Strength training

If you want to get in shape, strength training should be an essential part of your regular workouts. True conditioning requires a combination of cardio fitness, flexibility and strength training.

When most people think of strength training they focus on bodybuilding, and assume that the excesses sometimes seen in that sport will happen to them if they work out with weights. The truth, however, is far from that. Strength training comes in a number of guises, each effective at getting people in better shape. The main options are:

• Free weights: Using dumbbells and barbells
  
  
• Machines: There are a variety of machines that mimic the movements used in free weights
  
  
• Bands: increasingly popular with those who want a resistance workout that won't build bulk What is drawing people to these workouts is the results. Performed regularly these types of workouts can help in numerous ways:
  
  
• Appearance: Adding more muscle makes most people look better.
  
  
• Fat burning: The intensity of these workouts makes them very effective at burning off excess fat.
  
  
• Sports: This type of exercise improves performance in a whole range of sports, from football and rugby through to individual sports like tennis.
  
  
• Injury prevention: Improved muscle tone reduces your risk of injury. If any of these benefits fits your goals, then it may be time to include this tried and trusted method in your workouts.