For a lot of women the term “strength training” conjures up images of bulky veiny bodybuilders, manly looking women, intimidating gym environments, and heavy weights.
Now I get it, and I do understand how this has come about
BUT …
The reality is that strength training can be defined as any movement/exercise that places an increased demand on your muscles. This could be using weights or using your body weight as resistance.
Today, it’s widely accepted that strength training is an essential part of any well-balanced exercise program not just for bodybuilders, but the everyday male and female, the young and more mature as well as those with injuries.
Historically, females have been deterred from lifting weights because they believed that it would make them bulky. Thankfully with education times are changing and women are now using strength training to achieve the body and health they want.
If you incorporate strength training into your exercise routine, there are many benefits as outlined below.
If you’re unsure what to do and how to include strength training, get in touch. Here at B-Fit HQ we can guide you through bespoke workouts to ensure you make the most of all the benefits strength training has to offer.
Simply text/call me on 07748298728 plus book your FREE SESSION HERE.
Aids Weight Loss & Improves Muscle Tone
Strength training is a proven way to achieve sustainable fat loss.
As well as burning calories during actual exercise, it also helps increase your overall metabolic rate enabling your body to burn more calories around the clock. How does it do this? By maintaining existing muscle, and building new. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Simple as that. Also, you’ll be tighter, more toned, stronger, and fitter!
Improves Posture
Proper strength training can help with postural issues and pelvic floor strength which are important considerations before, during and after pregnancy.
Boosts Energy & Mood
One thing I notice all the time is that after exercise all my clients feel mentally better.
There are huge psychological benefits with exercising such as feeling stronger, increased energy, improved self-esteem and confidence. Strength training is one of the best anti-depressants around due to the mood-boosting endorphins released through exercise.
Our bodies are skeletons which are designed to move not sit around. If you want help activating your bodies natural opiates through exercise get in touch with me HERE to book your FREE SESSION.
Improves Bone Density
As we get older, our bone density gradually decreases, especially in women. This in turn makes us more prone to fractures, and osteoporosis. Strength training has been shown to increase bone density/mass.
Retains Muscle
With age comes muscle wastage. After the age of 30, the average person loses 2½ kg of muscle every 10 years. This reduces our ability to burn calories and if not managed appropriately leads to weight gain hence the coined phrase “middle age spread”.
Strength training is proven to preserve existing muscle and build new. It’s important for all of us to lift, but it becomes even more important the older we get as it not only effects our weight/how we look but also our strength, balance, and coordination!
Prevent Injuries & Disease
As you build quality lean muscle your strength will increase, and so will your ligaments and tendons. This will improve your flexibility, and you’ll be less susceptible to muscle damage, aches, and pains.
Other health benefits include an increase in insulin sensitivity which can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and it can also help to keep blood pressure within a healthy range.
I hope by now I’ve convinced you of the importance of strength training. It’s a no-brainer.
No matter what life stage your at, no matter what your goal is this is something you seriously need to incorporate. It plays a major role in our overall health and wellbeing.
Love Gaynor x
