Huge, bulging muscles similar to those found on the models of body building magazine covers are often what people associate with strength training. Of course, building muscles is an important part of any workout but body building that result in massive muscles usually involves long, strenuous workouts. Normally, you would undergo strenuous body building exercises for 30 minutes, 3 or more times every week

It is not compulsory to build huge muscles, there are benefits to be gained from exercising that anyone who doesn't desire to 'bulk up' can understand. Stronger muscles can reduce your risk of damage to your back and other parts of your body. As your metabolic rate is raised when you strength train, it can also help in maintaining a healthy weight.

You don't even have to go to a gym to work out, just clear a small area wherever you are and you can exercise in your surroundings. Here are few Anytime and Anywhere Exercises:

a) Crunch Lie down on the floor on your back with your feet up on the couch or something that will raise them up. Support your neck with the help of cushion. Place your buttocks as near as possible to your feet. Lock your elbows. Now slowly lift your head up just a few centimetres. Hold on to the position for 2 seconds and then slowly lower down. Repeat this exercise 20 times to make one set. This exercise is excellent for really building your abs and you will be able to feel it working very soon.

b) Lifting your Toes and then Lowering them Stand on a floor flatfooted with your toes pointing straight ahead. Hold onto something to help keep your balance. Now VERY SLOWLY, raise your toes as high as you can. Hold on for 2 seconds and then lower down very gently and slowly. Repeat this 20 times to make one set.

c) Push ups Lie down on the floor facing towards the floor taking your body weight on the palms of your hands. Now slowly, straighten your arms whilst keeping your back straight and facing right ahead. Hold for 2 seconds and then slowly lower your body back to the ground. Repeat this 5-10 times in the beginning and then try to increase this exercise up to 20 times per set.

d) Wall Squat Stand upright with your back against the wall. Now, gently dropyour body down to the sitting position. It is important that your back is still against the wall. Hold on to this position for 15 seconds and then gently slide up, still keeping your back against the wall. Repeat this 5-10 times in the beginning and then try to build this up to 20 times per set.

If you want an increased moderate workout, it is easy to add ankle or wrist weights to your usual low-impact exercises. Increasing the weight by a few extra pounds forces your heart and muscles to work harder. Slipping on a weight vest is another option if you are interested in developing extra definition in your upper body. The secret to success with this type of body building equipment is to make sure you don't put too much stress on your muscles, which can cause serious damage.

Additional exercise equipment that you may be interested in, may include a treadmill. This will allow you train for 24/7 and 12 months a year no matter what the weather is like. Make sure that you find out more about treadmills and how to make the best use of one before buying one.