Strength training works your muscles with some form of weight or resistance. Some common examples include lifting free weights or using weight machines at a gym. But you can also use your own body weight by doing push ups and chin-ups. Or you can challenge your muscles by pulling on stretchy resistance bands. These can be anchored under your foot, to a door handle or around a bedpost, for instance.

Whatever exercise you use, there are four key techniques or types to help you build key aspects of strength. The key difference between the techniques is the number of times (repetitions) you perform each exercise. The number of times you complete a group of repetitions, known as a set, also has a bearing on your training outcomes.