Let’s face it: if you want to build muscle, you’re more than likely going to have to incorporate some sort of strength training into your routine.
Strength training isn’t just for strength and size, though. It is also integral to training for most sports.
But, if you’re just looking to improve your physique, strength training is a fantastic way to help you beef up your major muscle groups.
The truth is that most exercises and strength training equipment will get you where you want to go. However, there are some that work better than others.
Read on to find out about the best of both.
Strength Training Equipment
As previously mentioned, some strength training equipment stands out from the rest.
Luckily, you can find it all in your common gym or training facility.
Dumbbells
That’s right: basic dumbbells are some of the best pieces of equipment you can find. They also come in (literally) any weight you could feasibly pick up.
Since you move each dumbbell independently as opposed to a barbell, it will force you to balance the weights.
This makes certain exercises, particularly chest pressing movements, particularly effective.
Pull Up Bar
Pull-ups are one of the best movements for building muscle. There’s a reason they’re so hard to do, and it’s because they work.
With a pull-up bar, you aren’t limited to only pull-ups, though. You can also do various core exercises to keep your abs in check.
Cable Machines
Cables offer far more customization than barbells and dumbbells. A typical weight stack goes up to 200 pounds of resistance, which is more than enough for most exercises.
With cables, you have the opportunity to perform a movement in a slow and controlled fashion, which will help you build more muscle.
Exercises
Proper strength training equipment can be a blessing, but the right exercises are just as important.
Squats
If you want strong, muscular legs, squats are the number one exercise to do. They will also help strengthen your glutes, core, and lower back muscles.
Squats can be grueling, but the payoff is worth it. A powerful lower body is key to overall fitness, which in turn will build stellar sports performance.
Overhead Press
“How much do you bench?” Most of us have heard this question asked. The real question should be “how much do you overhead press?”
Pressing a barbell over your head takes more overall strength and coordination than bench pressing. The strength it builds will also transfer over to sports and other exercises.
Pull Ups
Of course, we can’t leave out pull-ups. These are one of the best, but most difficult exercises to engage in.
They are very effective in building muscle in the mid and upper back, and even the posterior shoulder muscles. The core and biceps are also worked, too.
Get to Work
Strength training is hard work. If your goal is building muscle, though, then it is a necessary pursuit.
To learn more about how you can incorporate strength training into your lifestyle and the benefits it has, check out our blog.
