The importance of Body Balanced Training
Whatever your fitness levels and fitness goals, it is important to follow an exercise programme that supports a balanced body – our fitness team is here to explain why.
The importance of Leg Day
The dreaded leg day is often feared by most and skipped by many, but here are just a few reasons why you should train your legs as part of your exercise programme:
- Muscle tissue burns more calories than body fat, so since some of the largest muscles in the body are in the legs, strength training your legs can help you burn more calories!
- Strengthening your legs can help improve your performance in all areas of your life, such as increasing your overall balance, as well as jumping, running and other powerful movements.
- More testosterone and growth hormones are released when training larger muscle groups such as your legs.
- Training legs will make your body look symmetrical and in proportion.
- Training legs will reduce the risk of injury. Poorly conditioned legs will lead to a number of injuries including lower back pain, ACL injuries, hamstrings.
- Training legs will help build muscle around joints and help promote stability and mobility.
So, what kind of exercises should I do to train legs?
- Leg Extensions target the front of the thigh and can be done either by using a leg extension machine, or using a chair and dumbbell/exercise band
- Leg Curl, also known as the hamstring curl, targets the hamstring muscles at the back of the leg and are important for overall strength, balance of leg strength and stamina.
- One of the best exercises for building your legs is Squats - great for also hitting and toning your buttocks. Book a session with a Fitness Instructor to ensure you train with the correct technique.
Remember, if you are training 3 times a week, we suggest at least one session should be dedicated to legs. Speak to a member of our team to help support you with a personalised programme and exercises that work for you, your abilities and your fitness goals.
So, what kind of exercises should I do to train upper body?
Start slowly with a few repetitions and sets and gradually increase the intensity of your workout as you build up your strength.
Here are a few exercises to get started with:
- Push-ups (using body weight - start on your knees then extended as to 3/4 and then full as you get stronger)
- Bicep-curls (using dumbbells or barbell curls)
- Front raise (with light dumbbells)
- Seated row (working your back muscles)
For best results, try to do an upper body workout a few times a week. Speak to a member of our fitness team before embarking on a new fitness regime – we can show you how to do this safely and help you towards your fitness goals.
Don’t forget, as part of your membership with us at Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex you can receive a free personalised programme with regular reviews.
To find out more, speak to a member of our team today, or Contact Us