Strength Training Basics

      If there is anything I have learned over the past five years, it is how fitness is a trial and error basis. Whether regarding diet, exercises, intensity, learning what is most efficient for your body takes some successes and failures. But the process is about learning those successes and building upon them. Although we could indicate that each person's fitness needs are different and no person will get into their most comfortable shape doing specific things differently, there are common elements that every person needs as principles. Throughout my experience, I found there are three: Consistency, frequency, & accuracy.
      Consistency is the first principle that can truly demonstrate the dedication of a person. The results of working out and dieting correctly are, of course, very obvious within those that consistently keep a good fitness regime. But that does not mean you need to become an overambitious fitness fanatic to see results, you just have to learn discipline and consistency. This needs to be seen not only in the amount of times of physical activity, but the overall diet and mental health. All of these play very important parts of fitness in the long term.
      Frequency is the second principle can actually relate to consistency, but plays a more important aspect in the short term run. Even though someone can visit a gym 6 times a week, which for anyone is tough, and does yoga every other day does not mean they are guaranteed results. I cannot explain how many times I see the everyday regulars at the gym that lift one set of the heaviest then move on. This will nothing! Strength training is about repetitive moments that you are challenging yourself with whether reps or weights. In this case, the more does not always mean the merrier.
      The last principle is accuracy. This may seem almost strange that it may sound almost mathematical, but accuracy in form and proper weight choices makes all the difference. Trust me. I see some of the most biggest guys walk right up and lift the bar into what I am assuming is supposed to be a dead lift. If your hips are thrusting around because you cannot lift it, guess what, it is too dang heavy. If you are trying to pull on the cables and you almost pull off your seat, there is too much weight. Too much weight=not accurate muscle use. It is so important to develop a strong muscle by fully extending and adding manageable resistance. 
      These are just the primary principles I have learned over my experience of strength training and building on my fitness, but please feel free to reach out for any comment or questions.
      Women's Health has some great tips of some of the Most Common Strength Training Mistakes in popular strength training if you want to learn a little more in depth, especially how to avoid that ridiculous hip thrusting on the dead lift.