Weight Lifting - Ten Top Tips

Written by Bernice Eker

Not all people who love to exercise are fond of lifting weights.
There are people who engage in physical activities like running, jogging, rowing, kickboxing, taekwondo, etc. to become well built but will never lift weights. This is probably because they have formed in their minds the idea that when you lift weight, your muscles grow big and rock hard. Or probably, they think that weight lifting is not easy.

To encourage people to lift weights, here are 10 Weight Lifting Tips that you can follow.

Weight lifting tip # 1. Know the benefits of lifting weights.
Knowing the possible benefits that you can get from weight lifting will help motivate you to get into it. It is but practical and natural for anybody to desire to know what they can attain from something before they get into it. Here are some of the benefits that one can achieve from weight lifting.
*    Weight lifting develops toned muscles, not necessarily rock hard muscles.
*    Weight lifting raises ones metabolism.
*    Weight lifting helps reduce fat.
*    Weight lifting improves circulation.
*    Weight lifting helps lower blood pressure.  

Weight lifting tip # 2. Set your goal.
When you set your goals, they have to be specific. Your goals should also be measurable. You cant just say that your goal is to lose weight or to have a smaller waist or to have bigger chest. You have to identify how much weight you want to lose like 3 lbs in 3 weeks, or how small you want your waist to be like 76 centimeters after 4 weeks or how big you want your chest to be like 91 centimeters 3 months.
Just always bear in mind that the goal that you will set should be realistic. Do not always aim for something too high that you know you cant achieve. This will just make you frustrated and will lead to you dropping your goal entirely.

Weight lifting tip # 3. Choose an environment where you will be most comfortable in.
You have to make sure that the place where you will lift weights will provide you with an encouraging or motivating environment. For example, if you are the type who gets bored easily, try to avoid gyms that are small with a small number of people working out. With many people around doing the same things that you do, you will be motivated to do your program. If you however, is the type who easily gets discouraged, avoid gyms where you will be lifting weights with people who already have well built muscles. You might get discouraged by the difference in how you are progressing compared to them.
In general, it will be more encouraging if you workout with people you know and you are comfortable with.   

Weight lifting tip # 4. Warm up before lifting weights.
Warm up conditions your body to the proceeding major workouts. This also lessens possibilities of injuries to your muscles and bones.

Weight lifting tip # 5. Regularly monitor your progress.
Since you already listed your goals from the start, you will be able to check where you are at and how you are doing. This way you will have a clear idea if you are progressing well or if you will need to make some changes in your program.
However, you have to remember always that you cannot achieve your goals overnight. Do not get discouraged if you are progressing slowly. This is why in tip number 2, it is said that your goal should be realistic.

Weight lifting tip # 6. Regularly change your routine.
Doing the same things over and over isnt motivating. It will make the whole process boring.

Weight lifting tip # 7. Always have somebody to watch while you lift weights.
This tip is suggested to ensure safety while you are lifting weights especially if you are lifting heavy weights. A spotters role is to prevent accidents first and foremost.

Weight lifting tip # 8. Give your body enough time to rest.
You need to rest to ensure that you are always at your optimum when you lift weights. You will just be wasting time and effort if you lift weights when your body is down.
You always have to remember that tissues in our body get worn out whenever they are used so it is but proper to give your body time to repair itself.

Weight lifting tip # 9. Hydrate.
It is important to always drink lots of water when working out. You will not be able to build muscles if you are dehydrated. Other body processes also get affected by dehydration.

Weight lifting tip # 10. Reward yourself.
When you achieve your goal, give yourself a reward. You deserve that for persevering to achieve your goals.



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