The Benefits Of Strength Training For Women

For a lot of people the term strength training produces images of bulky bodybuilders lifting heavy weights and flexing their muscles.

The truth is that strength training can be defined as any type of movement or exercise that imposes an increased demand on your muscles and/or central nervous system. This means that if you are a complete beginner simply moving and manipulating your body weight can be considered strength training. In fact, mastering the basics of good movement using just your bodyweight is vitally important if you are going to take advantage of all the benefits strength training has to offer. It is only as you progress and gain strength that it becomes necessary to use extra weights.

It is now widely accepted that strength training is an essential part of any well balanced exercise program. This is especially true when it comes to the female population. In the past lifting weights was almost exclusively a male pursuit as the myth of “bulky muscles” often deterred female interest.  Today, however, things have changed and women who use strength training to achieve and maintain the bodies they want is no longer a rarity. This is mainly because strength training is a proven way to achieve sustainable fat loss as it helps to increase metabolic rate (energy used at rest) by maintaining and adding lean tissue. But there are many more benefits to strength training, especially for women.

Proper strength training can help with postural issues and pelvic floor strength which are important considerations before, during and after pregnancy. It also helps to increase bone density and prevent the onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis which can affect women after the menopause. Other health benefits include an increase in insulin sensitivity which can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and it can also help to keep blood pressure values in a healthy range. On top of all this there is also a huge psychological benefit as feeling strong and capable can boost self-esteem and confidence levels in a unique and unrivalled way.

If you are unsure how to include safe and effective strength training into your exercise regime then we can help. Here at Matt Roberts we have some of the most experienced and qualified trainers in London who can guide you through bespoke workouts to ensure you make the most of all the benefits strength training has to offer. Contact one of our London gyms for more details.