I’m a big fan of resistance training – it’s amazing on many levels. I’ve seen many clients improve with their bone density, balance, flexibility, posture, mobility and overall physical and mental health – and it will help you strengthen and tone your body too. What’s not to love!
Resistance training at home can help you to build up your strength and lose weight from the comfort of your front room! A resistance workout is anything that causes your muscles to activate and contract. Ideally use a matching pair of hand weights, bands, or even your own body weight to work against.
NEW TO RESISTANCE TRAINING
If possible aim to train 2 to 3 time per week in order to feel and see benefits from these workouts. It’s important to have rest days in between workouts and if you can wait at least 48 hours between focusing on the same muscles to see the best results. Also try mixing up your routine by using the following techniques.
BODY WEIGHT – Not to worry if you don’t have access to any kit as you can use your own body weight to add resistance. Here are a few super body weight exercises to try:
- Lunges
- Squats
- Wall squats
- Planks
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
RESISTANCE BANDS – Wow these little bands create serious resistance through movement. Here are some terrific exercises to try with a band:
- Triceps push downs
- Leg clams
- Side leg squats
- Glute kick-back
- Lateral lunge
- Lateral leg raise
- Moving squats
FREE WEIGHTS – For a more traditional resistance workout, use dumbbells, kettlebells or barbells into your workout. By using such kit your muscles have to work harder which often gains better results. Some great weighted exercises:
- Weighted squats
- Weighted lunges
- Deadlifts
- Shoulder press
- Dumbbell upright rows
- Kettlebell swings
I offer a number of different resistance training classes online that you can follow from home. If you’re interested in trying a class then click the Online Classes link at the top of the page and book your place on a ‘body conditioning’ class. We’ll go through many different exercises – alternatively if you would prefer to book a private online session with me then email me annabel@shapeupfitness.com