Contributed by Rob Coles:
We know that maintaining adequate levels of muscle mass is one of the best ways to keep body fat at bay, particularly as we age. We also know that training with weights is the best way to build and maintain muscle. Yet far more women opt for a piece of cardio equipment instead of hitting the weight room.
Below are 7 reasons why women should choose weights over boring steady state cardio.
You Will Get Stronger
Increasing your strength seems to be somewhat under valued amongst women but by improving your strength levels you are essentially improving the size of your engine. This will make everyday life a little easier with daily tasks and routine exercise far less taxing and less likely to cause injury.
You Will Have Less Body Fat
Strength training unlike running and other slow cardio builds muscle and muscle burns more calories per day. For each pound of muscle you gain your body will burn an additional 35-50 calories each day. Studies by Wayne Wescott, PHD, found that the average women who strength trains two to three time a week for two months will gain nearly 2 pounds of muscle and shed 3.5pounds of fat. You do the math.
You Will Have Better Posture
A balanced strength program will develop good structural balance. Meaning your muscles will be much better coordinated and contribute towards correct posture again assisting in the prevention of injury as we age.
You Will Reduce Your Risk Of Injury, Back Pain And Arthritis
A strength program will not only make you stronger but will also address any structural imbalances you may have as well as improving and maintaining flexibility. By improving the strength of not only your muscles but also your connective tissues you will improve joint stability and help prevent injury.
You Will Decrease Your Risk Of Osteoporosis
Strength training can increase spinal bone mineral density as well as enhance bone modeling. When combined with a balanced nutritional program can massively reduce the risk of osteoporosis as you get older.
You Will Get Sick Less
Strength training improves gene activity and natural antioxidant network, leaving your immune system ready to tackle any viruses you may be exposed to.
You Will Be More Awesome
By combining all the points above you will not only look a hell of a lot better but you feel better too. Both of which will make you a far greater human being.
Don’t chase weight loss, chase fat loss.
Stay healthy and lift weights!
About the Author:
Rob Coles is a personal trainer personal trainer at W10 Performance in Notting Hill—a fitness facility that takes a holistic approach to getting you long lasting results. His sessions are tough but enjoyable. He’s also a big believer in strength training because it’s the only thing that’s really anti- aging. If you’re strong then moving becomes easier. At the moment he’s training to compete at the Commonwealth Games
