5 Must Dos to Get the Most Out of Strength-Training Workouts

If you haven’t already heard, a cardio-only fitness routine isn’t the best for losing weight and sculpting muscles. Strength training is a must, and here are five tips to get the most out of those weight-building sessions.

5 Must Dos to Get the Most Out of Strength-Training Workouts

Twice Isn’t Enough

If you’re hitting the weights once or twice a week, it’s definitely better than nothing, but if you really want to see results, certified personal trainer Heather Neff says, “Do your strength training three to four days per week and make sure you’re not doing it back to back especially if you’re doing a full-body routine – always give yourself a day in between training for the muscles to recover and grow.” If you do cardio on the same days, do your strength training first, or you can alternate and do cardio on the days in between your strength-training workouts.

There’s More to Life Than Bodyweight Moves

While doing moves like squats, lunges, and plank variations using your own bodyweight is effective, adding weights to those basic moves will make your muscles work harder, which means getting stronger in less time. Add dumbbells, use resistance bands, or hold a kettlebell and you’ll instantly feel your muscles firing up with just a few reps.

Don’t Just Target Trouble Zones

Maybe you’re itching to get a six-pack or a lifted booty, but working one area will cause muscle imbalances, which can lead to injury. Also, the more muscle mass you create overall, the more calories you’ll burn, which decreases your total body-fat percentage to reveal your sculpted muscles. Work your legs, butt, abs, back, and arms equally, and try these multitasking moves that work more than one part of the body at once.