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Upon entering the gym, it is easy to find a way to get a good cardio workout. There are stair steppers and treadmills, exercise bikes and ski machines, elliptical runners and treadclimbers, stationary bikes and rebounders. There are also aerobic classes and spinning classes, jazzercise and step classes. There is a plethora of ways to get a good cardio workout but a person does not get a complete workout without doing resistance or weight training. Resistance training to be done properly requires a total body strength training workout. A total body workout routine will involve an upper body workout, a lower body workout and a total core workout. The goal of resistance training is to strengthen and tone muscles and to increase bone density. Resistance training requires adding resistance to a workout, free weights and a weight bench can be used, weight machines are also an option, as are resistance bands. An aerobic workout can be combined with strength training, in this way muscle is being developed as the heart is being conditioned. Swimming laps involves a cardio workout and the water provides resistance and muscle is being built. It is important to remember that all major muscle groups must be exercised to get a total body workout. A total core workout must involve the abs, the back and the pelvis. A total upper body workout will work the deltoids, chest, trapezius & Latissimus Dorsi (back and shoulders), biceps and triceps. A total lower body workout will include the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus and the calves. The easiest way to do this properly is to develop a total body workout routine. This routine will insure that muscle groups are not forgotten or neglected. Many people will do an upper body/core workout one day and then a lower body the next day with a total day of rest once a week. The resting day between workouts of each muscle group is important to allow the muscles to heal and grow since lifting weights involves injuring the muscle so that it can grow. While many people enjoy using a gym, it is not necessary to become a member of a gym to get an effective total body workout, total body workout guides can be founded on the internet or in a bookstore or library. The Jump Manual, A comprehensive vertical jump program that presents every aspect of increasing vertical jump explosion. Video explains why most programs fail. Another option is to use total body workout videos or DVDs to enhance the exercise experience and prevent boredom. The most important thing is to develop total body strength training workout and to do it regularly. |