Strength Training for Women Over 40

Hello ladies, today we’re gonna approach an important aspect of women’s fitness: Strength Training for Women Over 40.

We live in an era when we are all equal so, strength training is not just for young men. These types of exercises are actually essential for women over 40 too.

In the following article, I will try to separate the myths from the truth and come up with a lot of arguments that will encourage any woman to go to the gym and start working on improving.

Why Strength Training Matters for Women Over 40

You’re probably already thinking that after 2-3 months of gym, you will look bulky, right? Well, you wish to be that simple:)

If that was the case, all my gym bros would be Mr. Olympia y now. Strength training does not automatically turn a woman into a muscle mommy. You need more than that.

The answer is simple: you don’t produce enough testosterone to achieve that bulky physique. Even men can’t achieve this on their own, and require some not natural “help”.

Instead, think of strength training as building a stronger, more sculpted you. Picture Michelle Obama, not The Rock, okay?

The Benefits of Strength Training for Women Over 40

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of strength training for women over 40.

This is a game-changer, especially if you have had a sedentary lifestyle, for years, and also for ladies who love deserts!

You will get tons of advantages from starting strength training, like:

Building stronger bones: bone density naturally decreases with your age and strength training stimulates bone growth and increases bone mineral density.
Boosting metabolism: Building muscle mass means you will burn more calories even at rest, making it easier to maintain your weight under control.
Improving balance and coordination: doing various types of exercises, mainly the free compound exercises, will increase the body’s awareness in space.
Combatting fatigue: Feeling tired already, just by reading this article? Fear not, because strength training can boost your energy levels by improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue.
Promoting mental well-being: we all know by now that exercising makes you feell good, so that’s not rocket science.

Safety and Injury Prevention

Strength training might sound intimidating, but you can do it safely if you follow these tips:

Start slow and gradually increase weight and intensity. Don’t try to be a hero on day one. I know it is very tempting to test your limits in something new, but that may be cool when you’re in your 20s, now, if you try to see what’s your maximum you can squat, after a long pause from exercising, you may find out your knees will start hurting the next day. Or maybe you’re lucky and won’t have such side effects, but who knows? Better to be safe than sorry. Listen to your body and progress at a comfortable pace.

A good idea is to get professional help from a personal trainer. He can assist you in doing new exercises that you may not know, and or build your tailored custom workout plan. Also, most of them offer free meal plans as a bonus to their coaching.

Don’t be shy and ask a lot of questions, after all, that’s what you’re paying him! Everything you don’t know or it seems interesting to know, you must ask Be curious like a cat!

Now, let’s get down to business and build that strong, confident you!

Building a Sustainable and Effective Strength Training Routine

Alright ladies, let’s mention something from the start, you may want to renounce at the “all or nothing” mentality, and have a more relaxed approach suited for the long run.

This means you have to start slow and reach a level you can sustain every day, not doing something very exhausting. If you have a heavy workout plan it will scare you to even come to the gym.

That’s why even men are afraid of leg day because it’s hard! We need to put 3-4-5 plates on each side of the bar when doing squats, and its exhausting for the central nervous system, then you can’t do anything for the next 24 hours or so.

Strength Training for Women – Goals

What are you hoping to achieve with your strength training routine?

Do you just want to tone your muscles, or build strength? Maybe you want to improve your athletic performance, or simply feel more confident in a bikini.

Whatever your motivation may be, you must remember it every day, so you can stay focussed on achieving your goal!

Strength Training – Choosing the Right Exercises

There are countless exercises you can incorporate into your routine, but it’s crucial to choose ones that target your specific goals and fitness level. Here are some general guidelines:

Beginners: I suggest starting with basic compound exercises that work the whole body at once, like squats, lunges, push-ups, deadlifts, and a few more if possible.

Intermediate: You will still have to add some isolation exercises to your compound workout, like the 80% compound – 20% isolation.

Advanced: You can now start doing more complex movements like cleans, snatches, and deadlifts. Either way, you should keep in mind that you are over 40, and it’s always in your best interest to prioritize proper form and safety.

Remember: Don’t be afraid to mix and test these exercises until you will find the best routine that works for you!

Equipment Essentials: Home or Gym Workouts

Ok, so strength training can be done at the gym or at home, and the equipment you need doesn’t have to be fancy. Here are some options:

At-home tools: Dumbbells, resistance bands, a sturdy workout mat, and an exercise ball are great starting points. Think of them as your portable gym, allowing you to squeeze in a workout anytime, anywhere.

Gym essentials: Once you’re at the gym you, will have access to weight machines, free weights, benches, and cardio equipment, so you can’t find any excuses to skip a workout.

Just like a car engine needs to warm up before hitting the highway, so does your body. Dedicate 5-10 minutes to light cardio, dynamic stretches (arm circles, leg swings), and joint rotations to prepare your muscles for the workout.

