Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/599763
8 STRENGTh, WEIGhTS, mUSCLES We do not all want to look like bodybuilders. But strength training is really important for all of us. Strength training is all about resistance and "strain". It often involves weights but can done with simpler equipment like resistance (elastic) bands, steps, and your own body weight (press-ups, pull-ups, squats, etc). WHat to aiM for: • strain. You want to feel your muscles working quite hard but not to the point of pain or injury. • rEps & sEts. if you can do 10-15 repetitions (reps), repeated three times (sets) of an exercise that's about right. fewer reps (more weights and more resistance) will be harder, build more muscle bulk, but could risk injury. more reps (lighter weights and less resistance) will be easier, create tone more than strength or bulk, and is less risky as regards injury. • WHolE BoDy. It's important that you try to train all your major muscle groups. The detail is beyond the scope of this programme but try to think about all the directions of movement (front and back, side to side, twisting & turning) of: o Legs o Arms o Chest o Back o Trunk Strength training, besides making you stronger, is excellent for weight control (muscles metabolise food very well), as well as appearance & posture. It adds variety to your training sessions and is good for everyone (including women and the elderly). strength training should probably make up about 20-40% of your exercise programme