Do you feel like with with every passing year you try more and more diets yet your waist line is still growing? Even when you find something that doesn’t totally crush your will to live does it seem like you just can’t seem to stick to it? You’re not alone! Weight Loss over 40 is one of the most “googled” topics out there . . . and here’s why.

Many women our age struggle with weight gain (hello muffin top that never existed before) and find it difficult to make long-term lifestyle changes that will help them reach their weight loss and general physique goals.

But here’s the good news! You don’t have to eat in a crazy restricted eating window (one of my clients came to me doing a 23:1 fast . . . she fasted for 23 hours and ate only 1 hour a day!!) . . . ok, where was I . . . right, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods or do tons of hours of cardio in order to lose weight for good . . . No More Mondays!

It is possible for you to achieve sustainable and permanent weight loss over 40 without sacrificing your favorite meals or spending hours at the gym.

Let’s be honest, there are tons of things you can do . . . dieting strategies, healthy eating habits, sleep, stress management etc . . .

But today I’m talking specifically about why strength training is essential for women over 40 to lose weight and keep it off!

So if you’re ready to get started on your weight loss journey today, keep reading!

Strength Training is Essential for Women Over 40 to Lose Weight

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that women over 40 experience weight gain in a different way than younger women. It is not uncommon for weight to accumulate around the middle and it can be difficult to get rid of. This is due in large part to hormonal changes. Because of this, weight loss strategies that work for younger women may not be effective for those over 40.

Enter strength training!

Strength training is an important part of any weight loss program but especially for those of us over 40. Along with proper nutrition and a bit of cardio (which we will cover in future posts) weight training can help you shed fat and maintain a healthy weight – FOREVER.

While aerobic exercises such as running or walking are great for burning calories, they do not build muscle or increase your strength – which is essential when aiming at permanent weight loss since muscle is metabolically active. Strength training helps build lean muscle mass and promote fat burning more effectively than simple cardio exercises alone.

Benefits of Strength Training for Women Over 40

Have you ever heard the term “skinny fat” . . . if you simply focus on weight loss from cardio and a calorie deficit you will end up becoming a smaller but still soft version of yourself – that’s not what I’m after! Here are a few other amazing reasons to start lifting weights!

1. Increased Metabolism – Strength training helps increase your metabolism, allowing you to burn calories even when at rest. This can be helpful when trying to lose weight, as your body will naturally be burning more calories all throughout the day.

2. Improved Muscle Tone – With age, our muscles tend to shrink and become less toned. Strength training helps build lean muscle mass, giving you a more toned look that can help improve your overall appearance and boost self-confidence.

3. Strengthen Bones – Osteoporosis is a common issue among older adults due to calcium depletion in bones with aging. Strength training not only helps prevent bone loss but also helps you maintain strong bones and joints which are essential for injury prevention and mobility throughout life.

4. Improved Balance & Mobility – Strength training helps increase balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles around the joints which support them better during everyday activities. This can help reduce risk of injuries from falls or slips and make everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair easier and safer to perform.

5. Reduced Chronic Pain – Strength training helps reduce pain caused by joint problems or arthritis by improving strength and flexibility around affected areas which can lead to improved mobility and range of motion in that area as well as overall better quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain issues due to age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.

6 Better Heart Health– Many cardiovascular diseases are linked to obesity, making weight loss essential for reducing one’s risk of developing heart disease or stroke later on in life. Strength exercises help increase your heart rate while improving blood circulation throughout the body, making it an essential pillar in any weight loss program especially for those older adults who may have pre-existing conditions such as high cholesterol or hypertension that predispose them to greater risks associated with these medical issues if they remain overweight further on in life

Tips on Getting Started with Strength Training

It can be intimidating to get started if you’re new to weightlifting. But with the right approach, anyone can begin strength training and reap the benefits that come with it. Here are some tips on getting started with strength training:

1. Start slowly: When starting out, focus on building a foundation of weight training exercises rather than trying to do the heaviest weight possible. Aim for proper form and technique first in order to avoid injury and maximize results long term.

2. Consider your goals: Think about what you want to achieve by strength training – weight loss, increased muscle mass or improved fitness? This will help determine how often you should train as well as what type of weight lifting and other activities should be included in your workouts.

3. Use a variety of exercises: To ensure that all major muscle groups are worked out evenly, use a variety of different weight lifting exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups etc.,

4. Don’t forget rest days: It’s important to take several days off from weight lifting each week in order to give your muscles time to recover and grow stronger while avoiding overtraining or risking injury due to fatigue.

5. Plan ahead: Having an overall plan for your weight lifting sessions in advance will not only help keep you motivated but also encourage consistency in order to achieve maximum benefits from each workout session long term.

6. Find support: Joining a gym or exercise group can provide extra motivation along with helpful advice from experienced trainers or fellow exercisers who can help keep you on track towards reaching your goals while avoiding common mistakes when weightlifting beginners make which could lead to potential injuries or setbacks in progress due to overtraining or incorrect techniques used during workouts. If you want 1:1 support from a coach as well as to be supported by other women working on their own transformations, check out my Metabolic Repair Protocol coaching program.

Achieve Permanent Weight Loss Results With Strength Training

When combined with a balanced diet, strength training can help women over 40 reach their weight loss goals without sacrificing hours in the gym or your favorite foods!

If you have been thinking about taking charge of your health and don’t know where to begin – check out this free training on Weight Loss Over 40. I hope to see you on the inside!