As a man, you might be wondering, “Who is this guy, and why does he think he understands what women need?” It’s a valid point. However, I’ve worked with hundreds of women over my years as a Personal Trainer. I also have a mother, a sister, and was with the same woman for 22 years—all of whom exercised. Not a bad resume!
One thing I’ve observed is that women often struggle to prioritize themselves. Even I, as a man, admit that we tend to be the more selfish gender. Women have a tendency to put others first, but in actuality to be our best selves—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—it’s essential to take care of our well-being. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Women who exercise regularly experience significant mental health benefits. According to an ASICS study, women who work out are 52% happier, 50% more energized, 48% more confident, and 67% less stressed. So, why don’t more women exercise as much as they could? Often, the responsibilities of household chores, childcare, and caring for family members fall more heavily on women, alongside career obligations. This leaves little time for self-care. However, prioritizing your health can have enormous benefits.
I suggest scheduling workouts before the rest of the house wakes up, adding them to your calendar, or even hiring a personal trainer for accountability. Weight training is especially important, and with just two days a week of strength training, fitting it into your schedule is very achievable.
The CDC reports that 27% of women engage in weight training, compared to 35% of men. Some studies, like those from the American College of Cardiology, report the number as low as 20% for women. Considering the health benefits of weight training—like improved bone health, injury prevention, increased metabolism, weight loss, enhanced posture, better sleep, and increased strength—it’s clear that more women should make it a regular part of their routine.
Another area where women face challenges is with protein intake. In my dietary assessments for female clients, protein deficiency is the most common issue I encounter. This often results from a lack of awareness about protein-rich foods, fad diets, or simply not knowing how much protein is necessary. While excessive protein intake can be harmful, too little can hinder muscle growth, immune function, hormone regulation, and the health of joints, skin, and hair. Additionally, protein helps regulate blood sugar, preventing energy crashes throughout the day.
If you find yourself struggling with any of these three areas, don’t hesitate to schedule a fitness and nutrition assessment with GYMGUYZ today.
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If you’re new to exercise or considering working with a personal trainer, visit www.gymguyz.com/west-hartford.