Building a Better Body

You've decided to take the plunge and devote yourself to achieving a better body. But like being physically fit, having a better body means something unique for each person. Not only do people have different ideas about what it means to have a better body, but they also have different genetic makeups and body structures that predispose them to having a certain body build. That is not to say you can't alter your build, but you have to be realistic with the hand that Mother Nature has dealt you. If you come from a family of short, curvy women, it is unlikely you'll ever achieve the look of a runway fashion model, no matter how hard you exercise. However, there are some universal truths about the way that our bodies react to exercise, specifically to training with weights. Internally and externally, resistance training will show obvious benefits. We discuss strength in detail in chapter 5.

When you train with weights all of your body's systems are affectedin some way, and these systems overlap and connect. To build a better body you must understand how weight training influences the body so that you can understand the benefits that training with free weights provides. You'll learn more about these matters in chapter 5.

Nervous System Adaptations

Bone Adaptations

Connective Tissue Adaptations

Endocrine System Adaptations

Immune Function Adaptations

Cardiovascular System Adaptations

Muscular Adaptations