Expert in strength training outlines three fundamental guidelines essential for beginners to adhere to
In the pursuit of a healthier and stronger life, Steve Stonehouse, a renowned strength training expert, offers insightful advice for beginners. His approach emphasises movement and functional strength for everyday life.
Firstly, Stonehouse stresses the importance of staying active throughout the day. Regular movement isn't just about weekly workouts; it's about making physical activity a part of your daily routine. This could mean taking regular walks, engaging in movement-specific exercises, or even following a three-step stretching routine every hour to keep you limber.
Secondly, Stonehouse advocates for movement-specific exercises over targeting individual muscles. This approach encourages exercises like pushing, pulling, hinging, and squatting, which mimic everyday movements and help build functional strength.
Thirdly, when it comes to strength training equipment, Stonehouse offers practical tips for beginners. His top three tips for equipment selection focus on safety and versatility.
- Choose equipment that fits your needs and quality standards. Stonehouse advises selecting a squat rack that suits your space, user height, and intended use. He also recommends checking the quality of the rack, including the type and thickness of steel, especially distinguishing between commercial and personal racks.
- Consider versatility in your equipment. Stonehouse suggests deciding if you want a basic squat rack or a more versatile power cage, which can be used for various exercises like squats, bench pressing, and spotting.
- Use safety features properly and ensure stability. Stonehouse recommends always using the safety arms on squat racks to assist if a lift fails and to pick a rack with a wide base or platform to prevent movement. The thickness (gauge) of the steel is also important for safety and durability.
Regular movement helps build functional strength for everyday life, and Stonehouse's expertise lies in creating safe and effective training environments. While specific advice on training execution or workout programming wasn't found in the search results, his focus on education and programming underscores his commitment to helping beginners embark on their strength training journey safely and effectively.
Lastly, it's worth noting that sitting all day can lead to a sedentary lifestyle adaptation in the body. Getting up from your desk regularly is encouraged, and regularly racking up your step count is beneficial. Aim to increase daily movement beyond weekly workouts, and your body will adapt and become stronger.
- Steve Stonehouse, a strength training expert, suggests that beyond weekly workouts, incorporating regular movement into your daily routine is crucial for building functional strength, which is essential for everyday life.
- In addition to regular movement, Stonehouse encourages movement-specific exercises over isolating individual muscles, as they mimic everyday movements and help build functional strength for a stronger and healthier lifestyle.
- For those starting strength training, Stonehouse offers practical advice on equipment selection, emphasizing the importance of safety, versatility, and quality in choosing the right squat rack for a comprehensive fitness-and-exercise program.
