You eat healthily and exercise regularly but if your body isn't as sleak and toned as you would like, have you ever considered bringing a little bit of weight training into the equation?
We are not suggesting you turn yourself into a female body builder, but with a little dedication and quite a few repetitions you'll soon have arms for party dresses that don't require shrugs!
No - not unless you want to, but that will take many years of specialised training, diet and exercise!
Don't believe the hype - weight training is not bad for women. In fact, it's the reverse - a sensible weight training programme increases strength, burns fat and increases bone density, which can protect against brittle bones in later life.
Ladies, please don't be tempted to wear your running shorts and crop top. If you're doing it properly, weight training is not for posers! Sensible trainers and stretchy sports clothing is the order of the day.
If you are weight training at the gym, it's probably a good idea to book a few sessions with a trainer. They can assess your overall strength and devise a series of exercises that are suitable for your body and your goals.
You sure 'can' - training with tins and cans from the cupboard, ankle weights, the stairs and using your own body weight for resistance all generate results.
Before you start any session, make sure you warm up. Try a brisk 15 minute walk outside or on a treadmill, followed by some repetitions with lighter weights before calling in the big guns.
Make sure you maintain the correct posture for the weights and exercises you are working on. An incorrect posture will mean your weight workout is worthless and could well result in injury.
If you haven't trained with weights before, don't expect to compete with the big boys in the muscle vests next to you at the gym. Weight training takes time and dedication - keep it up and the results can be quick but Rome wasn't built in
a day...
Never, ever attempt a weight training programme without some serious sustenance. To weight train effectively, you should eat a meal that is high in carbs and low in fat to get your through the session - so please, ditch
the Atkins.
Chill your stressed muscles with that all-important cool down - a vital part of your workout. Stretch the muscles you have worked and cool the body down with a gentle 15 minute walk, cycle or swim.