Recreational Weight Lifting
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OSU and Dixon Recreational Center
For those who remember the days of the old gym, there was a lot to be desired. But the lucky that have found their way to the gym the last couple years would be amazed how much time, effort, and money went into building the new gym. There is a dedicated wiki pertaining to Dixon Recreational Center. I would highly recommend taking a look around when you get a free moment. As a student, there really is no need to shell out money for something when you can get a better alternative here on campus.
Before you begin
First and foremost I want to make sure it is known that I in no way constitute a professional weight lifter. Everything contained herein is of my own knowledge gained from talking to other weight lifters, trainers, consulting books, and absorbing that of which is around me while I train. As such, before starting any type of physical activity, especially weight lifting, please consult a physician and make sure he/she clears you for a physical activity which is as strenuous as weight lifting. With that out of the way, on to the teaching.
One of the most important things to realize about any type of physical activity, is it takes dedication. Most people assume they realize this portion of the activity, but it isn’t as simple as it may seem. Walking into the gym an hour and a half a night 5 days a week, doesn’t constitute as dedication. It takes a thorough life change to see the full benefits of what weight lifting can do for you. Be it mind, body, or soul, weight lifting can be advantageous to anyone looking for more energy, better physical, or overall confidence. There are some key steps to realize when getting prepared to start a weight lifting routine.
Once you start
Getting to where you want to go takes a lot of dedication. I have spent countless hours reading about weight lifting, watching people at the gym, talking to them, and devouring any and all information pertinent to learning how to do it right.
This page isn't meant to teach you how to get to where you want to go, but it is here to get you moving.
Here are some great links to get you started on your training.
Building Muscle 101
Weight lifting with Wikipedia
About.com's tips
Fitness.com's great website
Injuries
Injuries are a very real reality when it comes to anything that is strenuous especially weight lifting. You are straining your body constantly when you weight lift. The whole point of weight lifting is pushing your body beyond its physical limit. That in essence is the only way to build size when lifting weights. As I mentioned before, there are three different types of lifting techniques. Explosive, cardio, and Strength. If you choose strength you are constantly pushing your body beyond its physical maximum. If you choose cardio, you are working with light weights for extended periods of time, to increase your heart rate while working on strength. If you choose to go with Explosive weight lifting, you are using mild weights, but using your and their explosiveness to increase your fast twitch muscles.
Congratulations
Personally, if you've found your way this far, you've obviously had some interest in getting in shape, or continuing with your weight lifting routine. As stated before, the hardest part is getting started. It's going to hurt, you're going to be sore, and you'll need to prioritize your life to put weight lifting towards the top. Otherwise, you won't see the benefits of your hard work nearly as quickly, and you'll get frustrated with yourself, and your routine and make mistakes by increasing your weight too quickly, eating too much of one thing or another, or go as far as relying on muscle stimuli to progress your routines farther and faster than you could have done au'naturel.
Good luck, and please, if you have any pertinent information that can be added to this, feel free to do so.
