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Slide show: Weight training exercises for major muscle groups

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Photo of man holding dumbbell

Starting a weight training program

Weight training can boost your strength, tone your muscles and help you lose fat. Ready to start a weight training program?

Warm up with five to 10 minutes of stretching or brisk walking. Then choose a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 repetitions. With the proper weight, a single set of 12 repetitions can build muscle just as efficiently as can multiple sets of the same exercise.

To give your muscles time to recover, rest a day between exercising each specific muscle group. Remember to complement your weight training routine with daily aerobic activity. Overall fitness will soon be yours!

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July 4, 2008

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