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Training Tips :Strength Training Guidelines

Sample Lower Body WorkoutSample Upper Body Workout

Exercise Guidelines:

  1. Perform each repetition properly to maintain tension on the muscles through a full range of motion.
  2. Perform each set to the point of momentary muscular failure/fatigue to ensure a proper overload (between 10-15 reps).
  3. Keep your rest intervals to a minimum to elicit an overall conditioning effect.
  4. Increase the resistance once the desired reps have been achieved to ensure progression.
  5. Train hard - give 100% effort every time you strength train!
Safety:
  • Perfect exercise technique and form prior to utilizing additional resistance.
  • Perform every movement in a slow, controlled, and deliberate fashion with special emphasis focused on the eccentric (negative) phase of each lift.
  • Work within an appropriate repetition range (6-25 reps/set for most adults).
Time Efficiency:
  • Use a limited number of sets and exercises each workout (brief yet intense workouts).
  • Minimize rest intervals ("circuit") to induce an overall conditioning effect.
Productivity:
  • Train the entire body equally (include all muscle groups) to ensure muscle balance.
  • Train at a high level of intensity (as close to muscular fatigue as possible).
  • Utilize a predetermined method of progression and record all pertinent workout data.

Program Design:

Frequency: 2-3 workouts a week

Duration: 20-40 minutes per workout

Volume: 1-3 sets per exercise, 8-16 total exercises per workout

Intensity: Perform each set to a point that no other "quality" repetitions are possible (muscle failure/muscle fatigue)

Repetition Ranges: 6-25 repetitions per set (reaching muscle fatigue prior to 6 repetitions means the resistance is "too heavy" and increases orthopedic stress)

Equipment: Utilize what is available - free weights, machines, manual resistance, etc.

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