Ingrid Skjong, a former fitness writer turned large appliance editor and certified personal trainer, joins Seth Berkman, Wirecutter's senior staff fitness writer and home gym expert. They discuss why strength training is crucial for health at any age, share tips for starting at-home workouts, and recommend essential equipment like adjustable dumbbells and pull-up bars. The conversation also tackles overcoming gym intimidation and the benefits of personalized fitness approaches, motivating listeners to enhance their well-being through strength training.
Strength training is vital for maintaining muscle mass and health, particularly as age-related muscle density decline begins in the 30s.
Starting with foundational movements and basic home workout equipment, like resistance bands and kettlebells, makes strength training accessible and effective for everyone.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strength Training for Everyone
Strength training is essential for individuals of all ages as it helps maintain muscle mass and overall health. Regular strength training can mitigate the natural decline in muscle density that occurs with aging, typically starting in one's 30s. Engaging in basic movements can improve daily activities like lifting, carrying groceries, or playing with children, effectively making life easier and reducing injury risks. Research demonstrates that strength training can also lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers while improving healthspan, which emphasizes not just longevity but the quality of health into older age.
Starting a Strength Training Routine
For those new to strength training, the initial focus should be on mastering foundational movements and proper form before progressing to heavier weights. Compound exercises, which involve multiple muscle groups and joints, are encouraged for their efficiency in building strength. Recommendations include starting with body-weight exercises like push-ups and squats, gradually incorporating resistance bands or light weights to improve resistance. Working with a certified personal trainer can significantly enhance the experience by ensuring individuals follow a tailored program that matches their goals and abilities.
Essential Gear for Home Strength Training
Investing in basic home workout equipment is accessible and affordable, with options such as resistance bands, kettlebells, and yoga mats available for under $100. Resistance bands provide versatile options for body-weight training, while kettlebells allow for strength and stabilization exercises. A quality yoga mat offers a supportive surface for various workouts, enhancing comfort during ground exercises. These beginner tools enable users to efficiently start their strength training journey without the need for extensive setups or high costs.
Progressing in Strength Training
As strength training routines evolve, it's crucial to focus on progressive overload, which involves gradually increasing the resistance or difficulty of exercises. The approach depends on individual goals; for example, building strength typically involves lifting heavier weights for fewer repetitions, while muscle-building might require lighter weights with more reps. Monitoring recovery time and ensuring adequate rest between workouts is essential to avoid injuries and burnout. Tailoring exercise intensity and variety keeps the training engaging and leads to continuous improvement.
Strength training might seem intimidating, but it’s also key for living a long, healthy life. We cover how to start and the simple at-home gear that’ll help.
Guests: Wirecutter supervising editor Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter fitness writer Seth Berkman