Resistance training is an
excellent way to build your muscles. There are multiple types, so you can
choose a variety to create a workout schedule that's the best for you. You'll
want to ensure that you work for different muscle groups so you don't strain any
one group.
There are five types of
resistance training that you can use to build muscles. We'll cover all of the
best ones in this article, so keep reading. Let's begin!
Before diving into the five
types of resistance training, we need to define what it is briefly. Resistance
training is when your muscles become stronger through lifting or moving weight,
which can be in the form of your body weight or an external item. Some good
examples of resistance training include using dumbbells or kettlebells.
Essentially, Variable resistance training has you push or pull against the resistance of
something. It's different from strength training, which focuses on using large
amounts of muscle tissue.
Overall, resistance
training is easy to do at home. You can use equipment, but you don't have to,
so it's very versatile. Below you'll find five options that you should
implement into your training routine.
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Free weight training
involves resistance from other objects. These often include barbells or
dumbbells, although you could also use medicine balls and more. Unlike
machines, free weights don't limit how you move, so you'll need to ensure
you're using the proper form.
Free weight training is
very effective, and you can easily add it to any resistance routine. You'll
slowly add more weight and, therefore, more resistance over time. As you do so,
you'll increase your muscle mass.
Starting free weight
training is fun and straightforward. You'll want to start with a shorter
session, with 60 seconds of rest between your sets. The more you do weight
training, the easier the process becomes.
In short, free weight
training is one of the best resistance training types to build muscle. There
are plenty of different pieces of resistance equipment you can use, so you're
sure to find one you enjoy. Plus, you can always spice up your routine by using
different tools each time.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Weight training on a
machine is slightly different from using free weights. Your movements become
restricted to what you can do on the machine. An example of this would be using
the lateral pull-down machine. You have resistance from the weight, which the
machine controls. You can also use the machine to adjust the resistance you
feel when pulling.
Weight machine training is
usually easier when it comes to your form. Since you have to stay within the
machine, there should feel like there's a "right" way to use it.
However, weight machines aren't as versatile as free weights.
Overall, machine weights
are also very effective at building muscle. You can easily adjust the
resistance the machine puts on you, so you can change it when you need to
challenge yourself more. They're even easy to learn how to use, so don't skip
them when you're at the gym.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Next, resistance bands are
another very popular type of training you can use to build muscle. You pull on
the band, which causes your muscles to contract, building strength with more
repetition.
There are multiple types of
bands that you can use. You'll find beginner bands, bands for physical therapy,
and more! You must briefly research any brands you're interested in to ensure
you get something that'll work well for you.
Resistance bands are
inexpensive and great for muscle activation. They're a great place to start if
you want to get into resistance training. Resistance bands strengthen your
muscles as effectively as traditional gym equipment.
So, resistance bands are
perfect for beginners looking to build their muscles! You'll have plenty of workout
options with them, too, so you'll never get bored.
Weighted or medicine balls
are another great tool that you can use to build muscle through resistance.
There are plenty of exercises, so you'll have a lot of variety. You'll feel the
burn in your arms and core as you move, lift, and throw the ball.
Medicine ball training can
even be more effective than traditional strength training, according to a study conducted in 2007. It strengthens more of your muscles as you move with the ball,
giving you a full-body workout instead of a single muscle one.
Overall, weighted balls are
another excellent option for muscle training. Like traditional gym equipment,
you can find the balls in various colors, weights, and styles. You'll want to
choose one that's easy to grip and use.
Lastly, you can always use
your body weight to work out - you don't need any equipment to get in a good
resistance training session. The resistance can come from you pushing against
your weight instead.
There are so many different
exercises that you can do at home right now to build muscle. Some of these
include:
● Lunges
● Push-ups
● Sit-ups
● Mountain climbers
● Planks
● And squats
There are plenty of videos
that you can find online that guide you through a full-body workout using these
exercises. Make sure you practice using the correct form, so you don't hurt
yourself.
You can build a lot of
muscle by just using your body weight. Many people start with no equipment,
then use it when the exercise feels too easy for them without the extra
resistance.
To conclude, resistance
training is perfect for building muscle. You can use free weights or your body
weight in your workouts. Many gyms have plenty of equipment for you to use, but
you can always train at home using simple tools.
Resistance training is fun, especially when you start seeing results. You'll build muscle in no time, as long as you stick with a consistent routine. Since there's a lot of variety with resistance training, you can always switch it up and do something different every single day.