Weight training is a type of strength training that uses weights for resistance. Weight training challenges your muscles by forcing them to adapt to the stress of the weights. Consider basic weight training principles:

Learn proper technique. For best results, proper technique is essential. If you’re not sure whether you’re doing a particular exercise correctly, ask a personal trainer or other fitness specialist for help.

Do a single set of repetitions. Theories on the best way to approach weight training abound, including countless repetitions and hours at the gym. But research shows that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as can three sets of the same exercise. So what’s the proper weight? One that’s heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions. You should be just barely able to finish the last repetition.

Start slowly. If you’re a beginner, you may find that you’re able to lift only a few pounds. That’s OK. Once your muscles, tendons and ligaments get used to weight training exercises, you may be surprised at how quickly you progress. Once you can easily do 12 repetitions with a particular weight, gradually increase the weight.

Take time to rest. To give your muscles time to recover, rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. You might choose to work the major muscle groups at a single session two or three times a week — or plan daily sessions for specific muscle groups. For example, on Monday work your arms and shoulders, on Tuesday work your legs, and so on.

For most people, short weight training sessions several times a week are more practical than are extended daily workouts. “You don’t have to be in the weight room for 90 minutes a day to see results,” says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center. “You can see significant improvement in your strength with just two or three 20- or 30-minute weight training sessions a week.”

Reap the rewards
Lean muscle mass naturally decreases with age. If you don’t do anything to replace the muscle loss, it’ll be replaced with fat. But weight training can help you reverse the trend — at any age. As your muscle mass increases, you’ll be able to work harder and longer before you get tired. You’ll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density and better manage your weight. Get started today!

©1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

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