The following strength training guidelines for healthy adults was provided by the American college of sports medicine.
Appropriate strength exercises:
- choose a variety of strength exercises using a range of equipment including, dumbbell weights, resistance bands, or exercise machines
- Include exercises for the major muscle groups
Frequency:
- Two to three times a week allowing muscle groups to rest for 48-72 hours between resistant training sessions
Quantity:
- 8-12 repeated exercises (repetitions of each exercises)
- 2-4 groups (sets) of repeated exercises for each muscle group
- Rest for 2-3 minutes in between each set to allow for muscle recovery
Intensity:
- Strength intensity should include muscle fatigue rather than exhaustion.
- Very light-light intensity is more appropriate for older adults or individuals who are deconditioned (eg. after illness)
- For individuals using lighter weights, number of repetitions can be gradually increased to 10-20 repeated exercises for each exercise
- Progressively increase resistance over time for ongoing strengthening