10 Things PTs Wish They Could Tell You About Weight Training
Hey there! If you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested in learning more about weight training. And that’s great! Weight training is an excellent way to improve your overall health and fitness.
However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you start lifting weights. In this article, we’ll share ten things that every PT wants you to know about weight training.
1. Weight Lifting Isn’t Just About Lifting Heavy Things
If you’re new to weightlifting, you might think that it’s all about hoisting the heaviest weights you can find. But that’s not the case! In fact, there are many different types of weightlifting exercises, and each one has its own benefits.
So, don’t think that you need to lift heavy weights to see results. Instead, focus on using the right weight for your level of fitness.
2. There Are Different Types of Weightlifting Exercises
There are many different types of weightlifting exercises, each with their own benefits. For example, compound exercises are exercises that work multiple muscle groups at the same time. These exercises are great for building overall strength and muscle mass. Isolation exercises, on the other hand, are exercises that focus on a single muscle group. These exercises are great for targeting specific muscles and for developing muscular definition.
3. You Need to Focus on Form and Technique
When you’re weightlifting, it’s important to focus on your form and technique, not just on lifting the heaviest weight you can. If you don’t focus on your form, you could end up injuring yourself. And even if you don’t get injured, poor form can limit your results. So make sure to focus on your form and technique, and don’t lift weights that are too heavy for you.
4. You Should Focus on Compound Exercises
One of the most important things that you need to focus on when you are weight training is compound exercises. These are exercises that work multiple muscle groups at the same time. Some examples of compound exercises are squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and rows. These exercises are important because they allow you to lift heavier weights, and they help you to build more muscle.
5. You Need to Use a Variety of Rep Ranges and Sets
Most people think that they need to lift heavy weights to see results from their weight training. But that’s not always the case. In fact, lifting lighter weights for more reps can actually be more effective for building muscle.
So, don’t be afraid to mix things up and use a variety of rep ranges and sets in your workouts. This will help to keep your body guessing and prevent plateauing.
6. You Should Focus on Progressive Overload
Progressive overload is the key to seeing results from your weight training. This simply means gradually increasing the amount of weight that you lift over time.
For example, if you are currently bench pressing 50 pounds for 10 reps, your goal should be to increase the weight to 55 pounds for 10 reps within the next few weeks.
7. You Need to Give Your Body Time to Recover
Your muscles need time to recover between workouts. This is why it’s important to have at least one day of rest in between weight training sessions.
If you don’t allow your muscles to recover, you will start to see a decrease in performance and may even risk injury.
8. Nutrition is an Important Part of Weight Training
You can’t out-train a bad diet. This means that if you are not eating properly, you will not see the results from your weight training that you are hoping for.
In order to see results, you need to ensure that you are eating enough to support your workout routine. This means eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
9. You Don’t Need to Feel Sore to Feel Progress
You do not need to feel sore after every workout to see results. In fact, if you are constantly feeling sore, it may be a sign that you are overtraining. Instead of focusing on how sore you are, focus on how you feel during and after your workout. If you feel good and have energy, then you are on the right track.
10. Weight Training Is a Lifelong Journey
Weight training is not something that you can do for a few weeks and then stop. It is a lifelong journey, and there is always something new to learn. Take your time and enjoy the process, and you will see the benefits of weight training for years to come.
How a PT Can Help You With Your Weight Training Journey
If you’re new to weight training, or even if you’re an old hand, having a personal trainer can help you on your journey. Here are five ways a PT can help you with your weight training journey:
If you are looking to improve your weight training journey, there are many ways that a personal trainer can help.
1. Help You Set Realistic Goals
One of the first things a personal trainer will do is help you set realistic goals. If you are new to weight training, your goals should be focused on improving your technique and learning the basics. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start to focus on more specific goals, such as increasing your strength or improving your endurance.
2. Help You Stay Motivated
When you first start weight training, it can be easy to get discouraged. A personal trainer can help you stay motivated by providing you with positive feedback and helping you set new goals.
3. Help You Stay Safe
Weight training can be dangerous if you do not use proper form. A personal trainer can help you stay safe by teaching you proper form and helping you spot any potential injuries.
4. Help You Progress
A personal trainer can help you progress by providing you with new exercises and challenges. As you get stronger, your personal trainer can help you add more weight or increase the difficulty of your exercises.
5. Help You Stay on Track
It can be easy to get off track with your weight training goals. A personal trainer can help you stay on track by providing you with regular check-ins and accountability.
There are many things that a physical therapist (PT) wants you to know about weight training, but here are some of the most important things to keep in mind. First, weight training is an important part of any fitness routine and can help you improve your overall health and well-being. Second, PTs can help you design a weight-training program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Third, PTs can also provide guidance and support to help you safely and effectively reach your goals.
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