Tag: Weight Training

Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Weight Training Accessories






While weight training is very important for overall health and fitness, lifting heavy weights can put a lot of stress on your body. Even when maintaining the correct form and technique, accidents or injury may happen. That is why many strength training instructors recommend the use of weight training accessories. Accessories for strength training can make your workout safer and more comfortable, thus enhancing the effectiveness of your workout.

Lifting Gloves

A good pair of lifting gloves is one of the most basic weight training accessories that you need. Lifting gloves help make your strength training exercises more comfortable. They can help you avoid blisters and calluses. Gloves can also help prevent your sweaty hands from slipping off barbells or dumbbells while lifting.

Gloves for weight training are usually made of leather or synthetic rubber such as neoprene. These materials are breathable and prevent sweat and heat from building up inside the gloves. Lifting gloves that are machine washable are ideal for easy maintenance and hygiene.



Weight Lifting Straps

Another important weight training accessory is weight lifting straps. Straps can help you avoid dropping the barbell. These weight training accessories are worn on the wrist and wrapped around the barbell or dumbbell to help you maintain a good grip on the bar.

Weight lifting straps can be helpful if you experience pain when doing arm curls or if you have sweaty hands. However, some experts discourage overusing weight training straps as your natural grip may grow weaker if you rely too much on them.

Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps are different from weight lifting straps. Wrist wraps help support the wrist when doing presses, such as bench press or military press. These weight training accessories help prevent wrist or elbow pain that sometimes happens during pressing movements.

Wrist wraps are inexpensive weight training accessories and can help prevent wrist and elbow injuries.

Joint Straps

If you have weak or injured knees or elbows, straps may be able to keep your joints from becoming hyper-extended. Wrap the joint straps around your knees or elbows to prevent injuries. Knee wraps can be helpful when doing squats and are especially helpful for power lifting.

Weight Training Belts

Weight training belts help to protect the lower back as well as the muscles of the entire upper torso. This popular weight training accessory also supports the sides and prevents twisting or bending incorrectly. Weight training belts are particularly helpful when lifting your maximum weights.

Fitness experts discourage frequent use of a weight training belt, especially when lifting weights below your maximum. Limit the use of a belt to your heaviest sets when doing deadlifts or squats. Keep in mind that you do not need this weight training accessory when doing curls or rows.

Proper Use of Weight Training Accessories

Weight training accessories can help make your workout safer and more comfortable. However, you must learn how to use these accessories correctly. Get the advice of a gym instructor on the proper use of strength training equipment and accessories. When used in the right way, weight training accessories can enhance your workout.



Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Arm Curls
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Weight Training Supplements That Really Work




When you are into weight training and bodybuilding, you may feel the need to take weight training supplements to make your workouts more effective and develop big muscles faster. While there are many supplements that can enhance your performance and improve muscle bulk and strength, there are countless others that may be ineffective, unsafe, or even illegal. Choosing weight training supplements that work will give you the powerful physique you have always wanted in a safe and healthy manner.

If you want strong, lean muscles it may not be enough to do strength training exercises regularly. You must also consume the nutrients required to provide energy and help develop your muscles. Weight training supplements are essential for significant muscle growth or when you are undergoing intensive training. The dietary supplements listed below are proven to be effective and safe for anyone who is into sports, weight training, or bodybuilding.

Protein Powder

Protein is the building block of muscle, and your body needs plenty of protein and amino acids to increase muscle mass. During your workouts, the muscle fibers are torn and broken. To repair your muscles, your body must have a good supply of protein.

Body builders and fitness enthusiasts require at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight every day. It is often difficult to get the amount of protein you need from food alone. Protein powder is a convenient and inexpensive way to add high-quality protein in your diet.

Creatine

A creatine supplement is best taken within one hour after your weight training workout. Your body produces creatine but only in small amounts. Creatine helps provide energy for explosive movements like heavy lifts. This weight training supplement improves performance in high-intensity exercise. It also enhances protein synthesis, reduces protein breakdown, and speeds up recovery rates so you spend less time resting between your workouts.

Creatine monohydrate powder is said to be the best creatine supplement. Take the creatine supplement according to the package instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Multi-Vitamins

The body needs vitamins and minerals for optimal health. If you lack an essential vitamin or mineral, your body may not be able to build lean muscle mass efficiently. Intense weight training can rapidly deplete nutrients in your body. It is therefore essential to take multi-vitamin supplements to avoid the risk of weakened bones, heart disease, nerve damage, and other vitamin-deficiency disorders. Choose a multi-vitamin that contains whole foods and natural ingredients.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)

Essential fatty acids are good fats that are necessary for a healthy immune system, brain function, smooth skin, and digestive support. EFA’s also offer anti-aging benefits and help keep the circulatory system healthy. Essential fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids made up of linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids. Fish oil capsules are some of the best EFA supplements.

Final Words on Weight Training Supplements

There are many weight training supplements being advertised out there. Before you take any of them, make sure they have been independently tested for value, safety, and effectiveness. Athletes, in particular, should not take supplements that could fail them in drug testing.

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Amino Acids
  • Related Blogs on Body Builders
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Weight Training Belts – Are They Necessary?



Weight training belts used to be worn only by power lifters and Olympic weightlifters. These days, however, you see more people with varying degrees of skill and experience wearing these weightlifting belts. You may want to know if this device is necessary for recreational lifters. What is the proper way to use the belt, and what adverse effects can arise from the misuse of weight training belts?

Weight Training Belts Are They Necessary?

Weight Training Belts

Weightlifting belts are primarily used for heavy power lifting exercises such as deadlifts and squats. The belts serve the purpose of preventing lower-back injuries and can help increase the amount of weight lifted. While they offer some benefits when lifting heavy weights, a weight training belt is not necessary all of the time.

How Weight Training Belts Work

A weight training belt works in two ways. First, it reduces stress on the lower back while lifting in an upright position. The belt compresses the contents of the abdominal cavity, thus increasing the intra-abdominal pressure or IAP. This provides more support in front of the bones in the lower back, allowing the spinal erector muscles to produce less force while lifting. The belt also reduces lower back compression or spinal shrinkage.

Second, the belt prevents back hyperextension. By forming a rigid wall around the lower torso, back movement is limited. The belt also prevents sideward bending and twisting.

Wearing a weight training belt allows an individual to complete a greater number of repetitions or increase their one-repetition maximum weight. The belt also reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Disadvantages of Weight Training Belts

Wearing a belt too often especially when performing exercises with weights below your maximum may lead to a decrease in performance. This is because the belt prevents you from engaging and strengthening your core and abdominal muscles used while lifting. Strong abdominal muscles are important if you want to lift more weights especially during squats and deadlifts.

When Should You Use A Weight Training Belts?

It is best to use a weight training belt only when lifting maximum or near-maximum weights for exercises that stress the lower back. When working with lighter weights, leave the belt off. This will help develop your abdominal and lower back muscles. Obviously, you will not need a weight belt for exercises that do not put stress on the lower back, such as bicep curls.

Important Considerations

While a weight training belt can help prevent lower back injuries, it is always best to learn and practice the proper technique when lifting. Also, be sure to lift an appropriate weight. Remember to lift with your legs and not your back. The spine must remain in a stable and neutral position.

Beginners should be able to demonstrate proper form with lighter weights before moving on to maximum or near-maximum weights. Make sure a spotter is available when doing heavy lifting as weight training belts will give you stability but not strength


Related Blogs