Women’s Strength Training with Sophie
This workout is for women keen to develop their fitness and wellbeing.
Meet Sophie, Fitness and Wellbeing Coach and Personal Trainer at Honiton. Sophie is keen to get women into strength training; it has many benefits for both your physical and mental wellbeing. It can help to:
- Keep your muscles and bones strong
- Improve your heart health
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Boost your mental wellbeing
- Strengthen your joints
Will strength training make me look bulky?
Many people enjoy the benefits of looking and feeling stronger. But, there are some common misconceptions about strength training for women. For example, you might be worried that it will make you develop more muscles than you want. But, for many women, it is actually quite hard to build muscle. Unless you spend lots of time in the gym lifting heavy weights over a long period of time, strength training will usually lead to a slight muscle definition. This is often referred to as ‘toning up’.
Strength training can affect men differently. They may form new muscle mass more easily because of increased testosterone.
How often should I strength train?
In the UK, it’s recommended that you do strengthening exercises that work your main muscle groups (legs, back, core and arms) at least twice a week. This is as well your regular cardio exercises, such as dancing or brisk walking. They key is to remain consistent and aim to continue strength training regularly.
But if you’re short on time, some forms of exercise, like HIIT style workouts, can combine both strength and cardio elements.
How can I strength train safely?
If you’re new to strength training, it’s important that you don’t get injured. The best way to help you stay safe and injury-free is to attend a few classes or training sessions with an LED coach or Personal Trainer so that you can learn the correct form and technique for each exercise. Once you are confident and can practice the movements correctly you will be safer when working out from home, or alone in the gym.
Remember to also eat well and take rest days between your sessions.
For more information on Women’s Health, you may like to read this article from BUPA below: