Strength training: How-to video collection

Want to look good and feel even better? Try strength training. Strength training, combined with regular aerobic exercise, can greatly impact your health. You may build strength, improve your muscle tone, improve your quality of life and boost your self-esteem. But you also can injure yourself if you use poor technique with your exercises. This collection of how-to videos can help you get started with strength training using the best technique.

Aim to do strength training exercises that work all the major muscle groups at least twice a week. If you have health problems, talk with your healthcare professional before you start strength training.

One strength training tip: Don't forget to breathe freely when you're lifting the weight. Most people think that they're breathing when they're doing strength training exercises, but they may be holding their breath. It's important to inhale and exhale fully between each repetition. The key is to avoid straining when holding your breath. You may find it helpful to exhale during the more strenuous phase of the exercise and inhale during the less strenuous phase.

You can do body-weight exercises with little or no equipment. Fitness ball exercises are another option. Watch these examples of strength training videos to see how they're done.

Wonder how to get the best results from free weights? Check out some examples of free-weight exercises.

You can do resistance-tubing exercises at home or on the go. See these examples of strength training videos to get you started.

Whether you use weight machines at home or at the gym, proper technique is essential. Here's a couple of examples of strength-training videos using weight machines.