Many women avoid lifting weights or engaging in muscle building exercises for fear that they will appear bulky or masculine. However, not only are toned arms, abs and thighs attractive, they can also help promote cardiovascular health, keep excess body fat at bay and possibly increase lifespan.
An article on EmpowHer.com recommends that women engage in 20-minute strength training sessions three times per week, since short bouts of intense activity are most effective at burning fat and building muscle.
Such exercises may help individuals avoid packing on the pounds as they age.
"One can argue that if you don't do some resistance training through your lifespan, you're missing out on some benefits, especially as you get older or battle weight gain," said Jeffrey Potteiger, an exercise physiologist, quoted by the website.
Moreover, Women's Health magazine reports that strength training gives the metabolism a boost that is even more powerful than that derived from cardiovascular exercise.
The magazine estimated that an extra three pounds of muscle could help women burn 10 pounds of fat within a year, since muscle helps to increase resting metabolic rates.
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