Five Best Strength Training Exercises

When you start a strength training exercise program, you will certainly want to know what the five best strength-training exercises are.  However, there are no certain exercises or methods that guarantee the best exercises to use; we can give you some highly recommended strength training exercises that will certainly get the job done.

Here are the suggested five best strength training exercises for you to do, if nothing else ever gets done.

1.       Squats.  These work several muscle groups all at one time, making them a truly effective exercise.  To do this exercise you will want to stand with feet hip-width apart, toes facing straight ahead or angled slightly outward.  In this position, you will then slowly bend your knees and lower hips towards the floor, keeping your torso straight and abs tight.  Keep your knees behind your toes; make sure everything is pointing in the same direction.  Never lower yourself more than 90 degrees.  Do this exercise three times a week on non-consecutive days, and do 2-3 sets of 10-16 reps.

2.       Lat Pull-Down.  This exercise works on the major muscles in the lower back, and back strength never hurts anyone!  This one will help you to burn calories, too.  You need to use a machine for this exercise, though.  If you do not have access to a gym, there are other exercises you can do in place of this one.  This needs to be done 2-3 times a week in 2-3 sets of 10-16 reps.

3.       The Plank.  This is a move that is famously done in Yoga and Pilates.  This will work your abs, back, arms, and legs.  To do this move, Lie face down on mat with elbows resting on floor next to chest.  Push your body off the floor in a pushup position with body resting on elbows or hands.  Contract the abs and keep the body in a straight line from head to toes. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat as many times as you can.

4.       Push-Ups.  This exercise works many muscle groups.  While many people know how to do a push-up, it is important to remember not to push your buttocks in the air, or to sag in the middle.  Stay straight and firm.  For extra strength, try doing them one-handed.

5.       Lunges.  To do this exercise: Stand in a split-stance (one leg forward, one leg back).  Bend knees and lower body into a lunge position, keeping the front knee and back knee at 90-degree angles.  Keeping the weight in your heels, slowly push back up to your starting position.  Be sure to never lock your knees or let them bend past your toes.  Try to do this as often as the other exercises.

Doing all of these, exercises will certainly make you stronger, but of course you will have to eat a balanced diet and lift weights if you want to increase muscle tone along with all your newfound strength.