Saturday, December 27, 2008

Weight Lifting Techniques and Weight Training Programs

By Wakelin Smith

Weight lifting is a power training activity which many people participate in for the purpose of building, strengthening and increasing muscle mass and also for the purpose of losing weight. Before attempting to lift weights, here are some helpful tips that can help you to achieve weight lifting success.

First and foremost, one of the key principles you'll need to master is what the appropriate weight amount you should be lifting. Know that, if you are not comfortable lifting a weight at least 15 times, you probably have the wrong weight. The best thing you can do is take it slow, lifting a single set of 15 repetitions making sure your weight amount is correct. This will go along way towards you building up strength in a fast and effect manner. If you start out lifting the incorrect weight amount, you will only wind up hurting yourself.

When working with your weight lifting techniques, you may want to skip your warm-up. This should be avoided because lifting weights is the same as other sports. With all sports activities, you need a period where you allow your body to stretch out and warm-up to avoid injury when you start weight lifting.

It is also important that weight lifters maintain a proper form while lifting weights. For example, during weight lifting your back should not be rounded. When performing upper chest workouts your incline should not be very steep, your body should be at a thirty degree angle. Your movements during lifting should be slow, smooth and continuous as oppose to fast and uneven movements. Fast and uneven movements during lifting can place unnecessary strain on your muscles and cause unwanted injuries.

If you have pain, don't attempt to work through it. Pain is a sign that something is going awry. As you progress in your workout, pain should not be a part of your practice. It usually means you are not dong something properly, and you should stop the lift, lower the weight value, wait for later or seek out someone more experienced for advice.

Rest is a part of the sport. Practicing at the correct weight with good technique and proper form requires that you give your body a chance to rest. Weight lifting is vigorous, and you don't want to overwork muscles by doing the same thing every day. It is essential that you give your muscles a chance to rest. Vary your routine and work on different muscles for the best result.

Regular breathing is very important during weight lifting. Holding in your breath during lifting can result in your blood pressure increasing to levels that can be harmful to you and your body. Breathe out as you are lifting weights and breathe in as you are bringing the weights down.

Practicing all these techniques is a way to pick up a sport and build muscle. If you work out everyday and you aren't seeing the desired results, you may need to consider your workout strategy. It might not be correct. Avoid overdoing anything and get plenty of rest as you learn. Remember not to work if you're in pain and always lift the correct amount of weight with the correct number of repetitions for maximum results. - 16732

About the Author: