Gain Bone Strength and Muscle Tone Intelligently, Even if You’ve Never Trained

It’s never too late to gain strength. Our bones and muscles have an innate capacity to respond to stimuli by growing in size, density and strength. Here’s how to smartly begin.

In the beginning stages of a weight training routine, it’s necessary to take 3-4 weeks to learn proper technique while keeping the weights light. Think of this process as setting the stage for smart progressive gains in strength, muscle tone, and muscle density. Skipping these two factors of proper technique and light weight in the initial stage increases injury occurance which is the number one reason people stop training. Don’t let this be you. Keep the weight light enough that you can practice good form without any struggle. The temptation to increase the weight amount will be looming, but realize it is the tendons and ligaments of the body that really need sensible conditioning in these opening weeks. Be patient. Be Smart.

To Hire a Trainer or Not ?

If there was ever a time to hire a trainer it’s in the opening weeks of a weight training routine. A good trainer will show you what machines to use, how to set them up, and what weight to start with. A really good trainer will help you in those opening weeks to make sense of a routine suitable for you. This should involve asking many questions about your lifestyle, how much time you can commit to exercise, what type of job you have, past injuries, health status, motivation levels, reasons for initiating a strength program and other pertinent information that willhelp develop a plan that is suited for you.

A good trainer will also add perspective on how best to adhere to the program and will transition you through various aspects of learning to strength train. A good trainer is well worth the money as implementing a strength routine correctly, is paramount to your long term success. Most people who don’t use a trainer, don’t continue a strengthening program for longer than a few weeks.

Not Ready to Hire a Trainer?

If you want to or need to begin a strength program on your own, most gyms have attendants that can show you how to use the machines. There should be no cost for them to show you how to set up each machine. If you never strength trained before in your life, and you will be training on your own, have the gym’s attendant or preferably a personal trainer show you these five exercises.

Getting Started On Your Own

Leg Press– press through the heels and keep head back.

Latissimus Dorsi Pull Down-keep chest upright throughout and lean slightly back.

Chest Press– keep head back and engage chest muscles to press.

Seated Shoulder Press With Dumbells – back supported and palms facing in.

Standing Bicep Curl Against Wall– knees slightly bent and stand against wall for support.

Repetitions and Sets
Practice 15 repetitions of each exercise in the order as desribed above. Repeat this cycle one more time. Practice slowly and deliberately and use a light enough weight that 15 repetitions are not a strain.

How Often
Practice this routine 2-3 times a week for the first three weeks preferably having a day or two off in between. Increase the weights by no more than 15% each week. Remember, your goal in the opening weeks is to practice good form and allow your tendons and ligaments to get adjusted to the increased workload to come.

When you leave the gym you should feel like you could easily continued doing more. Don’t be tempted to increase your weights, repetitions or sets. This is a mistake that will ultimately increase the likelihood that you will dread going to the gym your next session. We are not just training our bodies, but we are also training our minds. It’s a process of adjustment and by honoring this you’ll increase the likelihood of making strength training a lifelong habit.

Look for part II of this series on smartly beginning a weight training routine for bone strength and increased muscle tone in next week’s blog. Until then, keep in mind that our true wealth is in your health. Best of luck to you! E-mail or call me for any questions you may have. I will be happy to help!