We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Strength Training for Beginners?

By Kerrie Main
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,408
Share

Strength training, sometimes called weightlifting, is a popular sport. Many people start strength training because they want to build strength and confidence, lose weight or simply try out a different kind of exercise. Some people do it because they want to build muscles, and others want to participate in bodybuilding competitions or shows. No matter the reasons, most people need to follow some basic steps when starting this type of workout regimen. The best tips for strength training for beginners include incorporating several types of pre-workout exercises, setting workout schedules, creating lifting goals and eating specific types of foods before and after a workout.

Some beginners already are in shape, and others are just returning starting — or returning to — a strict workout practice. The background and history of the beginner doesn’t matter — all beginners need to stretch and warm up before attempting to lift weights. Strength training for beginners will utilize different muscle groups and challenge people to use their bodies in new ways. If a person isn’t warmed up, he or she can easily tear, sprain or strain a muscle or ligament on the first day. Doing arm and leg stretches will prepare a person for heavy lifting.

When building muscle mass, the older, smaller muscles sometimes have small, microscopic tears. This is normal in strength training for beginners, and most people experience delayed onset muscle soreness about 24 to 48 hours after a workout. When the muscle heals properly, it usually becomes stronger. If it isn’t allowed to heal, then the person might not see the desired results. The best way to avoid that is to follow a workout schedule that works different muscle groups each day, such as the legs on one day and arms the next day.

One of the biggest mistakes that occurs in strength training for beginners is when a person doesn’t go at the correct pace. Many people set themselves up for disappointment and frustration by expecting immediate results. Strength training for beginners should follow a slow, steady pace. Lifters should start with three short sets of six to 10 repetitions and gradually add more repetitions over a period of time. They should start out with weights that they feel comfortable with and slowly add more weight each week.

People who are incorporating strength training to lose weight often do not see results because they are not eating properly. Strength training for beginners usually is a lifestyle change, so the exerciser's diet needs to change as well. The best thing to eat before a workout is food high in carbohydrates, because the body will have more energy to burn. Foods high in protein, such as protein shakes and protein bars, should be consumed immediately after a workout. Protein will help the tired muscles recover more quickly.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-strength-training-for-beginners.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.