Embarking on a fitness journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for beginners or those returning after a hiatus. The pressure to perform can often result in confusion and mistakes. However, effective training is based on simplicity.
As someone who trains many clients and also has children, I understand the struggle of balancing work and family with personal health goals.
That’s why we’ve created this short blog to guide you through three easy tips that will help you start your training journey on the right path, leading to a stronger, fitter, and more successful version of yourself.
Full Active Range of Motion
One of the most important rules in training is to perform each exercise through its entire range of motion in a controlled manner (this will vary slightly from person to person, depending upon the individual’s own active range of motion). This means allowing your muscles to fully stretch and contract, which will lead to better strength gains and muscle growth.
Remember that the goal is to stimulate the muscles, not just to move weights from point A to B. Quality is always more important than quantity.
Approach Failure, But Wisely
The idea of training to failure, which means pushing your muscles to their absolute limit, is often misunderstood. While it’s not crucial for muscle growth, the muscles need to be stimulated enough to grow, and failure training can provide that stimulation.
However, it’s equally important to approach it with caution. If you’re new to this method, only use it for non-compound exercises, as these are far safer and carry minimal risk of injury. These targeted movements allow for a focused strain on specific muscles without overtaxing your system. Still, it’s essential to maintain control and ensure you’re not compromising form just to achieve one more rep. Safety and progress go hand in hand.
When the target muscle has fatigued, it’s time to stop. Don’t continue to swing the weight until your entire body has been exhausted.
Less Can Be More
When you’re new to training, it’s easy to get carried away with enthusiasm and do more than necessary. However, it’s essential to understand that, particularly in the beginning stages, less can be more effective.
Performing two well-executed sets until failure for each body part is sufficient to stimulate growth and improvement. Doing more than this not only takes up extra time but may not provide any additional benefits.
Furthermore, doing too much early on in your training can result in muscle soreness, which can hinder your ability to train consistently. It’s crucial to focus on quality and allow your body enough time to adapt and grow.
Conclusion
As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that success in training, as in life, comes from the balance of effort and patience.
By incorporating these three simple tips into your routine, you’ll set a solid foundation for your fitness journey, allowing for sustainable growth and development.
At Alpha Strong, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring that your dedication to your health mirrors the success you achieve in every other aspect of your life.
Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Start strong, stay consistent, and the results will follow.