We all know the importance of staying active and keeping our bodies healthy. But did you know that strength training could be the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving your fitness goals?
Many women are hesitant to try strength training because they believe it will make them “bulky” or they simply don't know where to start.
In this post, we'll explore why women should add strength training to their workouts and provide some tips on how to get started.
The Importance of Muscle Mass
As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass.
This can be problematic because muscle mass is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, preventing injuries, and improving overall quality of life.
Additionally, having more muscle can help us burn more calories at rest, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Unfortunately, women are more susceptible to muscle loss than men, which is why it's especially important for women to focus on building and maintaining muscle through strength training.
Debunking the “Bulky” Myth
One of the biggest myths surrounding strength training for women is that it will make us look bulky or masculine.
This couldn't be further from the truth!
Women simply do not have enough testosterone to build large, bulky muscles without the help of supplements or other performance-enhancing drugs.
Instead, strength training can help you achieve a lean, toned physique by building muscle and reducing body fat.
Overcoming the Fear of the Strength Training
One reason many women shy away from strength training is because they feel intimidated by the weights and the ‘gym' environment.
It can be overwhelming to walk into a gym filled with bulky machines and heavy weights, especially if you're not sure how to use them.
However, with a little guidance, strength training can be a fun and empowering way to challenge yourself and achieve your fitness goals.
If you're new to strength training, consider working with a personal trainer who can help you create a workout plan tailored to your goals and fitness level.
Alternatively, you can start with bodyweight exercises that can be done anywhere, such as squats, lunges, and press-ups.
As you gain strength and confidence, you can gradually incorporate weight training into your routine.
This is how ALL clients start and progress with us here at Plan B Fitness.
The Benefits of Strength Training
So, why exactly should women add strength training to their workouts? Let's take a look at some of the many benefits:
- Builds and maintains muscle mass: As we've already discussed, strength training is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, which can help prevent injuries, improve metabolism, and enhance overall quality of life.
- Burns calories: Strength training can also help us burn more calories, even when we're not working out. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, so the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn at rest.
- Improves bone density: Strength training has been shown to improve bone density, which is especially important for women who are at higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduces risk of chronic diseases: Strength training has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Boosts mental health: Strength training has also been shown to boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve self-esteem.
Getting Started with Strength Training
If you're ready to give strength training a try, here are some tips to get started:
- Start with bodyweight exercises: As mentioned earlier, bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups are a great way to get started with strength training. They can be done anywhere, without any equipment, and can be modified to suit your fitness level.
- Incorporate weights gradually: Once you feel comfortable with bodyweight exercises, you can gradually incorporate weights into your routine.
Getting Started with Plan B Fitness
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