Beaut.ie Bootcamp: 7 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

Last week we met our latest Beaut recruit, the lady with her on pulse on our pulses, Fiona Murphy. You can read our Q&A with her here. 

Fiona will be here each Tuesday with exercise tips, fitness pointers, healthy eating discussions, her best ways to find motivation and more. Today she tackling weight lifting and explaining why all women should be heading towards the weights section in the gym.

You might remember last week I mentioned that I weight train three to four times a week. I do this because I enjoy it but there are lots of health benefits to lifting weights. A lot of gyms are adapting their weights areas for ladies who lift; some even have female only sections.  All of my personal training and group training clients lift weights at every session.

Now let’s have a look at just some of the reasons why I think women should lift!

1. You Will Lose Body Fat

Weight training provides the body with an after burn effect. An increase in the amount of energy you use after you stop exercising. This increase in metabolism coupled with correct eating is the best way to burn body fat.

2. You Will Get Toned, Not Bulky

It is actually quite hard to gain muscle. Doing squats for example won’t give you massive muscled legs but it will give you a firm shapely backside. Most women simply do not possess the necessary level of testosterone to build a bulky physique.

3. You Will Be Physically Stronger

This translates into everyday activities where functional strength is important. Anything from being able to pick up and hold a child to no longer having to wait around for a man to move the couch or carry your suitcase.

4. You Will Increase Your Metabolism

A body composition with a favourable muscle to fat ratio achieved with weight training will result in a better functioning metabolism. By definition, metabolism is the rate in which your body processes food.

5. You Will Improve Your Posture

A weight training program provided by a trainer who knows what they are doing can correct and improve postural problems especially those associated with a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged periods sitting at a desk.

6. You will lower your blood pressure

Although exercise temporarily increases blood pressure while exercising. Weight training has been shown to reduce blood pressure in the long term.

7. You Will Feel And Look Better Than With Any Other Type Of Training

Cardio based exercises alone can result in a slightly lighter but shapeless, soft physique. Guided weight training can specifically focus on fat loss, giving your body shape and firmness leaving you looking forward to wearing your favourite outfit rather than trying to hide those all too familiar body parts you just are not happy with.

If now you are convinced that weight training is the way forward make sure you get a trained professional to show you what to do. Using the correct technique and weight for each exercise is really important, you want to make sure you are making the most of your time spent at the gym.

Now I’m off to the gym so chat to you all next week

Fi x

Metabolic Fitness Trainer

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