A full body workout is one that works different muscle groups throughout the entire body rather than just one specific area. Full body workouts are a great way for women to stay in shape, keep off unwanted weight, build strong bones, strengthen muscles and fight stress. A good full body workout should target muscle groups that can become problem areas for some women such as the arms, buttocks and thighs.
Types of Exercises
Aerobics, swimming and weightlifting make excellent full body workouts for women. Aerobic exercise involves high-energy, coordinated, rhythmic movements that work the muscles in your upper body, your lower body and your abdominal region. Swimming provides a full body workout that places minimal stress on your muscles and joints. Swimming is a good choice for women who suffer from health problems that require more gentle movements. Weightlifting is a full body exercise that involves the use of varying amounts of weight that serve as a source of resistance.
Benefits
Full body exercises such as aerobics, swimming and weightlifting can burn calories, strengthen and tone your muscles and increase your endurance all at once. Burning calories is an effective way to lose weight. Aerobic exercise can help boost your cardiovascular function and give you more energy. Swimming is a good way to exercise your body, soothe your muscles and relax your mind. Weightlifting helps to strengthen and tone your muscles.
Time Frame
Staying slim, strong and physically fit involves exercising on a regular basis. Simply practicing your full body workout every now and then will not produce significant results. According to MedlinePlus.com, women should get 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. The best way to ensure that you stick with your full body workout is to fit exercising into your regular routine. Joining a gym, enrolling in an exercise class or working with a personal trainer may help keep you motivated.
Pregnancy
A full body workout can also benefit women who are pregnant. Working out while pregnant can help prepare your body for the stress of labor by strengthening your abdominal muscles and raising your stamina. Exercise can also help ease some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with pregnancy such as back pain, bloating, fatigue and swelling. WomensHealth.gov recommends full body exercises such as swimming and low-impact aerobics.
Safety
Remember to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before starting your full body workout. Allow your body to cool down for a few minutes after you are done. Warm-up exercises prepare your muscles for movement. Cool-down exercises ease your muscles back into a state of rest. Warming up and cooling down helps to reduce your risk of developing muscle soreness. Always drink plenty of water before and after your workouts to prevent dehydration. If you are pregnant, WomensHealth.gov, recommends talking to your doctor before starting a full body workout to make sure that it is safe for you and your unborn baby.
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