What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance Training, also commonly referred to as Strength Training or Weight Training, is a type of training that causes your muscles to contract through external resistance, like your Fit Body app workouts! (Click here to try it FREE for 7 days) The aim of resistance training is to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Resistance training can be accomplished using a number of different methods such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, weight machines, resistance bands, body weight, or even things found at home or outside!

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Examples of Resistance training: squats, bicep curls, push ups, and HIIT or sprints combine resistance and cardio.

WHY DOES RESISTANCE TRAINING WORK?

Resistance training causes your muscles to contract, which in turn causes microscopic tears to muscle cells. This causes your body to quickly repair the muscle damage and, when repairing, your body will rebuild your muscles even stronger. Muscle breakdown is called catabolism and muscle repair is called anabolism.

Note: You always want to do a warm-up before any resistance training. First, a quick cardio warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes is recommended, but then you also want to do a warm-up that involves the muscle groups you are about to work on in your strength workout. For example, if you are working legs + glutes, do a quick set of 20 bodyweight squats to prep your strength training movements and activate your leg and glute muscles. If you are doing back + arms, do 10 push-ups and 10 shoulder presses with a lighter weight than usual to get your upper body muscles ready and your blood flowing.

Email us at hello@fitbodyapp.com if you need any help with your strength training routine! Or if you have any questions on modifications, alternatives, or injuries, email the Fit Body Physical Therapist at pt@fitbodyapp.com. You get free PT consultations included in your Fit Body app membership!