Why Should Women Use Real Weights?

Angelina used to asked the same question. She was a member of a women’s fitness center that used hydraulic equipment, and she enjoyed their fast circuit workout. Then within two months, Angelina had “hit a wall” and found she was no longer progressing. “I realized I needed more,” she explains. Angelina was not able to move past the plateau until she moved to Contours Express whose 29-minute CardioFit™ circuit uses real weight-bearing equipment.

So there’s an advantage of weight-bearing equipment over hydraulics? Sure – you’ll look and feel great! But studies have shown that there are other advantages for women’s health! Here are just a few:

Studies have shown that proper weight training can prevent osteoporosis and arthritis! Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that develops gradually and makes bones so fragile that they fracture with regular use. Roughly 25 million Americans, mostly women, suffer from this disease.

Luckily, weight-bearing activities benefit bone health for many reasons. First, weight-bearing exercise can increase bone density. When a muscle bears weight, it pulls on the bone, triggering a chemical reaction within the bone which causes it to become denser. Second, it strengthens muscles that in turn pull or tug on bones, which keeps bones strong. Third, it improves your strength, balance, and coordination – all of which help reduce your risk of falls and bone injuries.

Lean tissue is the only place in your body where fat is burned. Lean tissue is responsible for producing glutamine, a major fuel source for your immune system. And lean tissue only develops when your muscles are presented with a weight that is challenging.

If you’re a woman middle-aged or older, strength training can be a real plus. It keeps working for you long after your workout is over by increasing your metabolism, and it can help ward off the metabolic slowdown that keeps the pounds in place!

Strength training is important for cardiac health because heart disease risk is lower when the body is leaner. One study found that cardiac patients gained not only strength and flexibility but also aerobic capacity when they did strength training three times a week as part of their rehabilitation program. This and other studies have prompted the American Heart Association to recommend strength training as a way to reduce risk of heart disease and as a therapy for patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Lean tissue is the only place in your training can increase glucose utilization in the body, thereby decreasing sugar in the blood.

And strength training has been proven to improve glucose control in diabetics. Strength training when done correctly has been shown to provide a safe and effective way to control blood glucose, increase strength, and improve the quality of life in individuals with diabetes.

Strength training helps to improve balance, flexibility, mobility, and stability. A wide variety of sports-related or life-related injuries can be prevented by strengthening muscles or joints. Stronger and more resilient muscles improve our balance, which means more comfortable living and fewer falls or accidents.

A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did. Women who strength training commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their program.

The best part is you can get started today! For more information, just stop by Contours Express Camarillo or give them a call at (805) 987-2484.

Sources:

1 “Why Strength Training? Women, Osteoporosis and Exercise” (http://www.bodyworksfortotalhealth.com)

2 “Benefits of Strength Training” (http://www.kettlebellinstructor.com)

3 “Osteoporosis in Active Women: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment” (The Physician and Sports Medicine, Vol. 25, No. 11)

4 “Fitness and Bone Health” (http://www.primusweb.com)

5 “Strength training helps shed pounds faster” (Humana PlanProfessor Monthly e- Newsletter, April 2005)

6 “Benefits of Strength Training” (http://www.cdc.gov)

7 “Strength Training: Why it is important” (http://www.blbconsulting.com)

8 “Diabetes and Strength Training” (http://www.teenbodybuilding.com)

9 “Benefits of Strength Training” (http://www.longfellowclubs.com)

10 “Why Women Need Weight Training” (IDEAHealth &Fitness Association)

Contours Express Camarillo
1727 E. Daily Drive , Suite C
Camarillo , CA 93010

(Near Presto Pasta and next to Weight Watchers)