Unfit Chick

I am not the most intuitive athlete and certainly not at all a natural at weight lifting. I had a trainer for a while, but I can't justify paying someone to stand over me three days a week while I do two sets of fifteen over and over again. It just seems wrong. Then again, when left to my own devices, my weight-training technique becomes, shall we say, creative. I am always convinced that I have great form, only to find out months later that I am way off. So, I need plenty of guidance and direction.

A couple of months ago I picked up a book that changed everything — Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier. I love this book! The clear and precise directions are augmented by incredible anatomical illustrations, showing the proper form and the muscle groups involved. He gives plenty of information on how to avoid injuries and whether to go light or heavy. The book is broken down into seven major muscle groups: arms, shoulders, chest, back, legs, buttocks and abs. Within each muscle group are multiple exercises, with plenty of variations on each.

I am always struggling to vary my routine in order to maximize muscle development, and this book makes it so easy. My goal is to work my whole body in three days per week. Generally, I do weights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mondays are for quads, hams, glutes and calves; on Wednesdays, I do my chest, arms and shoulders, and on Saturdays, I work my back, glutes, and inner and outer thigh. That's only three hours a week, and I am very pleased with the results.