Strength training is most effective when people begin the exercise with about five pounds lighter than they believe they can lift. Do about one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions with the light weight. Then do the same with the next five or ten pounds up and if you find that this is still too light you can begin working on the next five or ten pounds up during the later half of your workout session. This way you are gradually building up the weight that you lift. This reduces your risk of spraining or damaging a muscle and still allows you to challenge yourself by increasing the weight your muscle lifts. Most trainers recommend that you use strength training equipment for twenty minutes to half an hour a day to build muscle strength and tone gradually. If you simply wish to maintain your muscle you workout two or three days a weeks for the same amount of time and with the same protocol for weights.
At the end of your workout routine you should have a cool down period. This is a time when you stretch out your muscles. They may be tight and you will need to rid them of excess lactic acid that is naturally released during a workout. Be sure to consult with a trainer in order to find the best workout routine for you and the best times to workout.
