Strength Training Benefits Women

If you're a woman considering the possibility of exercising regularly, you
may be wondering which type of fitness program is the most effective. I
highly suggest that you give some serious thought to weight training. There
are so many benefits to strength training regularly, particularly as you
grow older.
By training with weights or weight resistance, you will reduce signs and
symptoms of numerous diseases and chronic conditions, such as arthritis,
diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain and depression.

Many women shy away from weight training because they fear that they'll end
up looking like a muscular bodybuilder. This is physiologically impossible,
since women lack the high levels of testosterone needed to "bulk up." Rather
than looking too muscular, you will become lean and toned. The muscle that
you'll build will burn far more calories than the fat you're currently
carrying around, which will result in your body becoming a calorie burning
machine - even at rest.

As mentioned earlier, the benefits of weight training go beyond physical
beauty. Studies have shown that strength training can decrease pain
associated with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis by up to 43%, and
will most definitely increase your muscle strength and physical performance.
The effectiveness of weight training in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis
is just as significant (if not more so) as some medications used to treat
this condition.

Additionally, post-menopausal women can lose bone mass at a rate of 1%-2%
annually. Not to worry; strength training actually increases bone density
and reduces the risk of fractures in women.

If you're concerned with your weight, strength training plays a significant
role in managing women's weight. As stated earlier, the muscle you build
will burn more of the calories you consume. This is due to the fact that
muscle is actually an active tissue, which consumes calories; stored fat,
however, uses very little energy and doesn't help to burn your caloric
consumption. If you commit to a regular exercise routine, incorporating
strength training, your metabolic rate can be increased by up to 15%, which
will be tremendously helpful for weight loss, as well as long-term weight
control. Yes, the reduction in weight is fantastic when it comes time to try
on a dress for that special occasion, but with a leaner body, you're also
reducing your risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer of
middle aged women.

While the benefits of strength training are quite obvious with regard to
your overall health, physical appearance and weight control, did you know
that weight training can actually help your state of mind, as well?
Researchers believe this is because in general, women feel better when
they're stronger, and weight training also may produce a biochemical change
in the brain. By regularly training with weights, your self confidence and
self-esteem will be greatly improved, which will likely lead to a tremendous
improvement in your overall quality of life.
Perhaps you're asking yourself, "Whatever happened to the importance of
aerobic exercise?" Well, aerobic and cardio exercises most definitely have a
positive impact on your overall health; after all, these types of exercises
help to maintain your heart and lungs and increase your cardiovascular
fitness and endurance - but, walking, running and swimming simply do not
strengthen your muscles; only strength training will do this. If you want a
lean, toned body with excellent bone density and muscle mass, it's highly
recommended that you strength train at least two to three times per week.

Go ahead and get started; a lean, toned and beautiful body can be yours if
you're willing to invest even a small amount of time and effort.

About The Author: Susan Megge is the founder of
http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist women as they
approach and experience menopause. Susan, a health and fitness expert
started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched
various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her
discovery that exercise and fitness play a crucial role in making menopause
a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is
the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to helping women
to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause.