Why are strength training exercises important?
These days, more and more people are looking for ways to make their bodies look leaner and sexier. The men want to store muscle mass and women want to have curvaceous bodies. To achieve both goals, you need to undergo strength training exercises to build muscle mass and at the same time burn off excess fat.
Without enough strength, men will not be able to lift heavy dumbbells and women will not be able to keep up with strenuous cardiovascular exercises. In order for you to build strength, you need to have the proper workout routine to achieve your fitness goals.
Many gyms have been established to help those who want to build strength and for those who want to lose weight as well. Once you have decided to join a fitness center, a good strategy is to get a fitness trainer so that he will be able to guide you thoroughly on what types of exercises you should do and the type of diet that you should follow.
If it is your first time to enroll in such an exercise program, here are some things that you have to remember:
1. Educate yourself about the fundamentals of strength training. Knowing as much as you can about it will help you achieve your goal more easily.
2. Choose a program that allows you to work all the muscle groups in your body. Do this once or twice a week.
3. Before you start lifting weights, be sure to warm up first with some cardio workouts. Do some warm-up sets of each exercise for 5 to 10 minutes before lifting your first and lighter set of weights.
4. As a beginner, it is strongly advisable that you start with 1 to 2 sets of 15 to 16 repetitions of the exercise. You can increase the resistance and the number of reps as you go along, whenever you feel comfortable.
5. For those who are enrolled in a fitness center, you can start using strength training machines first. This will give you more power if you decide to do the exercises manually.
6. Rest every other day. This will give your muscles enough time to recover from fatigue.
7. Level-up every week. Meaning, increase the number of reps that you do or better yet add a few more pounds to the weight that you are currently lifting.
8. Challenge yourself, but never overdo it. For example, in the first few weeks you can focus first on learning about the exercise. Then, proceed with increasing the amount of weight that you lift over time.
9. It is recommended that you do consistent strength training for 6 weeks. After that, you can change your routine and make it more difficult.
10. Incorporate new routines or movements so you will not get bored and give up.
People now lead fast-paced lives and do not all have the luxury of going to fitness centers. But it does not mean that you cannot do strength training exercises in the comfort of your own home.
Here are two of the most effective strength training exercises that you can easily do.
1. Squats 
What is it: Many trainers will agree that squats are one of the best exercises there is. This simple movement works your quads, hamstrings, legs, seat muscles, abs, and calves all at once.
How to: You need to stand with your feet at hip distance and toes facing straight ahead. Slowly bend your knees and lower your hips while you keep your torso straight. Just like you are going to sit in an imaginary chair, but do not go lower than 90 degrees.
Number of repetitions: Do 12 to 16 reps for at least twice or thrice a week.
2. Push-ups 
What is it: Push-ups make use of your whole upper torso. You are giving your chest, triceps, back, shoulders, elbows, arms, and abs a workout.
How to: Position yourself facing the floor while balancing on your toes. With your hands wider than your shoulders, your body should be in a straight line. Slowly bend your arms and lower your body to the floor.
Number of repetitions: Same with squats, do 12 to 16 reps for at least twice a week.
Strength training exercises are not really hard to do, especially if you are armed with the knowledge of how to properly execute every routine. Work your way towards a healthier you.