Thank goodness trends are changing and women are awakening to their physical power.  Even most celebrities have  ditched the skinny look in favor of a healthy athletic body that can perform. All I can say is – it’s about time!  This is a great awakening from all the crazy diets and lack of sensible fitness that weaken the immune system and lower metabolism. The days of the starvation appearance so many in the past have strived for are officially over!  A woman who is strong and fit is able to keep up with the demands of living a full life and have enough energy to celebrate her achievements. Energy levels are attained  through regular exercise and quality nutrition, with a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Without enough calories, real fitness training is impossible. If ones nutrition is in check, one is much more likely to achieve and maintain their desired body composition. That is, less fat. The healthy women’s lifestyle includes compound exercises that increase metabolic rate to burn fat reserves and develop beautiful muscle. A fundamental issue we see often with women who are striving to achieve their goals in the gym is the avoidance resistance training. Just moving is not enough. Yes, cardiovascular training has positive effects on blood pressure and lung capacity. However, the benefits from resistance training are where we should be focusing most of our efforts.

Before you  say– I just want to look toned– remember, you control the degree you wish to achieve through different types of resistance training and nutrition. Whether you want to look like Linda Hamilton from Terminator  or just feel swimsuit confidant, the principles the same. If your goals include fat loss, you need to implement resistance exercise. The goal is to improve your body composition.

An example of  body composition is you can put two women next to each other. They could be the same height, the same weight and have the same measurements.  Without clothing though, the difference is striking. One is either fit and firm’ with fabulous energy– or– soft, covered in cellulite and resulting low energy. The difference is body composition. The fit and healthy woman has more muscle, more energy, and less fat.

Not only does weight-training strengthen your muscles and bones, and aid in fat loss, it improves your state of mind and has a positive effect on longevity. There is a proven correlation between strength and immunity. The National Center for Biotechnology Information has released the results of a study which proves that the stronger you are, the longer you will survive.

This study conducted medical and strength tests on 8762 people for nineteen years. Research was based on the correlation of strength and mortality.

Over this period  39%  died from cancer and  28%  from cardiovascular disease. Here’s the kicker – those who survived had significantly higher muscle strength.

Researchers concluded, “Muscular strength is inversely and independently associated with death from all causes of cancer, even after adjusting for cardio respiratory fitness and other potential confounders”.

Building and maintaining muscle mass also has a positive effect on immunity through the storage of Glutamine in muscle necessary for optimal immune function.  A well functioning immune system is essential in order to protect ourselves from disease. The more we can maintain a state of good health increases our chances of living a longer life of quality.

An optimally functioning metabolism is required for effective fat loss. Resistance training puts your metabolism into over-drive.

Muscle is ‘the engine’ that burns fat. Body composition is the determining factor when it comes to metabolism. The training I do with women revolves with obtaining a fully integrated fitness program.

The high repetition compound lifts I have women perform in practice includes agility drills in between the weight training work.

Physical Training for all women and should  revolve around compound type exercises that enhance functional fitness.

Without good nutrition and real fitness, health and energy will not be achieved. Elimination of ALL processed foods and getting on a regular exercise program requires personal commitment. You have got to want it!

To win the war against fat, your strategy must be able to last. In training, this means committing to a workout that burns fat and keeps you motivated. A few hours training in the gym each week is a great investment in your health and longevity. When you are taking excellent care of yourself, you will have the confidence to say YES to life, and this is something to be happy about!

In Health and Energy,

Deborah