Weight training for women

In recent years, we’ve seen a massive increase in women in the free weights area, and rightly so. While going for a run or joining in on a spin class are great cardio options, combining these workouts with weight training is the best way to get results, whether you’re looking to torch fat, boost strength or just get healthy. Not convinced? Here’s why you should dedicate regular sessions to the iron stuff.

1. Fight the fat
By opting to train with weights that are heavy and challenging enough to build some serious, lean muscle mass, you’ll also be fine-tuning your body into a fat-burning machine. This is because the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn – even at rest. Stick to compound exercises that target several muscle groups simultaneously to get more bang for your buck. We’re big fans of squats and press-ups.

2. Become Wonder Woman
There’s no denying how empowering it is to not have to ask for a man’s help, whether you’re carrying heavy things or putting together a wardrobe. Weight training will make you stronger, not only to lift heavier weights or perform better in the gym, but in the physical tasks that everyday life presents, too. Functional exercises that replicate movements you’d perform on a day-to-day basis – such as the deadlift – are good options.

3. Boost bone density
Building up your lean muscle mass will make you look amazing on the outside, but it’ll also get you healthier on the inside. More muscle mass equals denser bones, which is particularly important as you age and your bones become weaker. Prevent risk of injury from trips and falls by lifting weights.

4. Ward off diabetes
With type 2 diabetes on the rise, it’s important to hone in on your diet and make sure you’re steering clear of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods to prevent your body from becoming insulin resistant – when your body is less efficient at dealing with blood sugar spikes that cause fat storage. If you want to go a step further to prevent insulin resistance, then lift some weights. Building your lean muscle through weight training can actually increase your body’s insulin sensitivity so it can utilise those sugars you do consume, effectively.

5. Go alkaline
Lots of things affect your body’s pH balance – from diet to pollution – and an overly acidic body can lead to disease, illness and a compromise in athletic performance. Create a more alkaline environment for your body through boosting bone and muscle mass and watch that immune system strengthen as well as everything else.