Weight training.
Weight training can be the most effective technique for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles and may improve  overall health and well-being.
Weight training can involve the use of a barbell and repeated lifting of gradually increasing amounts of weighs. Weight training also includes a variety of resistance exercises which target specific muscle groups. Such exercises can be done with the help of different types of equipment, such as smaller weights, called dumbbells, a special bench and multipurpose gym machines.
Weight training is primarily an anaerobic exercise and it is a kind of resistance training which contributes to improvement of muscle strength and mass. Weight training can be performed as aerobic exercise, if it aims to the enhancement of muscle endurance. For more details see the relevant paragraph in the Weight Training Guidelines page.
Weight training follows the principle of progressive training in terms of increasing weight and reps. While training, the muscles are heavily loaded and reach the maximum level of capability. As the muscles respond to training by gaining size, strength and endurance, the training is repeated with progressively heavier weights and longer exercises.
Weight training triggers growth by causing micro trauma to the muscles. Growth occurs during the rest period following a workout, when repairs take place to these "sore" areas of the muscle. Weight training programs should, therefore, allow the muscles to rest, recover and grow. Otherwise, overtraining can occur. This means that injuries can happen and the results due to weight training may not be the expected ones. Muscle growth is normally completed within thirty six to ninety six hours, after the end of exercise session, depending on the intensity of the training.
Delayed onset muscle soreness may occur after any exercise, including weight training.
Weight training
is different
from bodybuilding, weight lifting or power lifting which are sports rather than types of exercising. Weight training, however, is part of the training regimen of the above sports.
Before a person starts any intensive physical exercise course, including weight training, a physician's advice is recommended.
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