You've been weight lifting for years, so you know it all, right? Maybe, but sometimes reviewing the basics helps get you back on track after an injury or if you feel like you're going through a training rut.
During your next weight lifting workout, keep these "Basic B's" in mind:

• Breathing. Believe it or not, holding your breath while lifting weights may cause your blood pressure to spike. Remember to exhale as you lift the weight, and inhale as you lower the weight and you can help your muscles work more efficiently.
• Balance. You may want to focus on building up your chest and shoulders, but you'll get the best overall results if your weight lifting routine includes all the major muscle groups. That includes the abs, quads, and hamstrings, as well as deltoids, pectoral muscles, and biceps. Don't lift the exact same weights on consecutive days. And balance also means using proper technique. If you can't maintain good form, reduce the weight. If you have been training hard, try a session using slightly less weight than usual. You will still burn calories and get a workout but you won't contribute to a potential injury.
• Budget. As in, budget enough time for your workout. If you are rushing, you are less likely to use proper form and you are more likely to get injured. And factor in time for a short warm-up or cool down (walking or biking to the gym counts!)
• Bring a Buddy. If you need a spotter, ask for one. There's no reason to risk injury, and if you don't have a training partner, ask a staff member at the gym to spot you for your toughest exercises.