If you want to lose weight, build muscle, and improve your general health, then strength training is a good form of exercise. Developing stronger muscles benefits you in many ways, from improving your balance to helping you prevent injuries. You can begin strength training at any age and fitness level. Here are some options you can try.

Bodyweight Exercises

Bodyweight exercises are things like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. These exercises use the weight of your body as resistance to develop muscle strength. You don't need any equipment at all to begin a bodyweight strength training program, so there is no need to wait until you can join a gym or buy special equipment. However, you can incorporate equipment such as an exercise ball and resistance bands if you like. You can still benefit from taking classes or joining strength training programs because you'll learn proper technique and reduce your risk of injury.

Barbell And Dumbbell Exercises

Adding weights to your exercise routine takes your workout to a new level. Using dumbbells makes for a good transition from bodyweight exercises to weight lifting. The drawback is that you can graduate to heavier dumbbells quickly, and it can be expensive to buy all the weights you need at home. For that reason, when you switch to using weights, you may want to join a gym so you have access to a wide range of weights. Barbell exercises are good to add too once you learn the proper techniques necessary for good results and safety. You can add much more weight to a barbell and build muscle more readily if that's the goal of your strength training.

Gym Machines

Exercise machines are another way to strengthen muscles in your arms, core, and legs. While trainers may prefer using free weights for bodybuilding, exercise machines can be effective if all you want to do is strengthen your muscles and get in shape. Machines add some variety to your workout and make it more fun. While you can do bodyweight exercises and lift weights at home, if you want to use exercise machines, you'll likely need to join a gym so you have access to a variety of machines to get a whole-body workout.

Aqua Exercises

Another way to strength train is with water exercises that use the resistance of water to build muscles. You can increase the intensity of the exercise by wearing weights in the water and using aqua dumbbells. Aqua exercises are fun for all ages, but they are ideal for seniors and those with injuries. Exercising in the water is fun, so it's easy to stay motivated. Plus, it's gentle on your joints, so you can move more and get better results with less pain.

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