Strength Training for Beginners

Starting strength training for beginners can be a daunting task. The gym is intimidating, you feel out of shape, and there are tons of different exercise routines and workouts, each promising better results than the next.

So, where do you start?

Weight training is one of the best methods of strength training! If you want to start weight training safely and effectively, with the best info, diet, and routines, check out the 5 Day Beginner Weight Training Course!

• Keep it Simple

Find a simple workout program. Choose a workout program that focuses on just a few large lifts. A routine with the bench press, squat, deadlift, and one or two other lifts is great.

You're not competing in the Olympics just yet. A simple program with 5-8 lifts 3 days a week will work out fine for your first few months.

• Start Gradually

How long do you intend to keep exercising? A month, two, a year, or for the rest of your life?

All of those seem like heavy, long term commitments. Instead, think of exercising as something you will playfully try for just, say, 30 days.

If you like it you can keep going, and if not you can drop it. But give it a good try for that time. If it's hard you can always tell yourself, "Just 20 more days till all I have to do is lie on the couch eating Ben & Jerry's!"

• Form a Habit

This is a commonly overlooked aspect of strength training for beginners. For the 30 days you’ll be exercising - decide to go to the gym regularly (say, 3 times a week) and GO.

If you're tired? Go. Lazy? Go. Injured? Go. Yes, GO.

Don't hurt yourself, but always go even if you're not going to workout. Even if you hurt yourself, just go and walk on a treadmill or sit down and read a book.

In the beginning you're building the habit of going to the gym, more than earth-shattering strength and brawn. That habit creation is powerful and very much worth it.

And once you're there, working out doesn't seem as tiring and intimidating as it did at home in your easy chair.

• Enjoy Yourself

Most importantly, enjoy yourself at the gym. Go around midday when there aren't a lot of intimidatingly fit people.

Chat with the staff when you go. Make friends.

If you need to learn lifts, hire a personal trainer for a few workouts to give you a good start. That'll motivate you, and you'll get the info about correct lifting technique you need.

Find a gym that's welcoming and that you like. You don't have to be in macho-unfriendly-iron-gym-central to get a great workout.

And flirt with the cute guys and gals there once you've finished you workout.

Strength training for beginners doesn't have to be brutal. It can be fun, rewarding, and become an activity that adds to your life.

Oh, and be sure to sign up for the e-zine Starting Strong to get monthly strength training, exercise, and diet tips e-mailed to you - and access to the free e-book Train Smart, Eat Smart: Exercise Nutrition Hacks!

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