Lifting the appropriate weight is one of the most essential things you should do when weight lifting. You should make sure that the weight you lift is comfortable when you do it at least twelve to fifteen times. Doing a basic set of twelve to fifteen repetitions at the correct weight amount will help you quickly build up your strength. The surefire way to hurt yourself is by trying to lift the wrong amount of weight.

Secondly, you should engage in warm-ups. People tend to overlook warm-ups because they do not realize that it is important before any sporting or aerobic activity. Before attempting to lift weights you should take a few minutes to stretch and perform some aerobic activities. Stretching helps to increase flexibility and reduces the risk of injuries. Additionally, you should choose weight lifting techniques that will work all the major muscle groups such as the legs, arms, shoulders, chests and abdomen.

It is also important that weight lifters maintain a proper form while lifting weights. For example, during weight lifting your back should not be rounded. When performing upper chest workouts your incline should not be very steep, your body should be at a thirty degree angle. Your movements during lifting should be slow, smooth and continuous as oppose to fast and uneven movements. Fast and uneven movements during lifting can place unnecessary strain on your muscles and cause unwanted injuries.

It is normal to feel a dull ache after weight lifting, but you should not experience any other forms of pain. If you experience any pain, perhaps it is because you are overworking your muscles, or not maintaining a proper form. Whatever the case, you should discontinue lifting and return to it a few days later and then try decreasing the amount of weights you are using.

Do not overwhelm your muscles by working the same muscles every day. If you intend to lift weights everyday you should balance your workouts whereby, the different muscle groups will be worked out each day or you can work the same muscle groups every other day. Allow your muscles at least twenty four to forty eight hours rest and recovery time, in this way you reduce muscle fatigue.

Regular breathing is very important during weight lifting. Holding in your breath during lifting can result in your blood pressure increasing to levels that can be harmful to you and your body. Breathe out as you are lifting weights and breathe in as you are bringing the weights down.

By adhering to these simple tips on how to lift weights safely, you will reduce the risks of common injuries such as fractures, sprains, joint dislocations and long term injuries such nerve damage, bone stress, muscle overload and rotator cuff damage.