Strength Training V/s. Weight Training: What's the difference?
Introduction
You're eager to get to the gym and work out. You've heard the terms "weight training" and "strength training," but aren't sure what the differences are or which program to use.
What is the distinction between strength and weight training? "Weight training" refers to lifting weights with the purpose of improving overall health and fitness, but not necessarily with a long-term strategy or defined structure in mind. Strength training is a sort of exercise that helps you gain muscle mass and improve your strength. It is usually led by a strength training professional and follows a specified long-term strategy to achieve a certain goal.
What is Weight Training?
Weight training refers to any workout that involves the use of weights. Any free weight movement, such as dumbbells and barbells, is considered a weight. You can also use weight machines, which are available at any gym. If you don't have access to weights or machines and want to exercise at home or on the go, you can do exercises that need only your body weight, such as push-ups or planks, or use resistance bands or stretch tubes.
Who is Weight Training For?
Weight training is for people who want to enhance their health, lose weight, and become in better shape.
You might not have a long-term objective in mind other than to feel and look better, and you just want to get
a solid workout in the near term.
Weight training, according to the American Cancer Society, can help you reverse age-related muscle loss, boost bone density, improve joint flexibility, improve balance, and control your body weight more readily. As your physical condition improves as a result of weight training, so will your attitude, and you may find yourself happier and more confident,
which is a great benefit.
Weight Training Principles
Lifting weights or doing other weight resistance exercises is, of course, a part of any weight training program. You don't have to do these every day; most experts advocate doing 20-30 minutes of weight training at least twice or three times each week. In addition, at least twice a week, you should exercise each muscle group.
Pros / Cons of Weight Training
PROS:
- You can exercise at a gym, at home, or on the go.
- At the gym, there are a variety of weights and machines to choose from.
- They don't have to be long-term, and they don't have to have defined objectives.
- Gyms frequently provide instruction; coaching does not need to be advanced, and you may be able to save money by not hiring a professional coach.
CONS:
- You may not have access to a gym and must locate a suitable location at home or elsewhere to exercise.
- Outside of a gym, you might not have access to weights, and you'll have to buy your own.
- You don't have to commit to a long-term program, and you might not be able to sustain motivation or realize your full potential if you don't have a clear aim.
- If you don't have access to a gym that offers to coach, you'll have to create your own program.
What is Strength Training?
Strength training is a sort of physical activity used to increase size and strength for athletic purposes. Strength training is a type of physical activity that focuses on using resistance to cause muscular contractions in order to increase strength, anaerobic endurance, skeletal muscle size, and bone density.
In some ways, strength training differs from weight training. To begin, strength training comprises a variety of exercises for strength and conditioning, including weight training. A solid strength training program might include bodyweight exercises like lunges and pushups, resistance movements on a row machine, and specialties like climbing, jumping, and throwing.
Who is Strength Training For?
Strength training is for people who want to gain muscle, enhance joint function, and improve their general endurance and fitness. When you think of "strength training," you probably think of someone who is involved in a serious gym program and is preparing for a certain sport or activity.
Consider "strength training" to be someone who is involved in a serious gym program or is preparing for a sport. Athletes follow a strength training plan in addition to improving their specific sports talents to help them perform better in their sport and limit the risk of injury. Strength training is widely included in the entire training regimen of sports such as track and field, basketball, football, mixed martial arts, and hockey, among others.
Strength Training Principles
Periodization of workouts is when you have a defined schedule for what exercises to do and when to do them. Your training plan may span several months rather than just a few days, giving you a long-term structure to your efforts.
A strength training program often includes lower rep ranges, heavier weights, and a significant number of sets. As a result, as the stress and stimulation on your body increases, pushing you outside of your comfort zone, your body adapts by creating dense muscles and hence strength.
Pros / Cons of Strength Training
PROS:
- You can exercise at a gym, at home, or on the go.
- Unusual equipment, like tyres or battle ropes, can be used with a variety of gym equipment and weight machines.
- Fulfills particular goals over a long period of time, includes a variety of exercises, and keeps you engaged
- A skilled Strength and Conditioning coach will provide excellent instruction.
CONS:
- You may not have access to a gym and must locate a suitable location at home or elsewhere to exercise.
- Outside of a gym, there may be a lack of weights or other equipment, necessitating the use of bodyweight workouts or the purchase of personal equipment.
- Covers a longer length of time than basic exercise; requires long-term commitment; may lose enthusiasm.
- Gyms may not have the proper coach on staff, necessitating the hiring of one; professional coaching may be too expensive, and members may not have access to any coaching at all.
Should You Be Doing Strength Training or Weight Training?
You can decide which type of exercise regimen you wish to follow now that you know more about both strength training and weight training. Do you prefer weight training, which entails just going to the gym and lifting weights every day, or strength training, which
entails a more structured workout program that charts your workouts as you progress toward a strength goal?
If you decide to perform strength training, make sure you have the time and dedication to stick to a long-term plan,
as well as access to a specialized Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Strength and weight training have more in common than they have differences. Weight training is one type of strength training, but it also includes other activities that build muscle and enhance bodily conditioning. Both, however, will provide you with excellent results and improved health provided you stick to your regimen.
References :
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/health-slideshow/pros-and-cons-of-weight-training-program-1417865871.html
https://bestefficient.com/strength-training-pros-and-cons/
https://fitbod.me/blog/strength-training-vs-weight-training/
Disclaimer :
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Content Credit: Aayush Kundnani
