The definition of strength training carries a different meaning with regard to women's fitness. Although the goal is to become stronger, the bulging muscle look that comes with weight training is not a desirable outcome for women. The exercises explained in this article will give you information on obtain strength without gaining too much muscle mass.
Body Weight Resistance Exercises
The best strength training exercises for women are usually exercises that provide a moderate amount of resistance to develop lean muscle, without causing constant muscle growth. Body weight training like calisthenics (push ups, crunches, squats, and pistols) are body weight resistance exercises that cover the major muscles of the body and are a great way to build lean muscle.
Body Weight Resistance Exercises for the Upper Body
Push ups are a great exercise to strengthen the arms, chest, and the muscles in the upper back. These muscle when stimulated, help the body to burn calories and create a leaner posture. Abdominal crunches strengthen the lower portion of the upper body. Combining an abdominal workout with push ups into your daily routine can increase fat burning potential for the entire body. These exercises take some time to incorporate into your workout, but what makes them great for women is there is an automatic stop point, since you are using your own body weight. Crunches also promote muscle growth in the core region of the body, which results in muscle definition and a slimmer appearance.
Body Weight Resistance Exercises for the Lower Body
Lower body weight resistance exercises give you an added benefit with regard to the aerobic element. Exercises like lunges and squats have two steps: balance and motion. Balance and motion produces aerobic activity. This activity adds to the calories you are already burning from your strength training. Lunges and squats train the front and back thigh region (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and gluteals). Using calf raises to complete your leg workout routine can add symmetry to the entire leg, without creating an overdeveloped look to your thigh muscles.
Added Benefits to Using Calisthenics
Calisthenics exercises don't require equipment, just the space to perform them. They can be done in combination with other strength or stretching exercises, as well as with or without a personal trainer. With finding the place and time to work out being one of the primary reasons why people don't, body weight resistance exercise can be done almost anywhere and when you have a few minutes to do them.
Tags: Body Weight Resistance, strength training, body weight, body weight resistance, exercises that, into your, lean muscle