How to Design a Workout Based on Your Needs

Whenever people want to “get in shape” they typically join a gym and start working out. However, there are many different ways which we can workout. In order to get the most from our training we must make sure that we tailor our routine to meet our individual needs. Someone who wishes to gain a lot of muscle mass may have a very different workout program than someone who wants to increase endurance.

For people who want to build muscle mass, the use of free weights is crucial. People who want to develop muscle tone and definition but are not overly concerned with muscle size should use weight machines instead of free weights. Free weight exercises should consist of heavy weights and few repetitions while weight machine exercises should involve less weight and more reps.

Some people are more concerned with cardiovascular conditioning than with muscle building. By participating in activities that raise your heart rate for an extended period of time such as running, biking, jumping rope, or swimming you can increase your stamina and improve the health of your heart. If you are just beginning a cardiovascular conditioning program you should start slowly by first walking and then progressing to more strenuous activities.

No matter what your goals are it is important to give your body time to rest and recover in between workouts. While you workout, you are breaking down muscle fibers and weakening tendons. After a day or two your tendons regain strength and your muscle fibers repair themselves and build on top of one another, building muscle mass in the process. To aid in the recovery process, you should eat protein after your workout. Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and can help muscle fibers repair. The faster you recover the faster you can start your next workout!