Chapter — 1: Understanding Strength Training

Kurt Astarita
APEXGains
Published in
7 min readAug 24, 2023

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Hey there, my fellow warriors! Let’s redefine strength training beyond mere bicep curls. It’s a life-altering powerhouse that can revolutionize your well-being.

Prepare to delve into a realm where transformation reigns supreme. This section unveils the pivotal role of strength training. Brace yourself for a journey that shapes your physique, ignites fat loss, and elevates your holistic health.

Muscle Mastery: Gentlemen over 35, this is your golden ticket to muscle growth. Aging may chip away at muscle mass and might, but fear not! We’re here to flip the script.

Through relentless strength training, we provoke those muscle fibers, signaling them to thrive. Welcome gains and newfound strength with open arms.

You’re not just sculpting muscles; you’re sculpting a life of vitality. A more sculpted you, inside and out, awaits. Let’s conquer this path together!

Listen up, warriors! Beyond sculpting muscles, strength training wields a fiery torch against fat. It’s not just a workout; it’s a metabolism-boosting marvel.

Picture this: long after your sweat session, your body keeps blazing calories. But that’s not all! Amplified muscle mass from training cranks up your basal metabolic rate (BMR), making you a calorie-burning dynamo.

Ignite your metabolism, torch excess fat, and craft a leaner physique. Say goodbye to unwanted pounds and hello to your strongest self! Your journey to a sculpted, energetic you starts now.

Brace yourself for this truth bomb: strength training is a game-changer for your well-being. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling fantastic.

Check this out: it’s like a fortress for your bones, safeguarding them from the dreaded osteoporosis as the years go by. And those joints? They’ll be rock-solid and as flexible as a yogi’s dream, minimizing pesky injuries.

But hold up, there’s more! Strength training’s got your heart’s back too. It’s like a friendly neighborhood superhero, boosting blood flow and taming those blood pressure readings.

It’s not just reps and sets; it’s investing in a healthier, more vibrant you. Get ready to crush life, armed with strength, vitality, and a dash of invincibility!

Brace for impact: strength training isn’t just about the physical gains; it’s a mind-altering phenomenon.

Check this out: it’s like a mental fortress, combating those anxiety and depression monsters while boosting your confidence and self-esteem to cosmic levels.

But wait, there’s more! We’re talking muscle growth, fat loss, and a ticket to a healthier, happier life. It’s like a treasure chest overflowing with benefits.

Whether you’re after a superhero physique, functional strength, or just an overall upgrade in your existence, strength training’s your secret weapon.

The upcoming chapters? Buckle up! We’re diving deep into the strength training cosmos, arming you with the knowledge to smash through boundaries.

Get ready to embrace your inner powerhouse, shatter the limits, and become the hero of your story through the art of strength training.

Remember, within you lies the power to conquer anything.

Exploring Different Training Modalities: Calisthenics, Resistance Band, and Gym Training

Hold onto your motivation because we’re diving deep into the epic world of strength training options.

Guess what? There’s no one-size-fits-all here. We’ve got you covered, no matter your preferences or goals.

Calisthenics — the art of mastering your own body, no equipment needed! Picture push-ups, pull-ups, squats — your body’s the gym, and results are your reward.

Resistance bands — your ultimate travel buddies! Versatile, adaptable, and they never skip leg day. Engage muscles in ways you’ve never imagined, and all in the palm of your hand.

Gym vibes — if you crave variety and a place to unleash your inner beast, the gym’s got it all. From free weights to machines, every tool’s at your disposal.

Remember, no wrong choices here. It’s about what speaks to your inner warrior. You can even mix and match to create your perfect blend.

In our upcoming chapters, we’ll dive headfirst into each training modality, giving you the lowdown on exercises, techniques, and the ultimate game plan.

This is your ticket to unleashing your strength, seizing your goals, and sculpting a future that’s unapologetically fierce.

Hold tight, legends — your journey’s about to hit top gear, and you’re driving.

Overview Of The Advantages And Considerations For Each Modality

Alright, let’s keep it real! We’ve dived deep into the world of calisthenics, resistance bands, and gym training — and now, it’s decision time.

No sugarcoating, friend. Each approach has its own perks and quirks. Time to figure out what vibes with your style and aspirations.

So, what’s it gonna be? Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of each modality, and by the end, you’ll be one step closer to finding your strength-training soulmate.

