One of the most common scenarios I see when I step into a gym is the large number of women working out soley on the treadmill for about 20 minutes or 30 minutes then leave gym. Many of them are concentrating more on their magazine rather then maintaining their target heart rate. While running on the treadmill is great for building cardio it fails to address one thing…that is maintaining muscle mass. I’m not talking here about women walking around with the body of Arnold Schwarzenegger, but few realize that as we age we experience muscle loss.

As a result our metabolism starts to slow down and we begin to gain weight. So the next time you enter the gym try to incorporate strength training as part of your routine if you haven’t done so already. When I teach my women’s cardio kickboxing boot camp sessions I make sure half of the class involves strength exercises. These can involve rubber resistance bands or just simple bodyweight exercises such as squats or push-ups.  Optimum weight loss for women programs should include a balance diet and benefits of both cardio and strength condtioning.

There is an interesting article published in Patriot Ledger regarding the benefits of strength training for weight loss for women and men.

Over the the years I have trained many clients in my cardio kickboxing boot camps several months after they gave birth. Many of these women wanted to lose the extra weight they had put on during their pregnancy. Although the training I incorporate is effective for postpartum women’s weight loss , I always go about training them with caution after doctors clearance. Cardio kickboxing is a high impact workout and is not suitable for women who have just given birth. It is imperative for postpartum women to ease back into less strenous exercise such as walking or stretching. The joints and ligaments may still be lose after 3 months therefore it is wise to avoid the risk of falling. In the end, I always recommend seeking your doctor’s advice regarding any postpartum workout to be on the safe side.

Fitness for women after giving birth has many benefits such as increasing the blood flow and strength. However it is always best to take caution and avoid trying to do to much to soon. I recently came across a great article in the CBS news on postpardum weight loss for women. You can find out more tips in the article by clicking here.

Weight loss for women has taken on a new meaning according to a study from the University of Queensland. What is interesting is the number of women over the age of 45 engaging in exercise at least 30 minutes or more a few times a week has increased between 2001 to 2004. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of regular exercise and weight loss for women even if they have a busy schedule. The benefits are not only a slimmer waistline but less anxiety and reduced risk of health issues. Hopefully North Americans will follow our Australian counterparts. You can read more about this interesting study by clicking here.