*** AN ULTRA FIT @ COOP'S MESSAGE ***
~ Why Women Need to Weight Train ~
Summer is right around the corner - Are you "Bathing
Suit" ready?!
For many years, aerobic exercise was considered the optimal method for women attempting to lose weight. Using equipment such as stair climbers, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc. was thought to be the "ideal" way to lose weight.
Unfortunately millions of people have been... incorporating aerobics, cardio and walking, in an effort to lose weight and get fit...yet our country is more overweight with more weight related illnesses than ever before! Although aerobic exercise provides some benefits and is good in a maintenance phase if one is not 100% on Ultra Fit, it will hinder and minimize your efforts at losing body fat in the "Results" Stages of Ultra Fit.
Unfortunately, many women do not understand the true value of adding a weight resistance routine to their daily activities. There are many popular myths on why women have turned away from using weights. Probably the most popular one is: "If I lift weights I will bulk up and look like a body builder." This is far from the truth, as women do not have enough of the hormone called testosterone. Testosterone is dominant in males and is responsible for muscle growth.
Therefore, because of hormone levels and women's genetic makeup, it is very difficult for women to "bulk up." In addition, women would have to train for hours on end and consume thousands of calories to look like a "bodybuilder." One of the reasons weight training will help women decrease their body fat and lose inches is because increasing the amount of muscle tissue raises metabolism. Muscle tissue is much more metabolically active than fat tissue; it burns 25% more calories than fat tissue. Men typically have an easier time than women losing fat because they tend to have more muscle overall. Therefore, if you have been trying (unsuccessfully) to lose 10-15 pounds or more, despite all the hours spent on the stair climber or in step aerobics class, then hire a personal trainer and focus on weight training in your workouts.
That simple change can help you break through the plateau you may have reached by performing aerobic or cardio exercise. By utilizing a good, calculated weight training program, you will lose inches, burn more fat and change the shape of your body. In addition, weight training helps build stronger bones to help protect you against osteoporosis, which is the degeneration of bone associated with insufficient calcium in the diet.
Strength training also has been shown to benefit individuals with certain types of arthritis. But one of the best benefits of weight training is a better quality of life. Everyday activities such as gardening, carrying groceries or playing with your children become easier. Life becomes more enjoyable and you feel more vibrant!
Therefore the best approach for people wishing to reduce their body fat is to implement strength training and follow a well-balanced, low fat, low sugar, low sodium diet. (Ultra Fit) Always utilize the knowledge and power of an Ultra Fit Personal Trainer.
By doing so, it will ensure that you are exercising safely and effectively.
Here is a great exercise to get you started!
Crossover Lunges with
Ultra Fit Founder John DeFendis
Ultra Fit Founder John DeFendis
