They say that age is just a number, but when it comes to work outs and staying in shape that age factor is a definite factor in how you will approach your fitness regimen. Some people want to say that they are over 40 and they use their age as an excuse for not maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a regular workout routine.
Your age should not be used as a carte blanche permission slip not to exercise and stay fit. If you approach weight training, diet and work outs the correct way you can maintain a remarkably healthy and fit body for many years, regardless of your age. Weightlifting and bodybuilding routines can be used to increase bone density, lose weight, become healthier and more fit, and reshape your body.
It is no secret that people who keep physically fit also feel better about themselves and about life in general. People who exercise also experience the release of endorphins from the brain, which helps, maintain a sense of happiness and well-being.
When you are 40 years old and older you might want to make a couple of changes in your workout, but you do not have to be victim of the publicity about aging. With age, the muscles and joints become less supple, further necessitating appropriate amount of stretching and warm up before exercising.
A time frame of 15 minutes is needed for stretching routines so you can increase flexibilty and lessen the chance for muscle pain, sprains or other damage. Your muscles will become better conditioned the more complete you stretch.
Now you should do fifteen minutes worth of cardio exercises on an elliptical training machine, a stair stepper or an exercise bike. You are not attempting to reach your limit with this one; however, you do want your heart rate to increase and to continue to develop your limberness and flexibilty. This exercise will let your body know that you are serious about doing some work.
If you are doing circuit training or a free weight routine, have a quick run through without the stress of heavy weights, and then follow this brief warm up by doing reps with the appropriate weights,the next step should be to work out with light weights.
The pyramid system is preferred among numerous bodybuilders, this system involves performing more reps with less weight, and then as you increase the amount of weight, you start reducing the number of reps that you do. This method of weightlifting has great success for those who want to add muscle and bulk to their bodies. Focusing on proper form throughout the lift must be uppermost in your mind, even though doing so may require that you reduce the weight or the number of repetitions. This does not only reduce your risk of an injury, but it also maximizes your results.
You should train weights for about 30-45 minutes per session for at least 4 days a week. When you conclude your session of weight training, you may choose to do the cardio session again in order to tone your lungs and hearts; it’s also a great way to wind down.
Weight Lifting Techniques and Weight Training Routines
Tags: muscle gain, bodybuilding, exercise, work out
