Strength training for women

Once thought of as a big no-no, strength training for women is getting more and more popular as health-conscious women realize lifting a few weights won’t bulk them up like a bodybuilder. As a matter of fact, weight training can help you lose fat, increase bone density, and even improve posture. In other words, making strength training part of your weekly fitness schedule is a definite must.

Not all strength training is the same. Some people prefer to lift weights or use the machines at the gym while others like resistance bands and similar tools in the comfort of their own home. Regardless of how you do it, just getting it done is the important thing.

In the past, women were scared of lifting weights or doing anything that would make them look manly. Now, it’s pretty well known that strength training will not turn a woman into a muscle-bound beast. Our hormones and our DNA is so different when compared to that of men, it’s just not likely at all. Female bodybuilders often take supplements to increase testosterone levels in order to get the ripped, super-hero look they have. It doesn’t come naturally.

Muscle definition looks good on you. While many of us can stand to lose a few pounds, there are also many that are in an acceptable weight range but just don’t feel right about how their bodies look. In many cases this is because they have little to no muscle definition. Muscle is responsible for six-pack abs and nice toned legs. If you want to look good, an increased strength training regimen is likely to help.

In addition to improvements in your appearance, strength training has been shown to have very positive effects on bone density in women. According to Natural News and a report cited from McMaster University in Ontario, strength training can actually increase bone mass. This is especially important for women past menopause age who are at an increased risk for osteoporosis. A later study from the National Institute of Health showed similar results noting increased bone density in postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy.

Resistance training has also been shown to decrease risk of injury as the muscles protecting your bones and organs provide additional support and cushioning.

Whether you are a gym-goer who is partial to the slick machines or a homebody who works with her own set of resistance bands, the options for good strength training exercises for women are really countless. This flyer from Ace Fitness gives some great resistance band moves for increased strength. Also, remember you really don’t need any gear to get a decent workout. Pushups, lunges, squats, and step ups are all good strength training moves that use your body weight instead of a tool.

The benefits of strength training for women are many and worth working into your regular workout schedule.