I think there is a common misconception about strength training. That misconception is that strength training is only for athletes or young people who want to lift heavy. That is so far from the truth. Whether you are a young kid or someone who is 80 years old you can use strength training to enhance your quality of life.
The picture most people have in their head when you ask them what strength training is a big muscular person with a bar on their back repping out squats. They probably also picture a lot of weight on the bar. While this is strength training, there is only a small percentage of people that can lift that heavy of weight with good technique.
What most people don't realize is, squatting to a chair with no weight is also strength training. Doing a push up against a wall or table is also strength training. Doing a farmers carry with 5lb weights in each hand is strength training.
When you start thinking about the opposite end of the 400lb squat you realize that strength training isn't all that intimidating. In fact it is much more realistic than most people think.
Strength training starts with the basics. The basics often mean you aren't using any external load (example barbell, dumbbells, etc). Someone who starts strength training later in life may never progress past squatting to a chair (or box). Maybe they add weight but it is only in the form of a dumbbell.
We tend to think of the extremes when it comes to any topic now a days but don't forget the other end of that extreme. The truth is most people aren't squatting 400lbs. Most people will get stronger by just executing the basics with their own bodyweight.
Coach Ben
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