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For a long time now you have monitored your expanding waist size and have contemplated that you will need to do something to control the expanding girth. Yet not until the pair of pants that fit the most comfortable suddenly becomes too snug are you ready to move out of your comfort zone and into the gym to do something about it. Yet, what kind of exercise will help you to get to a slimmer you?

Which workout will help you to shed some extra pounds while also helping you to get healthier and feel better overall? If you are still wondering about what to do, then resistance training may very well be the answer for you!

Resistance training has long been hailed as increasing an already athletic person’s endurance, yet did you know that there is more to resistance training than just endurance? As a matter of fact, resistance training has long since been credited with increasing boner mineral density as well as enhancing connective tissues. Of course, another important benefit is the enhancement of muscle strength.

At this point you may wonder which kinds of activities are actually considered to be resistance trainings. While there is no hard and fast cut-off, it is generally accepted that an activity is considered to fall under the umbrella of resistance training if it seeks to overcome gravity in addition to being weight-bearing and perhaps also using free weights. For example, climbing a flight of stairs with a set of dumbbells is considered to be resistance training. In the same vein, squats (with or without dumbbells), bicycling, and rowing fall into the category of resistance training, while those activities that specifically exercise extremities one at a time are preferred, since they will not permit you to favor one leg or arm above the other.

Of course, resistance training will result in a slimmer you relatively quickly. The other upside to this kind of exercise regimen is the fact that you will not need costly machines to achieve your goals. Here are some suggested workout routines that will help you to increase your strength while decreasing the spare tire you might be carrying around your midsection.

• Work against gravity just by using your body. This can take the form of push-ups, sit-ups, or squats. Later on, you might try to do squats with free weights, such as dumbbells to add another dimension of difficulty to your workout. Start out small and always warm up well before doing any kind of workout! Gradually increase the number of push-ups, sit-ups, or squats you do.
• If you want to get more serious about your resistance training, consider investing in some resistance bands. These are specifically designed to exercise certain muscle groups, and in addition they are color coded to permit you to advance from the beginner band to the more advanced bands, thereby giving you more variety in your workouts. Do not feel the need to start out big with the most resisting band, but instead be realistic about where you are at fitness-wise, and gradually work up your way. Nothing is more frustrating than working with equipment that is not designed for your level of ability, and nothing will cause you to give up on your fitness goal of slimming down faster than feeling frustrated.
• If you do have the money to invest in some equipment, and you also have the room to properly set it up, then a weight machine might not be a bad route to go. The variations of exercises and resistance settings are nearly endless, and you will be challenged anew whenever you so desire. If you do not have the money or room to purchase one of your own, check out your local gym or even the YMCA to find out what their facilities look like and if you could benefit from their equipment.

As you can see, resistance training will not only help you to slim down, but it will furthermore increase your health in ways you may not even notice right away. Yet your muscles, your tendons, and your bones will thank you, so go ahead and exercise! The only thing you have to lose is the weight!