Health

Why Weight?

There are huge selections of weights in sports stores. There is everything from tiny little one-pound wristbands, to big, huge, Johnny Bravo-esqe dumbbells. And all you have to do is look at it all, before you then ask in complete befuddlement, “What gives?” After all, why is it so important to use weights? If you are working your butt off trying to lose weight, then why would you want to go to the store and purchase some?

The trick is called “increasing resistance.” The more resistance you add to your bodily movement, then the more calories you burn, the stronger your bones get, and the more muscle tissue you develop. This is definitely one time where the path of greatest resistance yields the highest return. Adding weights to your workout is a great way to get some splendid results, but don’t think that you need to invest in some of those enormous machines that take up an entire room in your house. All you need are a few simple tools and the knowledge of how to use them.

Hand weights – These weights are perfect for arm exercises, and you have a lot of choices. If you have never trained with weights before, then go for one- or two-pound weights to begin with. They are pretty inexpensive, so you can always purchase some heavier ones to keep on feeling challenged.

Wrist weights or walking weights – These are perfect for increasing the difficulty of an exercise routine, such as walking, jogging, or simple stretching or yoga exercises. They come in low weights so that they don’t strain your arms. It is simply a way of deepening and increasing your normal workout.

Ankle weights – Whatever you hear, these are not for walking or running. Wearing weights on your ankles when you walk or run will likely cause damage by pulling on the leg muscle. You want to use these weights when you are doing leg exercises, such as leg lifts. They can make a huge difference. If you don’t think these make a big difference, just strap on some of these, do some lateral bicycle kicks while lying on your back with your chest lifted, and feel your abdomen scream for mercy.

Big, Fat Dumbbells – Unless you are training for your role in an action flick or you are Johnny Bravo, you probably don’t have the need for these enormous weights. However, if you are trying to build heavy muscle mass, then go ahead and add some of them to your collection. Just remember to take it slow and easy, and try to refrain from kicking sand in the face of scrawny wimps when you are at the beach.

How to use them:

• Don’t overload yourself. If you feel yourself straining uncomfortably, then cut down on the amount of weight, or opt for fewer reps.
• Use your muscles to move the weight, not momentum. If you have to sling your weights around then they are probably too heavy. Go slow and feel your muscles doing the work.
• Always warm up before you use weights. You don’t want to start weight training with cold muscles. That’s a sure way to damage your body.
• Watch your form. Don’t slouch and use improper form. If you do, you won’t get the results you desire. Remember what your mother always said and stand up straight!