Monday, February 2, 2009

Creating Your Own Strength Training Program

I rarely tune in to morning talk/news shows. It has most to do with the fact that the kids rule the television (when I allow it on) during that time and it's basically glued to PBS kids shows. I don't mind at all, as I spend most of my time either typing away on the computer or doing laundry!

This morning I happened to watch the first part of Studio 5, and caught a segment by their Health and Fitness expert who had worked to put together a program to help with basic strength training. As one of my big goals this year is taking control of my health, even if I'm able to improve it just a smidge, I decided to check it out online.

The moves really are basic, and they're well described. She not only gives directions as to how many reps to do, and how long to rest between reps, she also gives pictures. One shows a beginning position, the other shows how your ending position should look.

Seven areas are included in the workout (those areas being legs, back, biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders and abs), and each area is given three different techniques.

The beauty about this system, besides being very easy to do, is you can decide what to work on and which technique you'd like to try. You don't have to stick to the same workout every time. You don't even have to work the same area every time. If you want to work on all seven in one day, go ahead. Make your own workout plan for the week, then switch things up the next by choosing different techniques. If you have a problem area and would like to work on just one, like your back or triceps, not a problem.

Many of the techniques require weights and an exercise ball. I personally don't have a ball (I shudder at the thought of what a good time my kids would have with it), but have some light weights I bought cheap at Wal-mart. 5 and 10 pound weights were used on the show, but until you're able to figure out how much weight your muscles can handle, I'd strongly recommend sticking with 2 or 3 pound weights. Don't forget to listen to your body's warning signals: unusual pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, etc. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

If you'd like to check it out go to Creating a Custom Workout. At the bottom of the screen you'll see the phrase "Click HERE to download...". That will take you to the printed workout.

1 comment:

Josie and Wayne said...

That's pretty cool that you found that. Before I got pregnant this time, I was going to the byu channel website and doing their exercises. It was fun, and they switch off doing yoga, kickboxing and aerobics. It was better than doing the same old exercise video every day. Anyway, I do yoga now during the pregnancy and I love it! It helps me sleep better and is helping me become more flexible. I recomend yoga to everyone!