If your workout routine is mostly cardio and you’re worried that you might become bulky if you use weights, now’s the time to smash that urban myth.
From kettlebell swings to ViPR lunges to dumbbell rows, our female clients get loads of benefits from using free weights in the KBPT studio, at the gym and at home. Here’s why you should use weights too…
Fat loss
By doing regular weight training, you can build your muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate and the greater the number of calories you burn when you’re exercising.
Bone density
Resistance training – using dumbbells and other weights – puts your bones under stress, which helps to make them stronger and more dense. This can help to reduce your risk of osteoporosis in later life.
Healthy heart
As we’ve already said, lifting weights builds muscle – and that includes your heart muscle. You’ll increase your blood flow and lower your blood pressure. It can even reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Sculpted body
If you want to change the shape of your body, weight training is the secret ingredient. You’ll create a strong, muscular base and don’t worry about bulking out – it’s unlikely this will happen unless you use weights at an extreme level over a long period of time.
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KBPT’s top tips for weight training
1. Ask your personal trainer or someone who works at your gym to recommend a weights routine for you.
2. Always use the right weight and number of reps for your ability. There’s no advantage to going too heavy or for too long and you could risk injuring yourself.
3. Don’t be afraid of the weights (or the pro-looking bodybuilders who use them at the gym). You’ll be a convert in no time!
