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Why didn’t I get into strength training sooner?
I mean. I thought I was, holding my cute little 2-pound pink weights during cardio workouts or doing a push up or two during a warm-up.
I always used excuses like “I don’t want to bulk up.” I didn’t want to become ‘bulky,’ I wanted to be lean and trim. It was the same excuses I had for not eating too much protein post-workout. (Insert Face Palm Emoji.) So silly, I know.
But that was several years ago, and I’ve learned a lot since then. Both from friends of mine who lift like a boss and from educating myself.
Strength training has helped me feel stronger, more capable, and better than cardio alone ever could.
Now I have a very balanced exercise routine, that incorporates yoga, cardio, and lots of strength training.
But I didn’t know where to start.
That’s why I decided to write this post on the best strength training for beginners tips. These six simple tips are what I used to begin my journey into strength training.
Strength Training for Beginners
Strength training doesn’t need to be intimidating. Follow these simple steps and tips to get started. Plus, scroll down for the benefits of strength training, a fun infographic, and a promo code for my favorite post-workout snack!
1. Don’t Be Scared
The most important first step to starting strength training is to not be scared of it. You’re not going to gain weight or get bulky (unless you want to!). You’re not going to injure yourself if you practice form and educate yourself. Which leads us to number 2.
2. Do Your Research
If strength training is a whole new thing for you, make sure you do plenty of research. Watch YouTube or exercise videos from reputable sources religiously to learn proper form. Educate yourself on the best workouts for the targeted areas you wish to improve. Create a simple program for yourself that can be increased with time. I would also highly recommend investing in a personal trainer, if you can. I think having someone to train you and correct form can be incredibly helpful.
There are so many options that make this more affordable, too. Check local gyms and see if they are offering a deal. Many new gym memberships come with a few free personal trainer sessions. I also personally use a very affordable home workout program that can be streamed anywhere and specializes in strength training. I recommend Autumn Calabrese and her programs.
3. Treat Your Body Well
Make sure that you always warm up before a workout and stretch afterwards to prevent injury and aid in muscle recovery.
Working on your health and body does not stop after the workout is done.
Proper diet and rest are very important to reaching your goals. Stay hydrated and refuel with protein and smart carbs.
This is important for refueling your glycogen stores as well as building and repairing your muscles.
But keep things simple. Focus on a diet of balanced, whole ingredients.
Even if you’re on-the-go, do not forget your post-workout. Lorissa’s Kitchen is actually one of my favorite post-workout protein snacks. I have talked about them before on the blog in this DIY Protein Snack Box post, and I love their product for protein on-the-go.
They are made from 100% grass-fed meat and chicken raised without antibiotics. They’re gluten-free, perfectly portable, and utterly delicious with no preservatives, added growth hormones, added MSG, or added nitrites.
Lorissa’s Kitchen helped me to prioritize protein and how crucial it is for recovery. I am extremely busy, I work about 80 hours a week, travel often, and always have a jam-packed agenda. But I know that I need to make time for myself and my health. These convenient snacks really help me get my protein in post-workout when I am crazy busy and running around like a mad woman!
Lorissa’s Kitchen offers a variety of unique recipes from Original Beef Steak Strips to Ginger Teriyaki Chicken Cuts. Which one would you choose? I’m also happy to offer a limited time coupon for 20% off Lorissa’s Kitchen on Amazon!
Discover what Lorissa’s Kitchen is made of and shop the image directly below:
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
It’s nice reading such an article on this topic. Only a few recognizes the importance and benefits of Strength Training. Even if your not an athlete or into any sports, just for fitness purposes, strength training is good.
Amazing tips.
So many great tips that you mentioned here, a lot of things to learn about core strengthening and the product looks helpful too.
Great tips. I have been slowly adding strength training to my routine as well and I can already feel the difference. Can’t wait to see the changes in another year!
I have been running for half marathons and whatever be your fitness goal, strength training is most important as well as the right amount of protein for recovery .I hope Lorissa’s Kitchen has some good vegetarian options too !
I’ve found that as long as you do your research and find out whether a certain workout is for you, there’s no need to stress over it. I know for me weightlifting isn’t my thing. I like workouts that don’t feel as though I’m working out.
Love all these tips to help live a healthy lifestyle!!
I’ve been needing to start strength training to augment my running exercise. You detail a great starting point for me – thank you for your tips!
This is great information. I too thought that strength training would cause me to bulk up. I did well when I had a routine I could follow – years ago. But after several changes, new job, moving, helping Shawn with the website, I just don’t find I have the time to put in.
This is really helpful for those beginning with strength training. I didn’t realise just how many benefits there were to it!
I’ve been wanting to get into an exercise routine but didn’t know where to start but this seems great.
Also…I really love beef jerky and will definitely try some of these out. They all look yummy!
Great tips to follow to get your body in shape and live healthily.