Gradually increase the weight as you work out to force your muscles to work. Otherwise your muscles will become programmed, accustomed to the same weight and you will no longer experience any gains. There are many approaches and techniques that can be used in bodybuilding. Experiment and use the best one that fits you. An excellent book about weight training and bodybuilding that discusses many different techniques to working out is The Weider System of Bodybuilding.If you are looking to tone or just stay in shape and be healthy, an exercise program combining weight training and a cardiovascular workout is appropriate for you.

When you are exercising with weights, 3-4 sets of 12-15 repetitions at a reasonable weight would be appropriate. Combine this with cardio exercise 1-2 times a week such as riding an exercise bike or elliptical machine or by joining classes at your gym. It is difficult to discuss in great detail in this article exactly what you should be doing. For custom exercise programs I highly recommend Global, Health and FitnessHere is a sample exercise program that can be modified to fit any person's fitness goals. Remember that you can change the order and incorporate different exercises for each body part on weekly basis.

I encourage this to prevent boredom and your body getting used to the same routine.Before beginning your workout, you should warm up for 5 - 10 minutes on an exercise bike or treadmill. This will prevent you from pulling muscles or injuring yourself. For a cool-down, you can perform stretching exercises.Day 1Back Exercises:Behind the neck lateral pulldown 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsSeated pulley rowing 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsLateral pulldown with a narrow grip 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsOne arm dumbbell bent rowing 3-4 sets 10 - 12 repetitionsTriceps:Pulley pushdown with handle 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsBehind the head rope triceps extension 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsReverse-grip pulley pushdown 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsAbdominals and lower back floor exercises:Crunches 3 sets of 24 repetitionsOblique crunches 3 sets of 16 repetitionsLower back extensions 2 sets of 12 repetitionsDay 2Chest:Seated iso wide chest bench press 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsIncline dumbbell press 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsCable crossovers 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsFlyes 3-4 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsBiceps:Seated bicep curlIncline bicep dumbbell curlHammer bicep curlCardiovascular ExerciseDay 3Shoulders:Seated behind the neck shoulder press 3-4 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsUpright cable rowing 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsDumbbell side lateral 3-5 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsArnold press 3-4 sets 10 - 15 repetitionsForearms:Forearm curl 3-4 sets 12-15 repetitionsAbdominals and lower back floor exercises:Crunches 3 sets of 24 repetitionsOblique crunches 3 sets of 16 repetitionsLower back extensions 2 sets of 12 repetitionsDay 4Legs:Leg extensions 4 sets, 12-15 repetitionsLeg press 4 sets, 12-15 repetitionsCalf raises 5 sets, 15 repetitionsHamstring curl 4 sets, 12-15 repetitionsAbdominals and lower back floor exercises:Crunches 3 sets of 24 repetitionsOblique crunches 3 sets of 16 repetitionsCardiovascular ExerciseThese are just general workout guidelines. You really need to consider what ideally suits you best. If you need more help or for customized exercise programs visit popularfitness.com.