Strength Training: Kathy Smith

Aired on Lifetime Television
April 13 and May 25, 2008
Show 508

If you've been in a gym lately, you've probably noticed that more and more women are steadily infiltrating the weight room – and with good reason. Studies show that strength training gives your muscles shape and tone while increasing bone density, helping to prevent and even in some cases reverse osteoporosis. Some regular weight training also elevates your metabolism, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation and also encourages fat loss. One reason women tend to shy away from weight lifting is that myth that lifting weights will make them look like a man – becoming unfeminine, thick and bulky. But that's just not true. Women simply don't have enough testosterone to create that hefty body-builder look naturally. We do, however, make just enough to create that tone that everyone wants. And best of all, one pound of muscle burns 35 to 50 calories a day. A pound of body fat uses only 3 to 5 calories.  So ramp up your metabolism with some weights!