Build Muscle and Strength the Right Way

Gaining strength and muscle is really very simple, but it takes hard work. It can be intimidating for you if you are just starting out or "have a long way to go,"but the reward is limitless. Studies have shown that having a fitness routine that includes weight training will make you healthier, live longer, get more done in your day, increase your energy, improve your sex life and boost your confidence just to name a few.

There are a lot of different ways you can take on a strength training program, but these 10 tips below are a great base to start from. Once you master the basics you can move on to just about any workout you want. If you are interested in learning the fundamentals, or have a customized workout made for you, give me a call and I can get you started.

10 tips for strength training

Tips to create a healthier you

I am about to give you 100 tips on how to get into the best shape of your life, and when I say I, what I really mean is me through Men's Health. This list gives you tips on lifting, cardio, sports, diet, injury prevention and much more. Take a look and see if you can use at least three tips per week. My bet is you will become a more healthy, happier you.

100 Best Fitness Tips

Some things to look for in your workout

Whether you are just beginning to lift or have been lifting your whole life, its always a good idea to take time to look at your workout and find places you could improve.

I know if I have had a long day or am trying to keep up with my lifting partner I tend to forget about form and the right way to do the exercise and just focus on the weight or reps. When that happens, I don't see the gains normally would by just doing the exercise properly.

Every few weeks, I recommend you go through your workout and check your form and technique for accuracy. This will help you progress faster and, most importantly, keep you injury free.

Here are a couple common mistakes and ways to correct them.

Muscle Building Exercise Upgrades

Some training secrets

For those of you out there who are dedicated lifters, we all know what it feels like to hit a plateau. You just can't seem to move up in weight and feel like you are going to be stuck where you are for the rest of your life. This article gives a couple great ideas for not only moving past your plateau, but for anyone who wants to change things up in their workout or just wants a new challenge.

Take a look and see how just adding a couple bands or chains can make a huge difference in your lifting.

The chain gang

Putting on muscle

I have had a lot of questions on how to put on muscle. Winter seems to be the time when guys want to put on their muscle so they can then thin down for the summer months. Putting on muscle is going to depend on what body type you have. I can put on muscle very fast but I have a hard time keeping weight off, others have no problem keeping weight off but putting muscle on can be a challenge. Here is a great article on building mass, take a look and see what you think.

How to build muscle

Who wants some workout tips?

One thing I have noticed about being a trainer is that everyone feels the need to talk to me about fitness no matter what the occasion. It has become a daunting task trying to keep up with all of the fitness news so I can sound like I am educated and know what I am talking about.

With that said most people are just looking for some simple tips that they can implement in their own lives. Whether it be eating tips, lifting tips or just lifestyle tips people love something that is easy and they can do.

Shape has a great list of tips that will make a difference and covers a lot of areas. If you want more tips feel free to call or email me and I will do my best to help you out.

Tips for a healthy life

Stand shoulders above the crowd.

Shoulders, like abs, are a key muscle group. Just think about your every day activity's, typing, cooking, driving, pushing yourself out of the couch. Almost any upper body workout you do is going to use your shoulders most of the time. Just about everything requires some type of shoulder strength.

This is why protecting your shoulder while working out is key. I have several friends who can't lift or play sports like they want because they don't take care of their shoulders and are always injuring them. Healthy shoulders start with your basic workout. Don't start too heavy and too involved. Start small and work your tendons and ligaments along with your muscles.

Here is a complete shoulder workout from beginning to end. It takes you through all the steps you need to build your shoulders and keep them from getting injured.

Shoulder health and protection

Getting cut without getting huge

Every woman who comes to me wants to become more toned without putting on bulk. Most guys I work with want the same thing, to strip away all the fat and reveal a cut physique. So how do you accomplish this?

AskMen has a great article that will get you started, after that give me a call and I can help you attain your goal.

Lift weights without getting huge

Building a Better Bench

Have you hit a plato on your bench? Are you looking for a way to change up your routine? Here is a great tip Men's Fitness has for building a stronger bench:
Bench Press 101