Today, it is widely accepted that muscular strength training is the single most important factor in building solid muscle, losing fat, increasing endurance, and generally promoting good health.

Before we begin, let’s define strength training. It is the method of exercise in which we increase or maximize our physical strength. It is divided into two subcategories:

a) Strength training and muscle development

b) Strength training without body weight gain

Let’s start with the second category. Strength training without body weight gain refers to athletes who use force to achieve their goals. They increase their strength through their sports activity without adding a noticeable amount of weight to their bodies. For example, cyclists, swimmers, hikers, soccer players, etc. exercise to increase their strength, but only as a means of achieving their goals.

On the other hand, strength in weightlifting and bodybuilding is gained by adding mass and building muscle. Strength training in bodybuilding is most of the time part of a regular annual program.

Another question would be why is force so important? Here are some reasons:

1) Greater resistance

Strength training has been scientifically proven to increase endurance. Better endurance means higher quality workouts, which is what we’re all looking for.

2) More muscle

Being stronger means lifting more and lifting more simply means more muscle. These two factors are closely related. Building strength inevitably leads to adding more lean muscle.

3) Strength builds self-confidence

When you are physically strong, you will also feel mentally strong. Stronger people are much more self-confident and self-disciplined, and this helps them achieve their goals much more easily.

4) Lose fat

I saved the best for last. What many people don’t know is that working on your strength is the best way to lose fat! It helps to increase your metabolism and therefore lose weight more easily.

After outlining some of the benefits of muscular strength training, let’s look at how we can build our strength:

a) Try to reach your limits

Give your strength an extra boost by performing one or two more reps than you normally do.

b) More repetitions less weight

This is the best training method to increase your strength. Keep your rep range at 10-12 and the weight load at 70% of your max lift.

c) More speed

Do the exercises faster to engage more muscle fibers for movement. A greater involvement of muscle fibers ultimately leads to increased strength.

Muscular strength training is mandatory for any athlete, regardless of the sport activity in which they are involved. It is the basic element for any muscular or physical development.

Keep those muscles pumping!