Training

There are many different principles and theories when it comes to training with weights for a better looking body, but the only ones that are universal are consistency and hard work. Whether you are simply trying to lose some weight and tone up or you are getting ready for a competition or photo shoot; consistency and working hard are the keys.

If you are training with enough intensity doing each body part once per week is all you should need, some people like to train each bodypart twice weekly which is fine and will get great results but don’t push it too hard at each session, personally I prefer intensity over quantity. The goal is to nurture and coax your body into the shape you desire not tear it down. If you train too often your body will never get a chance to fully recover. This is referred to as over-training. Progress will slow down dramatically or possibly come to a halt (not what you want). Sometimes I will get to the gym before realizing I am not fully recovered. If this is the case, I go home and return the next day after some more rest.

Basic exercises are still the best whether you want to be the next Mr. Olympia or simply want to get into great shape. There are no new fancy machines or exercises that can do a better job than the basic exercises that have been around since before Arnolds' time. Machines definitely do have their place but I advise not to rely on them alone.

Now, weight training to improve your physique is much simpler than most people think, but at the same time much more complicated. All you need to do is train each muscle hard in its most complete and naturally biomechanical way. You don’t need to do any crazy complicated exercises, the basic exercises work best, this is the simple part. The seemingly complicated part is to make the muscle contract with as close to perfect form as you can with 100% intensity. The weight shouldn’t be looked at as something you have to lift (well of course it is but try looking at it from this angle)…You want to contract the specific muscle you are training with as much force and intensity as you can, making it work in it’s most ideal way. You want to make each and every rep count so that the muscle is being contracted as perfectly and intensely as possible. The weight is just extra resistance that makes it harder for the muscle, making it bigger, firmer and stronger over time to adjust to the extra resistance. Simple but seemingly complicated.

If a lean and muscular or lean and toned body is what you are after, cardiovascular exercise (cardio) or aerobics is a very important part of achieving that goal also. Your body will predominantly use fat as fuel when doing your cardio sessions, you’ll also give your metabolism a boost for the day. Going for a walk every morning helps you burn fat, keeps your body fit and healthy and is a great way to start the day!!!