by Claire Count

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

Too often one looks at going to the gym as something you should do - like eating your cauliflower or calling your in-laws. But strength training does not have to be a tedious chore. Personal training is pampering your body, sculpting your figure, building your confidence, and of course improving your health.

How much of the day is spent in giving to others? Whether it is a mom fixing breakfast for the family or an administration assistant organizing a last minute luncheon or a Doctor advising a client, women tend to be focused on caring for others. The gym is time to focus on yourself, your body. To learn how strong you are, are far you can run, and how you can achieve your goals.

Do you want to lose weight or inches? If it is inches - go to the gym. Muscle takes up less space than fat. Increasing your muscle increases your basal metabolic rate, the more muscle the more calories your burn. Throw away the scale and use a tape measure instead. You can use the circuit machines for a nice even full body workout. Most machines are clearly labeled with instructions on how to use them and what muscle groups they use. Remember to start out light if you are beginning and work your way up. Stretch between each set. If it hurts - STOP! No pain no gain is only true if you are trying to bulk up like a competition level body builder. To tone use low weights, but a high reps.

Confidence is knowing that you can do a thing with surety. Nothing builds confidence like success. Strength training works. Get a personal trainer, a workout video, join a gym, and the do it. Set a goal, measure your progress, and hold your head high as you work and sweat and achieve your goal. And that "I can do it" carries through in your approach towards the other parts of your life. Go to the free weights and learn controlled movement lifts. Control the up and the down on the curls. Slow and focused there is no race.

Strength training is a tune up for your body. It is performance enhancing. Exercise strengthens your heart and cardiovascular system. Strength training specifically supports strong bones working to prevent osteoporosis, and recent studies tie exercise to decreasing the likelihood of Alzheimer's. Even the perspiration works to purify your body of toxins through your skin. It is good for you, your body, your health, your attitude and your family. For variety, use a cable machine. The chops and lifts use multiple muscle groups for a faster workout. Especially good for back and abs strengthening, which also improves posture and helps work out those "I have been sitting in front of the computer to long" droopy shoulders and tight neck.

Set a goal. Work out regularly- even if it is 20 minutes a day - that is your time. You deserve every minute in it. Remember you will have to live with your body the rest of your life, make it the best you can with personal strength training.

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