If you’re a cardio junkie and spend the majority of your time on the cardio machines or in the cardio classes, you’re already receiving huge cardio benefits that are helping you reach your weight loss goals. It just might be time, though, to step out of your comfort zone and try strength training.

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Why?
In order to reach your weight loss or healthy goals, you need both cardio and strength workouts in your training regimen. While cardio workouts burn calories in the gym, developing strong muscles allows you to burn more calories even while you’re at rest by increasing your metabolism and allowing your body to operate more efficiently. Adding strength training to your daily training also strengthens your bones, reducing the risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis as you age.

What?
If you’re new to strength training, there are several ways you can incorporate strength training into your daily cardio regimen at FitClub.

Body weight exercises, including pushups, pull-ups, and squats use your own body weight as resistance. If you’re heading to FitClub for forty minutes on the treadmill or elliptical, try breaking the cardio into two twenty minute segment with body weight training in the middle. You don’t need to use any equipment, just grab a mat and find floor space and start challenging yourself to see how many pushups, pull-ups or squats you can add to your workout. Keep track of your progress and add more each day.

Weight machines are also conveniently located throughout every FitClub facility. If you’re new to strength training, start with a low weight and work your way through ten to twelve repetitions. Take a short break, and try ten to twelve more repetitions. When you’re just getting comfortable with a machine, focus on form over weight. If you’re unsure how to use a machine at FitClub, take advantage of the FitClub staff and ask for direction.

Free weights are also easily found at FitClub and make it easy to slip in a strength workout you can personalize for yourself. Whether you’re just getting started or have been lifting weights for years, make sure you are watching your form in the mirror. Correct form will prevent injury and ensure that you are reaping the maximum benefit from each workout.

How?
When you’re just getting started with weight training, strive for caution and focus over fear. Make sure you focus on proper form to avoid injury and avoid lifting weights that are too heavy. FitClub’s personal trainers would be happy to work with you to teach you proper form, safety techniques, and new ways to use free weights. Attention to form and increasing the amount of weight slowly will help you stay injury free while you reap the benefits of adding strength training into your workout regimen.