There are a multitude of myths when it comes to women and weight lifting.

Using weights as part of your tailored exercise routine can have dramatic effects and each one of my B-Fit clients incorporates weight training in her plan.

A tailored weight program, coupled with the right food is one of the best ways to achieve fat loss, increase strength and prevent many age and lifestyle related diseases. Many women are scared of weights and spend too much time on cardiovascular exercise. I do weight training with my clients because;

Weights help lose body fat

As muscle % increases, metabolism/the rate calories are burned speeds up to fuel the muscle. The more muscle tone increases, the more calories are burnt when resting! If women just do cardio exercise then muscle and fat are burnt as fuel, thus lowering muscle % and metabolism, making fat loss and a toned and lean body harder to achieve.

It is also worth noting that muscle weighs much more than fat. So do ignore the scales and go off a tape measure and progress pictures to see your changes and fat loss.

Women do NOT “bulk up” by doing weights

Unless they are taking steroids and spending hours a day lifting huge weights! Women have 10 to 30 times less testosterone than men (the hormone that increases muscle size) so although weights increase their strength, they just develop a firm, toned, slimmer looking body.

Weight training DOES NOT turn fat into muscle!

This is like trying to turn metal into gold. It just is not possible. Muscle and fat are very different types of tissue and we cannot turn one into the other!

Weights improve sporting performance

Weight training increases power, stamina and technique whether you are a golfer, skier, cyclist or runner.

Weight training reduces risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, back pain, injury, arthritis and diabetes

It improves cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol, increases bone density, strengthens lower-back muscles, improves connective tissue strength and joint stability and can increase glucose utilisation.

For more information on weight loss, fitness and nutrition, contact Gaynor at B-Fit Personal Training on 07748 298 728 or visit www.b-fit.uk.com