the exercises in your routine so you are working the
large muscle groups first and the small muscle groups last.
FIFTH:
Keep a record! Write down the exercises, number of sets,
number of reps and the amount of resistance (weight).
BEGINNER’S SAMPLE WORKOUT ROUTINE
WHEN TRAINING FOR DEFINITION
Exercise Reps Sets
Bench / Chest Press 15 to 20 3 or 4
Lat Pulldown 15 to 20 3 or 4
Shoulder Press 15 to 20 3 or 4
Tricep Pressdown 15 to 20 3 or 4
Bicep Curl 15 to 20 3 or 4
Leg Press/Squat 15 to 20 3 or 4
Leg Extension 15 to 20 3 or 4
Leg Curl 15 to 20 3 or 4
Calf Raise 15 to 20 3 or 4
Ab Crunch 20 to 30 3 or 4
Rest period between sets should be about 30 seconds.
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