Sample Strength Training Routines

Here I will give you a very easy workout example to start with. Of course, you can customize them based on your goals, equipment availability, and fitness level.

Full-Body Strength Training Routine for Beginners

• Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cardio (jumping jacks, jogging in place) + dynamic stretches (arm circles, leg swings)
• Squats: 4 sets of 10 repetitions
• Push-ups: 4 sets of 8 repetitions
• Lunges: 2 sets of 10 repetitions per leg
• Rows: 2 sets of 10 repetitions
• Plank: 2 sets of 30+ seconds hold
• Cool-down: 10 minutes of static stretches (hamstring stretch, quad stretch, chest stretch)

Upper Body Strength Training Routine for Muscle Toning

• Warm-up: Same as above
• Dumbbell shoulder press: 3 sets of 10 or more (usually 12) repetitions
• Dumbbell bicep curls: 3 sets of 10+
• Tricep dips (using a bench or chair): 3 sets of 10+
• Lateral raises: 3 sets of 20 repetitions – yes those are 20 reps, because lateral delt needs more in order to grow.
• Dumbbell rows: 3 sets of 10-12
• Cool-down: Same as above

Lower Body Strength Training Routine for Building Strength

• Warm-up: Same as above
• Barbell squats (if comfortable, otherwise use dumbbells): 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions (think: squatting down with the weight on your shoulders)
• Romanian deadlifts (using dumbbells or barbell): 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions (think: hinging at the hips with a slight knee bend, keeping the weight close to your body)
• Split squats: 2 sets of 10 or more repetitions per leg
• Calf raises: 2 sets of 15 or more repetitions
• Glute bridge: 2 sets of 12 or more repetitions
• Cool-down: Same as above
• Remember, these are just sample routines. You can adjust the exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods based on your needs and goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

Nutrition Strategies for Strength Training

Everybody already knows this: you can’t out-train a bad diet. So you need to make smart choices when it comes to your diet.

Here are some key strategies:

The Importance of Protein for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Protein is the ultimate toolkit to build muscle tissue. You should get at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. You can get protein from: meats, fish, eggs, dairy, plant-based protein powders, beans, and lentils.

Include protein in every meal and snack to support muscle growth and repair after your workouts. If you can’t get your daily protein quota, then you can always supplement with a protein shake.

Healthy Carbs and Fats for Energy and Performance

I don’t know why everybody fears carbs, but please don’t fear carbs!

Carbs provide your body with readily available energy for your workouts. The problem is that in this day and age, people choose bad carbs over good ones, for example, the ones in junk food and or sweets.

Be smarter than the average meat head, and choose complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over refined carbs like white bread and pastries.

Healthy fats are also very important to your body in terms of providing energy and the rest of the elements that you need to function at top parameters.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated, water is your best friend during and after your workouts. Aim for about 10 glasses of water daily.

Proper hydration helps transport nutrients, additionally, you can add a small portion of BCAA in your water bottle that you take at the gym.

Remember: Consistency is key here. Strength training for women over 40 is a bit challenging. You must have a balanced and nutritious diet and don’t deprive yourself, but make smart choices when it comes to what you eat.

Strength Training for Women – Staying Motivated

Alright, queens, we’ve talked about the “what” and “how” of strength training. Now, let’s address the “why”. Well, the last one is simple actually.

Why? Because You Can! And because you should look amazing at any time, not just when you’re a teenager.

Life throws curveballs, work gets crazy, and sometimes motivation takes a vacation. But remember, consistency is key, and here are some tips to stay on track:

Here are some tips to stay motivated:

• Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people
• Find a workout partner
• Join a group fitness class online or in person
• Connect with other women on social media who share your fitness goals
• Sharing your journey with others

You can think of the other women who love fitness like they are your cheerleaders, pushing you forward and celebrating your victories, big or small.

Tracking Your Progress

Don’t forget one important step: progress! You need to track everything so you can see your progress after 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year.

You can find a lot of apps for this, or you can start writing down your weights, reps, or how you feel after each workout. Witnessing your progress, even small victories can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; celebrate your achievements, big or small!

Overcoming Challenges of Strength Training

Strength training for women over 40 can be challenging, and plateaus are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your progress. Here are some tips for overcoming them:

• Switch up your routine: introducing new exercises, increasing weight, or adding intensity.
• Take rest days: Don’t overtrain!
• Seek guidance: whenever you feel lost, please consult a professional trainer for his advice.

Bonus Tip: Prioritizing Rest and Recovery for Optimal Results

Sleep is like the ultimate natural steroid, trust me! Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. This allows your body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, ensuring you’re energized and ready to tackle your next workout.

Strength Training for Women- Conclusion

Ladies, strength training isn’t just about physical benefits; it’s about empowerment, confidence, and building a stronger, healthier you.

So please don’t be afraid to come to the gym, embrace the challenge, and start on this incredible journey.

Remember why you started this whole journey, remember your goals!

Now go out there and conquer your fitness goals, one workout at a time!