When you think of someone who trains with weights what do you think off?

If it is the image of a women with huge muscles (a female version of Arnold Schwarzenegger) then this hub is directed at you.

This is the stereotypical view many women take when they consider strength training. However they could not be further from the truth. The women you imagine are usually taking a cocktail of anabolic steroids to get to that size. In fact it is almost impossible for women to "bulk up" from strength training because they do not have sufficient hormones (testosterone) within their body to achieve this increased size.

So now we have that out of the way I am going to discuss the benefits of strength training for women. There are many so I am just going to list them:

• 1. Firstly one of the main reasons for many women. Strength Training actually builds lean muscle tissue which in turn increases the amount of calories the body can burn. In truth more calories burnt the greater the fat loss.

• 2. It can increase and restore bone density, therefore preventing osteoporosis (very common in women).

• 3. It can improve flexibility, mobility and balance.

• 4. Can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• 5. Strengthens muscles and joints, therefore reducing injuries.

• 6. Finally increased strength and power will actually result in better mobility and quality of life when older.

I hope this encourages more women to add strength training to their weekly fitness routines. It does not even have to be anything too complicated it can begin with bodyweight exercises and progress up to free weights.

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