|
|
 |
 |
 |
Get
Healthy Now! |
|
|
|
| Strength
and Exercise Articles |
 |
|
|
|
Strength Training
Benefits Women
by:
Susan Megge
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.
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
