Sneaking Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

If you want to tone up, build muscle, and get stronger, you need to start incorporating strength training exercises into your routine. Strength training not only helps improve overall fitness but can also help reduce the risk of injuries in athletes and everyday folk alike.

But with so many different strength training exercises out there, it can be hard to know where to start. This article highlights some of the best moves for building muscle and getting strong.

Squats

Squats are among the most effective strength training exercises out there. They work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, and lower back and can be performed with or without weights.

If you're just starting out, try bodyweight squats first. You squat down as low as you can and then stand back up again. As you get stronger, you can start adding weight by holding a barbell across your shoulders or by using dumbbells.

Squats make your muscles work against gravity. The more weight you add, the more resistance your muscles have to overcome. As a result, your muscles get stronger and bigger over time.

Squats are great strength training exercises for your lower body. But if you want to focus on your glutes (butt) muscles, then you should try some variations of these moves. For instance, you could try sumo squats or Bulgarian split squats. These strength training exercises work your glutes more than traditional squats.

By adding strength training exercises like squats to your routine, you can tone up your whole body, build muscle, and get stronger.

Lunges

Lunges are another great strength training exercise for your lower body.

To perform a lunge, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Step forward with your right leg and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Then push back up to the starting position and repeat with your left leg.

You can also hold weights in your hands to make the move more challenging. And depending on your fitness level, you can do walking lunges (stepping forward with one leg and then the next). You could also try stationary lunges (where you stay in one spot and alternate legs).

Deadlift

The deadlift is a strength training exercise that primarily works your hamstrings and glutes. But it also engages your quads, lower back, and core.

When trying this move for the first time, it's important to use proper form. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Place your hands on a barbell in front of you (palms facing your thighs), then bend forward at the hips to lower your torso until it's almost parallel to the floor. From here, drive through your heels to stand back up and return to the starting position.

As you get stronger, you can start adding weight to the barbell. But make sure not to sacrifice form for heavier weights. The deadlift is a great strength training exercise for your lower body, but it can also be taxing on your lower back. So make sure to use proper form and listen to your body.

For more information about strength training, contact a local company, like Chris Cohen Fitness.