Resistance training comprises work to increase muscle strength and endurance by doing repetitive exercises with free weights, body weight, weight machines or resistance bands.

Many women avoid this type of weight training for fear that they will get oversized and unattractive manly muscles. Forget the pictures you may have seen in magazines of bodybuilding women They are most likely taking steroids and testosterone hormones. Women simply don’t produce enough testosterone naturally to be capable of building huge muscles.Including a weight training programme will increase the amount of muscle you have. The muscles will get stronger but won’t increase much in size. They will give a sculpted toned appearance but without bulk. The best news is that since muscle takes up less room than fat, women tend to lose inches when they train in this way particularly if they are also eating a healthy diet and including cardiovascular training too.Weight training also has other benefits :- 

• When you add muscle this boosts your metabolism which means you burn calories more efficiently and continue to do so after your workout has ended.

 

• Bone mass decreases with age. This leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Weight training increases bone mineral density and bone mass which can help prevent osteoporosis.

 

• Your posture is improved helping you to look and feel more alert, exercise efficiently and with less risk of injury.

 

• It can increase your energy, endurance, balance and co-ordination.

So don’t fear the bulky muscles! Include some resistance training in your weekly workouts and look forward to a toned and healthy body. What are you waiting for…?