| For
those of you wondering whether a cardiovascular program or weight
training program is better, the results are in. Based on fitness
experts and certified personal trainers, a regimen of both heart-pounding
and pumping iron are recommended for optimal health.
Many an exercise
physiologist will prescribe cardiovascular activity prior to
the bodybuilding part of the work-out. For instance, running
or jumping rope can
warm up the body maximizing the capabilities of the strength
portion of the work-out. The rule applies as the reverse to
cardiovascular exercise. For example, if an exerciser does either
squats or leg extensions, it could impair the energy level or
negatively affect the running form.
Cardiovascular
exercise may serve as a time-saver prior to weight lifting.
Since the energy level is charged up, the muscles will be warmed
up and in peak preparation to body build. Another overlooked
aspect of the exercise regimen is the warm up or initial stretch.
While cardiovascular activity has the role of preparing the
body for extended energy to lift weights, stretching is vital
to the aerobic exercise to minimize the risk of injury. In example,
stretching before working out may decrease the chances of pulling
a muscle during cardio-exercise and even weight training.
Weight lifting tip
for body building rookies: The weight of the appropriate dumbbells,
barbells and lifting equipment will vary from exerciser-to-exerciser.
The best way to find the proper lifting weight is to find a
weight where 10 repetitions can be done in one to three sets.
The last sets should be challenging. If you have significant
energy after ten repetitions, then more weight is needed. As
an alternate, if it is too hard completing an entire set of
10 repetitions, the weight is too heavy. |
