Tell me something, do you feel good after a good workout session? I stress the word ‘after’ because one rarely has a smile when he trudges into the hallowed grounds of the fitness center. Even if many times you don’t feel like working out, notice that you feel much better physically when you do. You’re body releases chemicals that make you happy and not only that, you are sharper mentally because of it. How so? Imagine you need to concentrate on executing the drills in the correct form and manner, with the appropriate number of reps and sets-all the while feeling extreme physical discomfort. Weight training programs push you to your limits and the result is a great physique you can be proud of.

Now we know what we’re gunning for (a body worth working hard for), let us proceed to survey the best muscle building workouts that will get you to your goal as quickly possible. There are two weight training philosophies being practiced today: high intensity and periodization training.

This type of training will push your body to its limit without the luxury of time. This means that while you have to warm up and stretch to prepare your body for the session ahead, you will immediately proceed to a workout that demands maximum physical endurance. High intensity training is working out two to three times a week, making the most out of the 60 to 90 minute workout regimen. You will periodically increase the weight loads or reps in the succeeding sessions. When your body is required to perform a certain standard, it inevitably delivers and you will see faster results.

In periodization, you are giving your body more time to familiarize itself with the physical strains of exercise. There is a three week light training period of ‘getting to know each other’, followed by another two to three weeks of courtship and finishing strong with heavy training– matrimony if we pursue the allegorical significance. The focus of periodization is not to over train your body but to gradually increase your muscle mass in phases. The phases ensure that your body is pushed to higher levels, albeit more leisurely, as effectively as high intensity training.

Both methods of training have their good and not so good points. The best muscle building strategy is to incorporate from the two philosophies what will work with your body. Most professionals agree with a three day split workout of high intensity but low volume sessions. What is important is to remember to change the weight loads and exercises every few weeks to get the best results.

Here are some exercises specific to each muscle group you can use: Legs- squats (different variations), leg curls, leg presses Back- deadlifts, rope pull downs, seated rows, barbell shrugs Chest- bench press, dumbbell flyes Shoulders- military press, dumbbell shoulder press, seated shoulder press Arms- dumbbell curls, barbell wrist curls, triceps extensions Stomach- crunches, reverse crunches, leg raises

Weight training programs that are physically taxing but let you go beyond the limitations you previously set for yourself are the best ones to have. Whether you get your motivation through health, strength training or just to look good-keep it up and get the satisfaction of a job well done.

Emmanuel Palmer is an authority on what makes a great weight training programs. Click on the site to get the Best Muscle Building tips you can use today.