Calisthenics: Advantages:

1. Accessibility: Calisthenics requires little to no equipment, making it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and those with limited resources.

2. Bodyweight Control: By utilizing your body as resistance, calisthenics exercises promote better body control, balance, and coordination.

3. Functional Strength: Calisthenics movements mimic natural human tendencies, enhancing your overall functional strength and performance in daily activities.

Considerations:

1. Progression: As you become stronger, it can be challenging to continuously increase the resistance level in calisthenics exercises. Exploring variations, such as “levers”, harder angles, or tempo variations, can help you overcome plateaus.

2. Limited Load Options: Bodyweight exercises may not provide the same level of resistance as weights, which can limit muscle growth potential for advanced lifters seeking maximal hypertrophy.

Solutions

1. Weighted vests: A tremendous but somewhat expensive option to increase the intensity of your body weight exercises. Weighted vests essentially make you heavier, and this is one way you can advance your calisthenics to a new level.

2. Dip Belts: A dip belt is durable with metal loops and a chain for holding weight plates (like the ones your bench press with). Use this belt for pull-ups, chin-ups & dips (to make them more challenging.

3. Weighted backpack: Possibly the cheapest option if you have one lying around; you can fill it up with stones, weights, or water bottles.

4. Resistance bands: you can use resistance bands to make your calisthenics more challenging. Pull-up bands are perfect for push-ups or squats.

Resistance Band Training: Advantages:

1. Portability: Resistance bands are lightweight and portable, allowing you to perform workouts anywhere, whether at home, in the park, or while traveling.

2. Versatility: Bands come in varying resistance levels, enabling you to adjust the intensity of your exercises and target specific muscle groups effectively.

3. Joint-Friendly: The constant tension provided by resistance bands helps stabilize joints and reduce the risk of injury during exercises.

Considerations:

1. Progressive Resistance: To continue challenging your muscles, you may need to purchase bands with higher resistance levels as you become stronger.

2. Exercise Limitations: While resistance bands offer a wide range of exercises, they may not replicate traditional weights’ exact feeling and resistance. This can affect muscle recruitment patterns and limit the potential for specific activities.

Gym Training: Advantages:

1. Equipment Variety: Gyms provide access to various equipment, including free weights, machines, and specialized training tools, offering endless exercise possibilities.

2. Progressive Overload: The availability of weights allows for incremental increases in resistance, enabling progressive overload and stimulating muscle growth.

3. Community and Support: Gyms often foster a community environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, seek guidance from trainers, and find the motivation to push your limits.

Considerations:

1. Cost and Membership: Gym memberships may come with associated costs, so it’s essential to consider your budget and commitment level.

2. Time and Convenience: Traveling to and from the gym, waiting for equipment, and adhering to gym hours may require additional time and planning.

By weighing the advantages and considerations of each training modality, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and goals.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach; you may combine different modalities to create a personalized strength training program.

The upcoming chapters will provide specific exercises, techniques, and guidance tailored to each modality, empowering you to optimize your strength training journey.

Get ready to embark on a path that resonates with you and unlocks your full potential!

Move To Chapter 2 >>

Quick links

  • Chapter — 1: Understanding Strength Training
  • Chapter — 2: Setting Goals and Assessing Fitness Level
  • Chapter — 3: Calisthenics Training
  • Chapter — 4: Resistance Band Training
  • Chapter — 5: Gym Training
  • Chapter — 6: Nutrition for Muscle Growth
  • Chapter — 7: Recovery and Injury Prevention
  • Chapter — 8: All about Push-Pull Circut Training And Super Sets
  • Chapter — 9: How to Prevent Plateaus And Break Through Them
  • Chapter — 10: Official APEXGains Workout — 120 Day Program

Go Straight To The Workouts…

  • Weeks 1–2: Foundation and Technique Focus
  • Weeks 3–4: Building Strength and Endurance
  • Weeks 5–6: Progressive Overload with Resistance Bands
  • Weeks 7–8: Resistance band and Calisthenics Combo
  • Weeks 9–10: Suspension Training Focus Plus Weighted Vest
  • Weeks 11–12: Strength and Power Development At Home
  • Weeks 13–14: Advanced Weighted Calisthenics Plus Heavy Resistance Bands
  • Weeks 15–16: Progressive Overload and Intensity
  • Weeks 17–18: Circuit Training and Functional Movements (Deload Week)

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