Monday, September 19, 2011

Not a costly investment

Resistance training is using weights or bands to create resistance in muscle contraction. So, does that mean you have to spend a lot of money on equipment? The short answer is no. However, it really depends on what you are trying to do and what your goals are.

If you want to look like you spend 20 plus hours a week at the gym, guess what, you have to spend 20 hours a week at the gym (or close to it, and perhaps you may need more than 20 hours). If you want to look like perhaps you could lose a few pounds ( just a few), but enjoy being active and enjoy every calorie that passes your lips, then you can create your own resistance at low or no cost.

Building muscle mass requires heavy weights for low repetitions. Toning requires lower weights and more repetitions. If you are not a "gym rat" I suggest toning. Toning can be accomplished with things that are around the house. Cans of food weigh a pound or so. A gallon of water weighs 8.33 pounds. You can use bricks or cinder blocks. Be imaginative, or just go to the local "big box" store and spend a few bucks.

Using lighter weights does not preclude you from gaining muscle. You WILL gain muscle. Your arms will be more muscular, as will your chest and legs if you put in the work. You will not, however, be "bulky."

Other resistance training includes push-ups and pull-ups. Each additional type of training that you do, will combine with the other types to make you more fit and a happier person. The more that you do, the more that you will be able to do. Try it and you'll see.

Be active, be happy

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