Getting stronger

With the exception of the more hardcore weightlifting magazines, very seldom do you come across articles on strength. Finding an article on how to drop ten pounds or how to shape and tone muscles is quite common. But, finding a piece on how to increase your bench press? You may have to look elsewhere.

This is likely because most people reading health and wellness publications are more concerned with total body fitness than hoisting up as much weight as possible. Still, not everyones fitness goals are the same, and there exists a fair amount of people who are interested in knowing how to become stronger.

For those people, and for those who may just be curious, it appears as though the greatest strength gains are to be had when three-minute rest periods are taken between sets. According to the Journal of Strength Conditioning Research, a study determined that of one-minute, two-minute, and three-minute rest periods, allowing your body to recover for the more ample amount of time will enable you to lift more during your next set. And, over time, this higher volume training will result in stronger lifts.