Strength Training is a key component to overall well being but many women avoid it in the mistaken belief that it will build excessive muscle bulk - quite simply oestrogen prevents this.
Muscle mass diminishes with age but you can counteract this loss through strength or resistance training. You can also control your weight more easily as regular strength training helps you burn calories more efficiently.
Another huge benefit of using weights for women is that it helps slow bone deterioration and reduces the risks of osteoporosis in later life.
Adding resistance training to your fitness regime will also benefit you in ‘functional fitness’ assisting you in carrying out your daily tasks at every stage of life . Cardiovascular exercises such as running and cycling are key to heart and lung efficiency but it is strength training that provides the benefits to keep your body younger, stronger and more 'functional'. It is also acknowledged to help lessen the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and depression,
I encourage everyone in my conditioning classes to use weights and to' go as heavy' as possible but using body weight is also very effective - think of plank and push ups and tricep dips. Â For home workouts body weight exercises are great but you can mix up your training using hand weights and resistance bands. My online workouts programmes also
include weight training - contact me for more details nancy@lavenderbluefitness.com
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