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While strength training has traditionally been a male activity, over the last twenty years increasing numbers of women have taken to it in gyms and health clubs around the world with increasing enthusiasm. The benefits of strength training with weight machines and free weights for women should not be underestimated. Although large muscles tend not to be one of the acquisitions women get from weight training, fat loss, increased strength, balance and bone density are. These benefits act as a buffer against the onset of osteoporosis and other age and lifestyle related afflictions. Over the last decade, researchers have made extremely compelling arguments for the benefits of strength training for women; still, the number of women who take this recommendation to heart is still quite low. Most women who exercise are spending most of their gym time on cardio activity such as walking, jogging or cycling. Whatever your reasons for avoiding this health building exercise regime, if you are a woman here are six reasons why you need to take strength training seriously. 1. You Will Be Physically Stronger - Increasing your strength will make everyday chores easier; lifting kids, groceries and lugging the laundry round will be a breeze. If you are stronger you will be far less likely to get injured or sick. Strengthening your muscles strengthens every organ and system in your body including your immune system which will give you greater protection from disease. Research studies show that even moderate strength training can increase a woman's strength by 30 to 50 percent. 2. You Will Lose Excess Body Fat – If you strength train two to three times a week, in just two months you can gain a couple of pounds of firm, toned muscle tissue and lose three to four pounds of fat. As your lean muscle increases so does your resting metabolism (your body's engine) and you burn more calories all day and all night long. For each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35 to 50 more calories each day which increases your fat burning capacity to either lose or manage your weight. 3. Enjoy some time out or "me" time - Most of us are so busy that we rarely take time for ourselves and between work, family, and life in general; it is hard to enjoy "me" time. Your exercise time is a great way to do that and it will make you a better, more patient and happier person. 4. Control your stress level - Take out your stress from the day in the gym and use the energy from things that have stressed you to get the most out of your workout. You will find when you have finished you will be in a much better state of mind. 5. Improve your self image/self esteem - Many of us struggle with self image, and any wonder with magazines and television full of "unreal" examples of what women should look like. When you become stronger, you feel more empowered, more in control and better about yourself and your lot in life. 6. Look after your wellness - This is a catch-phrase for good health and being strong, fit, energetic and resistant to disease. It is stepping things up a notch to achieve a higher level of good health rather than simply 'not being sick'. This involves taking responsibility for your whole body wellness and your strength training program will go a long way to help you achieve this.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here: Fountain of Youth For Free Fitness Report here Fitness Weight Loss Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.
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