Train like a man but don’t eat like one

IN A phenomenon where strong is considered the new sexy, more women are taking to the gym to sculpt their bodies into lean, mean calorieburning machines.

You only have to view Facebook to see the “ideal” is shifting. The treadmill, cross trainer and exercise bike have been swapped for swinging kettlebells, barbell overhead squats and dumbbell military presses in an attempt to achieve perfect deltoids or striated quadriceps.

Don’t worry if you have no idea what those words mean – it doesn’t make you unhealthy.

But should women be eating like men, just because they are training like men?

And more importantly, shouldn’t we be focusing on health rather than body image?

The answer is no, women shouldn’t be eating like men and 100 per cent yes we should be focusing more on health.

Of course different types of training affect what level of nutrition we require, but you are never going to achieve the look you are after by loading up on more protein powder than Arnie in his heyday.

For most women, getting “massive” is most definitely not the goal, but rather to be strong, have toned muscle and feel good. Eating large meals six times per day and consuming three protein shakes with a pre-trainer supplement and some extra amino acids for good measure is overkill.

Focus on including lean protein with each snack or meal and matching your carbohydrate intake to your training times.

You will be able to train hard with the fuel you have on board and not store the energy for later.

THE TREADMILL, CROSS TRAINER AND EXERCISE BIKE HAVE BEEN SWAPPED FOR SWINGING KETTLEBELLS, BARBELL OVERHEAD SQUATS AND DUMBBELL MILITARY PRESSES