The importance of strength training has long been emphasized on this blog.
The days of women in particular, thinking they would only get big and bulky from weight training and hopefully long gone.
There was a nice story yesterday in the media about the Victoria Secret girls working out with weights 4 times a week, just
to keep their shape and even enhance it.
Years ago, they used to use the unhealthy tactic of not eating much, smoking they thought would keep the weight off, and
drinking vodka when they drunk alcohol just to avoid the extra calories!
Thankfully, times have changed and the health message is getting through to all areas of society!
Not only is the idea of shaping one’s body more appealing, and proven to happen through strength training, both by weight training and bodyweight exercises, but the bonus effect of strengthening one’s bones can never be underestimated.
Most people think of osteoporosis as a disease and condition that affects only elderly people. This is far from the truth now and bone density weakening can happen to some people from the age of 25 to 30 years of age.
These are compelling reasons for you to put in strength training as a high priority for your workouts, you will feel far more toned, your skin will tighten up massively and you theres nothing like feeling stronger and fitter!
I would recommend 2-3 times a week whole body sessions with at least a two day gap in between each session. Use a weight that you can do for 8 repetitions, do 3 sets of each exercise. If you are new to strength training, do one set the first week, two sets second week and then the three sets on the third week, this allows your body to get used to your new programme gradually!
Pick 6 to 8 exercises and seek advice from a health and fitness professional on how to select and perform them.
