While aerobic exercise revs up your metabolism and improves your level of fitness, it’s strength training that builds muscle. That’s important because the more muscle you have, the higher the rate at which your body burns calories. What’s more, muscle burns more calories round the clock, even when you’re curled up on the couch reading a good book.
Can’t imagine yourself walking into a gym and inquiring where you might find the weight room? Then do a simple but effective strength-training program in your own home, using hand weights or even soup cans. Still, you may want to consult a personal trainer, who can teach you a routine as well as proper form.
A15- to 20-minute session, 2 or 3 days a week, is all the strength training that you need to build muscle and develop a sleeker, firmer appearance. And you’ll see results in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll feel stronger and more confident. Your clothes will fit better. Your belly will be flatter; your arms and legs, more toned and shapely.
So go ahead and start lifting. You’ll love what you see—and how you feel.
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