Staying Strong: Strength Training for Women
Let's talk strength training! Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're a seasoned pro, strength training is for EVERY body. And guess what? It's not just about lifting heavy weights – it's about building confidence, boosting your mood, and feeling fierce in your own skin! Why is strength training especially important for us ladies? Let's find out...
The Benefits of Strength Training for Women
- Increases Muscle Mass and Strength
As we hit our 30s and 40s, we start to lose muscle mass. Strength training helps counteract this loss, maintaining and even increasing muscle mass and strength.
- Boosts Metabolism
Strength training can keep your metabolism revved up. After a workout, your body continues to burn calories for hours. This effect, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), can last up to 72 hours .
- Reduces Anxiety
It promotes the release of endorphins, which help reduce anxiety and depression. It also boosts self-confidence and self-esteem as you see improvements in your strength and ability .
- Prevents Injuries
- Enhances Performance
Whether you're running, cycling, or doing yoga, strength training improves your overall performance. It helps you run faster, cycle longer, and get deeper into your yoga poses .
- Healthier Bones & Joints
Weight-bearing exercises stress your bones, stimulating the production of new bone tissue and strengthening your bones .
- Improves Sleep
Adding strength training to your weekly exercise routine can improve the quality and duration of your sleep more effectively than aerobic exercise.
New to Strength Training?
If you're new to training or you just need some help with motivation to get started with a programme, have a chat to a personal trainer or look for a group fitness strength class at your local gym.
You can also work out at home. You don’t need machines or a lot of equipment for an effective workout. Your own body weight, resistance bands, and a few dumbbells are great to start out with.
Here are some beginner-friendly exercises that pack a punch:
✨ Squats – Perfect for legs and glutes. Start with bodyweight squats and work your way up to holding weights.
✨ Push-ups – Fantastic for upper body strength. Start on your knees if you need to and gradually move to full push-ups.
✨ Plank – Ultimate core stability exercise. Try holding it for 30 seconds and gradually increase your time.
✨ Lunges – Great for back, hips, legs and stability. Try walking lunges, reverse lunges, or stationary lunges.
Example Workout Programme:
- Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Squats: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
- Plank to Shoulder Tap: 3 sets of 20 taps (10 per side)
- Lunges: 3 sets of 10-15 reps per leg
- Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 12 reps
Tips for Your Strength Training Routine:
- Start with two sessions a week and work your way up.
- Do 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise.
- Include 5 to 8 exercises per workout session.
- Focus on all major muscle groups: arms, back, chest, abs, and legs.
- Use your body weight to begin with. Then progress to a weight that is heavy enough to fatigue you by the end of the reps, but allows you to maintain proper form.
Comfort is key!
When you feel good, it will change the way you feel about working out. Squaties seamless workout undies are designed to stay in place, hug your curves and be completely undetectable under your tights. They are the ultimate in gym underwear. Comfy undies mean you can concentrate on your workout, not on a wedgie!
Final Thoughts
Strength training is a game-changer. It's not just about looking strong—it's about feeling strong, inside and out. So, grab those weights, put on your Squaties, and get ready to crush it! Remember, you are stronger than you think, and resilience is your superpower. 💪✨
So, let's get strong together, Squaties fam!
