Much has been written about the benefits of cardiovascular training. Until recently, however, little attention has been given to strength training, an important component of a balanced fitness program.
You do not need to be a body builder to benefit from strength training, and women don’t have to worry about “bulking up” like a body builder by lifting weights. A well-designed strength-training program can provide the following benefits:
The benefits of strength training are no longer in question. Research continues to demonstrate that strength training for women increases both muscle and bone strength and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. A safe strength-training program combined with cardiovascular and flexibility training will give you the benefits of a total fitness program.
An encouraging aspect of strength training is the fact that you'll likely experience rapid improvements in strength and muscle tone right from the start of your program.
It's only natural that, as your fitness level improves, improvements in strength and appearance will follow at a slightly slower pace. To help keep your motivation up, find a partner to train with you.
You do not need to be a body builder to benefit from strength training, and women don’t have to worry about “bulking up” like a body builder by lifting weights. A well-designed strength-training program can provide the following benefits:
- Increased strength of bones, muscles and connective tissue (the tendons and ligaments), decreasing the risk of injury.
- Increased muscle mass. Most women lose about one-half pound of muscle per year after the age of 20. This is largely due to decreased activity.
- Muscle tissue is partly responsible for the number of calories burned at rest (the basal metabolic rate or BMR). As muscle mass increases, BMR increases, making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Enhanced quality of life. As general strength increases, the effort required to perform daily routines (carrying groceries, working in the garden) will be less.
The benefits of strength training are no longer in question. Research continues to demonstrate that strength training for women increases both muscle and bone strength and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. A safe strength-training program combined with cardiovascular and flexibility training will give you the benefits of a total fitness program.
An encouraging aspect of strength training is the fact that you'll likely experience rapid improvements in strength and muscle tone right from the start of your program.
It's only natural that, as your fitness level improves, improvements in strength and appearance will follow at a slightly slower pace. To help keep your motivation up, find a partner to train with you.
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