Start the Year Strong

Whether you're just beginning or coming back to working out from a long layoff, this back-to-basics routine Will help you create a lean, fit, muscular body fast.

Photos by Robert Reiff

Why Weight Training?

Looking for a few more reasons weight training is the best approach for beginners or those returning from a long layoff? Here are Sean Waxman’s top three.

1 It increases your testosterone and growth-hormone levels better than any other form of training so you can quickly gain strength and muscle, even after a break.

2 It improves the strength of your ligaments and tendons, if the exercises are done in a full range of motion. This will decrease the chance of overuse injuries as your training intensifies.

3 It boosts your metabolic rate because of the high caloric expenditure of these multijoint movements, as well as from the resulting increase in lean muscle you’ll experience after a few weeks to months of regular training.