I’m the first person to preach barbells and dumbells. I think everyone from your daughter to your grandmother should be lifting weights. There are just too many benefits to ignore. On the other hand, I pride myself in being an open minded person.
If your someone who doesn’t like lifting weights but want to get strong try out these 3 alternatives to the heavy iron:
Use your own bodyweight
Bodyweight exercises can be some of the most effective strength and muscle building routines. A good gear free option is to hold a pose like planks or do squats, lunges or pushups. Some workouts, like yoga and isometrics, naturally rely on using your own body weight as resistance.
Use resistance bands
These stretch bands offer one of the safest most effective weight bearing workouts around. They come in different tension levels that your muscles must adapt to. You think these one’s easy? Try strapping a band around your ankles and step side to side for 30 seconds and get back to me.
Try out a machine
Machines are less scary option at the gym than picking up a weight or loading the bar. Once you can figure out how to position your body in the machine it’s pretty foolproof. don’t let anyone tell you the machines aren’t good for you. Ideally, we want you hitting dumbells and barbells but machines have their purpose as well.
Try out all 3 exercises in a little mini circuit. Pick one machine, bring your trusty band and you have yourself a great little fat burning muscle toning tri set without ever lifting weights.
If your looking for more ideas on how to combine some of these different styles into your workout check out Club Sweat’s Facebook page for some cool videos.