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WEIGHT - LIFTING AND BENEFITS

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  What do you need to start weight training? If you’ve never lifted weights before, consider starting out with the help of a certified personal trainer. They’ll be able to teach you the proper form for specific exercises and set up a strength training program tailored to your needs. Many gyms or fitness centers offer introductory training sessions at little or no cost, or they have trainers available if you have questions. While most gyms have a combination of resistance machines and free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, you can also get a comprehensive weight training workout  at home  with basic equipment. Equipment options You don’t necessarily need weights to build lean muscle mass and tone your body. As an example, for some strength training exercises, like pushups or lunges, you only need your body weight to provide resistance. You can expand your at-home workout options with  dumbbells . A beginner’s set of adjustable weight dumbbells starts at about $50, but the price i

25 ways exercise can change your life

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  If you are only exercising to lose weight, you may find it hard to stick to your goal. It can take a few weeks or months to see changes in your outward appearance; thankfully, there are numerous ways exercise improves your health from the inside out. Some exercise benefits are immediate, which can give you that extra push when you want to quit. "It can be difficult to stick with your resolution if you're only looking for results in the mirror," says Sharrell Porter, M.S. ACSM EP-C, an exercise physiologist at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center. She recommends focusing on a health-related goal, like  lowering blood pressure ,  reducing stress  or  sleeping better . "I have people come in for a training session and they don't want to exercise," says Porter. "However, by the end of their session, they feel better and are ready to tackle more in their day. I also get texts from clients who say exercise helped them sleep better that night, even if they normal