In the interest of pursuing a budget-friendly fitness routine, a person might opt to start training for strength independently of a gym or trainer. In these circumstances, it is important to be aware of the aspects of strength training that can ensure a routine’s longevity.

Unless you are doing a sprint workout, speed is not of the essence in strength training. Of course, going faster makes a strength workout easier, because you are essentially carried through the motions by momentum, but this will not build strength. If anything, it might increase your risk of injury; therefore, aim for controlled, some would say slow, movement when doing weights, while ensuring that rest times between sets are not excessive. Generally, a resting interval would span 30 seconds to 15 minutes if you’re training for overall fitness, and 2-5 minutes if you’re aiming for greater power and strength.

Whatever your strength training activity, it is important to use proper form. There are 3 reasons behind this: you will get a proper workout, build strength accordingly, and minimize the risk of injury, whether that involves the muscles, the joints, or both. Without a trainer to ensure that they learn and adhere to proper form, independent trainees should learn the correct form and evaluate themselves with a mirror.

It is also important to have variety in a strength training routine. This ensures that you work different sets of muscles and don’t fall into a training rut. For example, it’s easy to start a routine involving free weights and a relatively static workout position, but the workout may not add up to much in terms of functional strength, or you might wind up neglecting other muscle groups, which can be detrimental overall. A varied routine, such as incorporating yoga and body weight exercise, provides a constant challenge and helps to keep you motivated.