What Is Weight Training?

Weight training is a type of exercise in which the act of lifting free weights (dumbbells or barbells) or using weight machines creates stress on specific muscle groups within the body, thereby increasing their mass. It is a type of strength training, which in turn forms the foundation for many other types of physical exercise.

The exertion that strength training puts on muscles actually creates small tears within the muscles themselves. The body repairs these tears with protein which becomes additional muscle tissue, thereby increasing overall muscle mass. Muscle mass is a basic requirement for all types of physical health, as the size of muscle indicates how much energy can be stored and used to accomplish physical tasks. So while some athletes such as a bodybuilders and weightlifters might use weight training exclusively to achieve the level of performance they desire, some kind of strength training is usually a requirement for any kind of exercise routine or athletic discipline.

The other types of strength training alongside weight training are resistance training and isometric training. The three types offer varying ways of putting strain on muscle groups in order to create a better overall physical performance. Weight training can be the simplest and offers more resistance at the start of movement, as the inertia of the weights being lifted decrease as the muscles being utilized increase momentum. Resistance training uses elastic or hydraulic tools that are squeezed or pushed in order to create muscle stress, simultaneously creating an increase in resistance through the range of the exercise. Isometric training is a regimen of exercise devoted to the use of static poses to leverage the human’s body own weight against itself, popularized most famously through the practice of yoga and pilates.

Iconic images of strongmen resonate so strongly in our collective consciousness that of all these types and subgroups, weight training is most often the central part of any routine for both beginner and longtime athletes. As with any kind of physical activity, it demands certain safety measures and attention to the body’s well-being should be considered throughout the course of the exercise. It is important to maintain the proper form and breath control indicated in each type of weightlifting, and to properly hydrate oneself before, during and after the exercise program. A wide array of safety equipment is available to beginning weightlifters, and a trip to a physician is always recommended before beginning any type of exercise regimen.

Related Information

How Much Does Weight Training Increase Strength
Weight training effectiveness depends heavily on body size and hormone levels.

What is the Best Exercise Equipment For Weight Loss and Muscle Increase
Weight loss and muscle increase must be alternated over the course of months to achieve solid results.