Most women do not think of strength training as a viable option for exercise. But, these women are missing out on the benefits of strength training. Strength training is not about building muscle like professional body builders have, but instead about building - and maintaining - healthy, toned, lean muscle that keeps you strong, healthy, and vibrant for many years. These are things - benefits - that no cardiovascular exercise will ever provide. It is time - ladies - to "smell the coffee" and start doing what is right for your bodies.

How many of you spend hours - either in the gym or at home - running, walking, biking, swimming etc.? Or hours telling yourself you do not have time to work out because you are unaware of the benefits of strength training and the little amount it actually takes to achieve these benefits?

The sad thing is, the majority of women could and "yes" to either, or both, of those questions. Okay, well to answer the time question. If you want to reap the benefits of strength training you simply need to find 2-3 days a week where you can spend 30 solid minutes working your muscles. If you can find this little bit of time, you will build and maintain the type of muscle you need to stay young, healthy, and strong. Now, this is not one of those get skinny quick things, this is a routine you need to stick with for life.

One thing that happens, as we age, is the loss of strength, which stems from the loss of lean muscle mass. One of the greatest benefits of strength training is the maintenance of this lean muscle mass. If you are able to keep up with such a routine, you will not suffer from the frailty that many older women suffer from. One disease that comes to mind is osteoporosis. Muscles help to keep you bones strong and healthy; so avoid this common ailment with proper strength training.

Another side effect of aging is wrinkles; there is nothing you can do about it, right? Isn't that why they sell anti-aging creams everywhere you go? Another one of the benefits of strength training is the firmness that it provides your skin. See, when you muscles are firm, so is the skin surrounding them, which even includes your facial muscle and skin. Therefore, a solid muscle tone will keep your skin taught, giving you less wrinkles and much younger look.

Radiance, endorphins, or a certain glow about a person makes them look much younger than they are. This is one more of the benefits to strength training. Muscles produce hormones that sendoff positive vibes to the rest of your body. These "vibes" not only help you feel younger, but they give you a bit of a glow as well; giving you that younger look too. Additionally, muscle increases oxygen flow to the skin. This allows the skin to breathe better also giving it another chance at looking younger than it is.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to strength training. The goal is not to look like a professional body-builder, but a healthy, young woman. No matter how old you may be, or how many effects of aging have already set in, you can do something about it. Get yourself into a proper strength training regime immediately and you will begin to feel and see the changes; you can be young again.

About the Author

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger. In her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards being strong, fit and youthful at any age.