Woman’s Day (Australia)

Body boosters

Feel great with these treatments that deliver results!

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Instead of focusing on the number you see on the scales, why don't you try embracing the motto, “strong is the new sexy”. Not only does this approach allow you to see your body in a new light, but there's some evidence that actually supports the phrase. Samantha Clayton, vice president of sports performanc­e and fitness education at Herbalife Nutrition, shares how improving your strength can help you feel your best.

PICK UP WEIGHTS

There are lots of reasons to feel good about weight lifting and resistance exercises. For one, they're some of the most effective ways to gain physical strength when done correctly. Improving your strength makes it easier for you to carry your body weight, and it can make everyday movements and tasks simpler (no more trouble opening jars!). Increasing your muscle strength through weights may also improve your performanc­e in other sports or activities.

“By lifting weights and becoming strong, you'll change every aspect of your body,” Samantha explains.

“By adding weight training to your routine two to three times a week and eating a protein-rich diet you'll be on your way toward achieving a healthy, muscular physique.”

She adds that while there's no need to be afraid of lifting heavy weights, it's always good to start with lighter weights to perfect your form first.

“Make sure that you start out with manageable, lighter weights so that you can focus on technique, and slowly work your way up to heavier weights,” Samantha advises. Start with 12 to 15 reps with light weights, and as you get stronger, increase the weight and decrease the reps to eight to 10.

BENEFITS

“With any exercise plan, your main priority should be to benefit the inside of your body,” says Samantha. “But as a bonus, exercise benefits your external appearance as well.”

Research published in the Internatio­nal Journal Of Exercise Science in 2010 surveyed women and men who regularly work out to see if the amount they exercise correlates to their body image. Nearly 60 per cent of respondent­s agreed that it does, and that they increase the amount they exercise when they want to feel better about their bodies.

Another study conducted in 2018 by University of Sao Paulo investigat­ed

body positivity in women over 60. In a group of women who do resistance training, 90 per cent of them reported satisfacti­on with their bodies. In a group of women who were untrained, only 15 per cent of them were satisfied.

Before embarking on any physical activity, please consult your physician.

So many body products claim to do things that they simply can’t, but one thing that is possible is smoothing out texture. Common skin issues combined with the cooler months can wreak havoc with the skin on our body. Not to mention the fact that most of us don’t take as much care with it compared to the skin on our faces. Let’s get into the groove of taking care of our bodies, starting with feeling smooth and sexy...

 ??  ?? “[Change] the dialogue of what makes you feel good,” says Kate of body-image pressures.
“[Change] the dialogue of what makes you feel good,” says Kate of body-image pressures.
 ??  ?? Always start slow with weight training and work your way up.
Always start slow with weight training and work your way up.
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