Strength Training for Women

While you may think guys are turned off by women with muscular physiques, you're way off... most guys like women who are muscular (just not overly so). Think "fitness model" versus "bodybuilder".

Besides, there's no risk of you looking like a female bodybuilder without some sort of chemical intervention. The fact is, most all women have too little testosterone in their bodies to build large amounts of muscle mass. So, you can pick up the weights or those kettlebells without worrying you're going to look like a female Schwarzenegger. It just isn't going to happen.

When women have great muscle tone and athletic figures, their bodies still tend toward a softer and more feminine look, unless they are serious competitive athletes. That's because women tend to have more subcutaneous fat (the fat right under the skin) than men. So, what that muscle generally serves to do is to give you better curves and a nicer look in sleeveless shirts and swimwear.

Now, here's another fact about strength training for women that you may not have known... the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. So, muscle actually helps you stay thin. Yep, it's a proven fact... doing strength training will help you maintain your figure.

So, if you're not currently doing some sort of resistance exercise, start by adding in some time with weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, TRX straps, or simple bodyweight exercises like push-ups and lunges a few days a week, in addition to your normal cardio workout.

Believe me, after 4-6 weeks, you'll notice a real improvement in how you look... and the guys will notice too.

See the next section for links to strength training equipment on Amazon (personally, I like the TRX straps - they rock!). And, visit BestWorkoutforWomen.com for a phenomenal exercise program for women, designed by a mom and fitness expert who believes in using strength training to stay lean.

If you've never done any resistance or strength training to speak of, here are a few tips to help you start:

1. Learn proper form, first - Proper form prevents injuries and increases the benefits of your workouts. So, either join a class, get a good instructional DVD to follow and study, or hire a trainer to take you through the basic form on the major strength training motions. Believe me, it will help you tons, and cut your learning curve down considerably.


2. Start light - There's no shame in starting with light weights. For most women, this isn't a big deal (unlike guys who have something to prove). Still, lift lighter weights than you think you can do during your first week. Focus on form, and allow your body to adjust to the new moves. After a week or two, gradually increase your weight to a level that causes you to start losing form around the 12th repetition of each set. Once that becomes easy, add a little weight every few weeks to keep your muscles challenged.


3. Take it slow - Slower movements activate more muscle fibers. Going slow also burns more calories, because your muscles have more time under load. So, take it slow.


4. Vary it up - Every six to eight weeks, change your strength training regimen completely. Use different equipment, different exercises, or change the reps and sets (using a lower weight and higher reps, for instance). This keeps your muscles guessing and keeps you moving forward in your improvement.


5. Have fun - It's just a workout, after all. So, relax and have fun with it! Instead of expecting your body to change overnight, look forward to those little improvements and milestones. They add up to big improvements when you stick with it!

Visit BestWorkoutforWomen.com for more information on strength training for women.