Weight Training For Dummies (4^th Ed.)

Weight Training For Dummies makes it easy to get started with weight training by offering trusted and straightforward guidance on the latest circuit and resistance training, and all-new information on the highly popular bodyweight and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Whether you're working with dumbbells, free weight sets, or machines, you'll find out how to combine weight training with other exercise to properly strength train and get in the best shape of your life.

Along with aerobic exercise and flexibility, body weight training is an integral part of a complete physical activity program. But with all the different equipment and techniques available, getting started can feel overwhelming. Want to get pumped about weight training? Consider these facts: strength training, whether via free weights or a machine, builds muscle. And the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism and the less prone you are to injuries?in and out of the gym. Plus, strength training promotes bone strength, which can significantly reduce your odds of developing osteoporosis. If that's not enough, strength training?unlike cardio workouts like running?reaps benefits almost immediately. So what are you waiting for? Weight Training For Dummies has everything you need to get started.

• Provides examples and directions for powerful 20-minute weight training routines for the time challenged
• Features advice to help you choose a weight training system that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle
• Includes new coverage devoted to warm-ups and the hottest and most beneficial stretches
• Introduces using weight training to address specific health or orthopedic conditions

Whether you're already in the gym several times a week or are just starting out with a fitness routine, Weight Training For Dummies shows you how to use free weights or weight machines to get results?fast.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Weight Training 5

Chapter 1: Weight Training for Life 7

Chapter 2: The Principles of Training: Concepts and Terminology 13

Chapter 3: Testing Your Strength, Setting Goals, and Tracking Your Progress 27

Chapter 4: Weight-Training Tools and Equipment 39

Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Preventing Injury 55

Part II: Gaining Weight-Training Wisdom 69

Chapter 6: Set ting Up Your Own Gym at Home 71

Chapter 7: Exercising Away from Home: Clubs, Trainers, and Classes 81

Chapter 8: Your Muscles and How to Use Them Properly 97

Part III: Tackling the Exercises 105

Chapter 9: Working Your Back 107

Chapter 10: Working Your Chest 129

Chapter 11: Working Your Shoulders 145

Chapter 12: Working Your Arms 161

Chapter 13: Working Your Abdominals 175

Chapter 14: Working Your Butt and Legs 187

Chapter 15: Weights for Core Strength 209

Chapter 16: Stretching: The Truth 223

Part IV: Setting Up Your Workout Programs 239

Chapter 17: Basic Workouts to Get Started 241

Chapter 18: 20-Minute Workouts for the Time Challenged 251

Chapter 19: Tackling More-Advanced Programs 261

Chapter 20: Workouts for the Family: New Moms, Moms-to-Be, Kids, and Teens 275

Chapter 21: Workouts for Baby Boomers and Beyond 297

Chapter 22: Adding Yoga and Pilates for Flexibility 309

Part V: The Part of Tens 321

Chapter 23: Ten (Or So) Ways to Use Exercise Bands to Tone and Tighten 323

Chapter 24: Ten (Or So) Ways to Have a Ball with Exercise Balls 335

Index 351

For those looking to shape and tone up with weights, keep bones healthy, control weight, increase strength, boost energy, and improve heart health.

LaReine Chabut is a distinguished lifestyle and fitness expert, bestselling author, model, and mom. As the on-camera host of MSN’s hit web series Focus on Feeling Better, LaReine helped everyday people across America fit in exercise daily. She is most recognized as the lead instructor of The Firm, a series of popular workout videos and her blog losethatbabyfat.com.