Strength workouts for women have been all the rage for a while... but there are some pretty killer resistance workouts for women that you may have never heard of (until now). Here's the skinny on three awesome women's workouts that may not be mainstream, but deserve your consideration if you really want to get fit.
A Semi-Obscure Strength Workout for Women: Kettlebells
So what the heck is a kettlebell? When I first mentioned kettlebells to my wife, she thought we were going shopping for cookware. But, after I explained them to her and bought her a few, she soon became a believer in the workouts they offer.
Kettlebells are spherical weights with a handle on top, making them look like a kettle without the spout. You may have seen them depicted in old-school strong man pictures, or even as part of a gag in a Saturday morning cartoon. But, there's nothing funny about this strength training tool - kettlebells will give you one heck of a workout.
You use them by swinging them and lifting them in ways that are similar to, but distinct from the way you use regular free weights. And, they really do a number on your legs and core - making them a near perfect strength workout for women. We use them in our fitness boot camps regularly, and the female students have certainly developed a love-hate relationship with them.
Great for Building Flood Walls, and They Provide One Heck of a Workout
So what am I talking about? Sand bags, of course. Don't be fooled by their seemingly harmless appearance - sand bags are a serious strength training tool that can provide you with a heck of a workout.
Although they don't get much attention because they aren't as sexy as mainstream fitness equipment like bands and Swiss balls, sand bags offer a way to get a great total body workout in a very short period of time. Much in the way kettlebells force your core to work due to their offset weight loading, sand bags force your core muscles to activate because they are unwieldy to hold.
So, if you want a great workout for your whole body in a short frame of time, consider adding sandbags to your workouts.
So, I Bounced...
This last one is going to sound goofy (I know it looks goofy) but it really, really works.
I'm talking about rebounding... yes, those miniature trampolines you've seen in your grandma's basement and in the fitness aisle at your local discount stores. Now, before you start getting all uppity on me, you should know that NASA (yes, those rocket scientist guys) participated in a study that showed rebounding to be more effective than running for burning calories.
And, in case you're wondering how this qualifies as a strength workout, try doing a set of jump squats on a rebounder. Overcoming two- to four-times the G forces you normally experience while jumping or doing a squatting motion is a great strength workout in my book. So, consider getting a mini-trampoline (also known as a rebounder) and jumping your way to fitness a few times a week. I can tell you from experience, it offers a killer workout for your calves and thighs.
That wraps up this brief look at three great workouts that you may have never heard about. Each of them definitely offers something you just can't get in your local big box gym. Remember, no matter how you workout, it's your workout, so do it your way and enjoy it!
About this Author
Find out about the hottest workout for women and learn how to get your high school body back at http://www.bestworkoutforwomen.com - or to learn more about strength training for women visit http://www.squidoo.com/strength-training-for-women-fitness.
Michael D Massie is a certified personal trainer with a degree in health sciences. He's been teaching women's fitness and helping women get in shape since 1996.
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