Strength training is an important component of a woman's fitness. Strength training is also known as resistance training or "lifting weights". But many women do not understand how to start a strength training program or how to select strength equipment for home exercise.

Getting stronger is beneficial to your body in many ways. Being strong makes your body resistant to injury, and speeds recovery from injuries. The repetitive nature of many jobs today makes strength training critical to preventing workplace injuries.

The benefits of strength training are often overshadowed by its exercise cousins, the cardio work-out and the trendier, yoga and flexibility. However, unlike aerobic and stretching activities, strength training is possibly the most effective natural method for building bone mass and preventing osteoporosis!

Plus, most women can burn many more calories by lifting weights than from cardio (and far more than yoga or stretching) because it is less familiar to their bodies. The challenge requires your body to work harder, and to get out of your exercise comfort zones and muscular boredom.

Analyze your needs before you choose equipment.

Exercising at home has pros and cons, all of which weigh on your equipment decisions. First, consider when and where you will exercise. For example, if you plan to exercise early in the morning, you might be exercising in a lit space upstairs. Is there a closet to store gear? How much space do you have for your equipment?

If you work out of your home, then consider using a bit of home office space for gear. You will be more likely to use it throughout the day, and give yourself healthy breaks, if your equipment is accessible.

Next, consider your habits. Do you prefer to surround yourself with simple, compact bare-minimums? Or do you like gadgets with lots of functions?

Every year, the fitness industry trade shows debut new streamlined, sleek equipment. Big and bulky is out: compact and efficient is in.

Choose your toys.

Think of your strength training as a fun new hobby. If you like to play and be silly when exercise, then perhaps start with resistance tubing. Tubing is compact and portable, and inexpensive. It is slightly more limited than using weights, but it is an excellent choice for beginners. Buy a model with a door hinge to multiply the ways you can use it.

Dumbbells have become more versatile and compact. There are several styles now that only require you to own one pair. The resistance gets changed in increments.

Traditional hand weights and ankle weights are versatile, especially if you can add small weight increments. Some ankle and wrist weights can be used just like a pair of dumbbells.

If space and price are not limited, perhaps you prefer home gym machines. Some machines work isolated muscle groups. Others require balance and attention to technique. Machines that are less restricting, requiring you to practice proper alignment and form, are very effective. These "free weights" usually work more than one muscle group, and they simulate everyday activities better.

Books demonstrating specific exercises and explaining muscle actions are available in most libraries and bookstores. To ensure proper technique, and to set a program to meet your goals, you can hire a personal trainer who will work at your home.

Getting strong with weights is growing in popularity amongst women. Consider the many great effects it can have on your body: start a strength training program today!