Years ago there were two types of contests, one was weightlifting and the other was bodybuilding. But they never crossed paths.

"Do I really have to strength train every... single... day?" If you're getting into this strength training stuff, this may be a thought going through your head. Short answer: no. Long answer: it depends.

If you're new to the gym you may be intimidated, but if you follow these simple guidelines, it will ease your transition from couch potato to gym rat.

To maximize your fitness program, strength training should be an equally important partner to aerobic training. This partnership will help these two routines benefit one another, and the end result will be a more balanced approach to fitness with enhanced results.

Using your own body weight provides resistance. The exercises below are done in a lunge position to help engage the lower body along with the upper body.