Fitness Edition: Women's Fitness

Today's fitness edition is not going to be concerning me or the latest training regime I'm on. Due to popular demand, this fitness edition is going to be dedicated to women!

I am so tempted to go on a verbal diarrhea and pour everything out in one post but I doubt that it's going to be of any help so I have decided to give a general guideline and as the questions pour in, I'll try to answer you and give a more specific guideline.

I am no expert but this will help you get started. Whatever you do, always go for a medical checkup and test with a doctor or certified trainer first and he will highlight to you any medical issues that may hinder your training.

Let's get started:

First of all, I think that the trend now is that women should be curvy and not flimsy (think in terms of Jessica Biel in Blade Trinity and Jennifer Garner in Elektra).

In order to move towards looking like that, there's a basic guideline you must follow:

#1: Weight training for toning

#2: Cardio

#3: Diet

#1: Weight training

Contrary to popular belief that if a woman trains, she's going to end up looking like Arnold from Terminator, weight training actually helps you tone up by working your different muscle groups. Why won't you end up like Mr. Terminator himself? It's simply because testosterone is responsible for boosting muscle development and although both men and women produce testosterone, the amount produced in guys is up to 60 times more. Now you know why!

Start with these combinations:

• Chest/Back: Chest press, Lats pulldown and seated row
• Legs: Leg extensions, leg press, lunges
  
• Shoulders/biceps/triceps: Shoulder press, bicep curls, tricep extension

Start simple and go slow; the momentum will build in no time.

#2: Cardio

You don't need to hit the gym for this one. Just run for around 30-40 mins around the neighborhood 2-3 times a week and you'll be fine. If running is not your thing, try swimming or cycling. Put on some music on your ipod and you'll enjoy this 40 mins.

#3: Diet

• No supper (yup... this is the first one I want to highlight... hahaha). If you're really starving, eat something whole grain.
  
• Eat a full, healthy breakfast - wholemeal bread sandwiches, whey protein with oatmeal, egg sandwiches


• Eat 4-6 times a day and break it down to smaller portions


• Get rid of junk food - Maggi mee is junk food. Allow only one day in a week to pamper yourself (moderately ok?). Also, one day doesn't mean 24 hrs, it means like for one or two meals, that's it.


• Eat fruits and vegetables. I struggle with vegetables so I consume up to 10 apples a week. Not the best option but still acceptable.


• Drink lots of water

Ultimately, you're training not just for aesthetic purposes but for your health and well-being. What you sow, is what you will reap 10-20 years from now. With that in mind, exercise!