The newest research in exercise science indicates that weight training is crucial to fitness and weight loss. Cardio exercise which doesnt incorporate or include weight training is far less effective and can even be counter-productive. But womens weight training routines require a specific approach. Women should not weight train in the same way that men do. Weight training approaches which are designed with men in mind may not achieve the results that women are looking for.
Women who want to incorporate resistance training into their workouts must consider certain hazards which probably do not bother men. For example, excessive muscle building can appear unattractive on a feminine frame. Womens weight training must build muscle strength without creating the appearance of bulkiness.
Its also true that womens weight training must focus on different parts of the body than mens weight training usually does. For example, men might like to build size and strength in their lats or trapezius (shoulder) muscles. But women most likely will not want to perform weight training exercises which create bulk in those areas.
So women embarking upon a weight training regimen should carefully consider the weight training routine which best accomplishes their gender-specific goals. Womens weight training should be tailored to the strengths, weaknesses and aesthetic concerns unique to the female body.
Womens weight training should generally involve lower resistance than mens weight training. In other words, weights should be less heavy. But compensate for the lower weight with a larger number of reps for each exercise.
Also, women should focus on certain muscle groups more than others. Women who are weight training will not want to build too much bulk in the biceps, shoulders, back or thighs. However, womens weight training should give special attention to the abdominals, pecs, glutes, triceps and calves. Those muscles, when well developed, contribute to the appearance of a lean, slender, feminine figure.
Overall, when embarking upon a workout regime with includes weight or resistance training, women should be well aware of the distinctive needs and concerns of the female body. Not all weight training regimens are the same, and not all are designed specifically with womens needs in mind. Take time to consult with a personal trainer to design a womens weight training routine which suits your own needs. Womens weight training is not the same as mens, and most trainers should be aware of the important distinctions.