Fitness strength training is the process of improving muscle strength and tone. It is not necessarily weight training in which you work to bulk up muscles. Women and men will benefit from strength training in various ways. It aids in toning muscles so they look good. It helps muscles to be more efficient at burning energy and therefore can aid in weight loss. Strong muscles are also less likely to be injured.

One of the first things you should understand about fitness strength training is the term overload. In order to build stronger muscles, you need to use more resistance than your muscles are currently used to. The more resistance you use, the more your muscles will be capable of doing. In other words, work to increase your muscles workload at a steady pace. To accomplish this, use added weight. You need to add enough weight so that the last rep that you complete is difficult to complete.

Next, consider progression. One of the pitfalls many who do fitness strength training end up with is a plateau, where they do not seem to be getting any fitter or any stronger. To avoid this, you need to progress, or do periods of intense workout to push farther. You can do this by adding weight to the amount of weight you are already using, changing up the exercises you do or changing your resistance type.

Give yourself a goal. Specificity is the term used in this area of fitness strength training. In short, you want to have a goal to work towards. That way, you can target your exercises around that goal.

The importance of resting your muscles should never be forgotten. Rest and recovery are the two terms used here in fitness strength training. You need to give your muscles a full 24 to 36 hours off from any additional strength training in between workouts. This gives your muscles the time they need to grow and develop. You should never work the same muscle group two days in a row.

Every exercise you do should be done safely. Before attempting any, be sure you are either working with a professional or learning form a step by step program. Missteps can lead to injury.

Breathing properly is another important area with fitness strength training. You should concentrate on taking in deep breaths as you workout. You need to ensure your body is getting the full amount of oxygen it needs.

Finally, to be successful at fitness strength training, you do need to be consistent. Dedicate yourself to working out three to four days out of the week, taking into consideration your rest periods. Also, keep in mind the importance of warm-ups and cool downs as well. Doing these things will ensure your muscles are being pushed to the proper level with no more. Most importantly, keep in mind that it does take time to build strong muscles and you will need to maintain them long term.