Skip To Main Content
Fitness

WHAT MAKES A GOOD STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM?

By David Ottobre
Dare MD

Strength training is not just about lifting heavy weights; it requires a strategic approach that targets specific muscle groups and follows a progressive overload principle. 

With an effective program, you can stimulate muscle growth and improve overall strength. Not only this, but you’ll start to build shape and create a strong body.

A good strength training program can enhance self-confidence, reduce stress, and even improve mood. With the right guidance and dedication, anyone can tap into their inner strength and achieve remarkable results.

So, if you’re ready to transform your body and mind, join us as we unlock the secrets of an effective strength training program. 

Why do strength training?

Strength training is a fundamental component of a well-rounded fitness regimen. It goes beyond just building muscle; it is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellness.

Strength training is a pillar of fitness because it helps you to increase muscle mass and bone density. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone strength, which can lead to decreased mobility, balance, and overall physical function. Regular strength training can counteract this process, helping to maintain and even build muscle and bone, reducing the risk of injuries and improving quality of life.

Moreover, strength training has been shown to have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. By increasing muscle strength and endurance, the body becomes more efficient at utilising oxygen, which can lead to improved heart health and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

This makes strength training a crucial component of a well-rounded fitness regimen, for a more holistic approach to health and wellness.

So, what makes a good strength training program?

There is no real one size fits all when it comes to a good strength training program, as a program is only as good as the results it yields.

Since every person is different, every program can only be assessed based on how effective it is for that person and how well it tends to certain specific goals.

That said, all programs that hope to build strength will need to be gradually increasing the demands placed on the muscles over time. 

No matter what your goal, a good strength training program will feature progressive overload to ensure growth. This is the only real feature that should definitely be there.

Another key factor to a good program will be alternating the muscles that are being trained in order to maximise growth. But again, this ties in with the ability to progressively overload the muscles rather than any special feature of a specific program.

Ultimately, every program needs to be tailored to the individual. This is what we specialise in at DARE.

strength training program

3 Key Components Of A Good Strength Training Program?

  1. Progressive overload 

One of the key components of a good strength training program is the principle of progressive overload. 

You’ve probably heard this phrase before and wondered what it means. Well, it’s actually pretty self explanatory. It means progressively overloading the muscles and increasing the demands placed on your muscles over time in order to grow them.

You can achieve this through increasing the weight, the number of reps, the number of sets, or the complexity of the exercises. By consistently challenging your muscles, you’ll stimulate growth and see steady improvements in your strength and muscle development.

2. Effective exercise selection 

Another key element of a good program is a variety of exercises that target every muscle group.

Compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, should form the foundation of your strength training routine, as they engage multiple muscle groups and promote overall strength development. 

Complementing these compound exercises with isolation exercises, which target specific muscle groups, can help you achieve a well-rounded and balanced program.

3. Frequency and duration of your strength training sessions 

A good program will have you training 2-5 times per week, allowing for adequate recovery time between sessions. The duration of your workouts should also be tailored to your needs, ensuring that you have enough time to complete the necessary exercises without overtraining.

By working to a comprehensive and personalised strength training program, you can build muscle and lose fat.

The DARE. method

We’ve worked with hundreds of clients to change their body composition and enhance their physique.

The DARE. method is tried and tested, and follows a specific formula to get results. It’s tailored to the individual to ensure you get the most out of your training.

Want to learn more about the DARE. method? Contact us now.