Tag: female fitness

Fat Loss Workout Plan For Females: Burn, Sculpt, and Slay

Fat Loss Workout Plan For Females: Burn, Sculpt, and Slay

A glance at the cardio section of your gym will tell you that most women join a gym to lose weight. However, only a few ladies achieve their weight loss ambitions before losing motivation and dropping off their fitness regimen. 
Most ladies follow a cookie-cutter workout plan for weight loss, which includes doing 30-40 minutes of cardio and finishing their training session with a couple of ab exercises. Although you must start somewhere, sticking to a vanilla fat-loss workout plan will not get you too far. 
Women generally find it harder than men to lose weight. It is mostly because of years of misinformation and poor training and diet routines. Plus, several dietary and training myths have cropped up over the years, which significantly limit a woman’s physique transformation progress. 
Fat loss can feel like an uphill battle, especially with contradicting fitness advice and generic workout plans that overlook the unique needs of women blasted at you from all angles. 
In this article, we go over everything you need to know to build the figure of your dreams, including the basics of fat loss, the most common problems faced by women, the factors to consider for building a personalized fat loss workout plan and debunking some age-old weight loss myths. We will also go over the two best fat loss workout plans for females, the role of diet and recovery, the importance of tracking your progress, the best supplements to help you achieve your weight loss objective, and the safety precautions you must take. So, without any further ado, let’s get going. 
The Holy Grail of Weight Loss

Calories in vs. calories out is the holy grail of weight loss. You must enter a calorie deficit to shed the excess body weight, meaning you must burn more calories in a day than you consume. 
You could enter a calorie deficit by burning calories through exercise or lowering your daily caloric intake. Although you could maintain a negative calorie balance just by limiting your food intake or increasing your exercise frequency or intensity, you should ideally maintain a balance of the two. 
Besides entering a calorie deficit through limiting food intake and exercising, you must also make significant lifestyle changes to achieve your dream figure. For example, you should take the stairs instead of the lift, bike to work instead of using your car and cook healthy meals at home instead of eating at your favorite fast food joint. 
Although entering a calorie deficit sounds like something anyone could do at the drop of a hat, it is not that easy. The truth is that most people usually take two to three weeks to settle into their new routine. 
Furthermore, since each person has a different weight loss objective and a starting weight, they must follow a personalized training and diet program for optimal results. You must embrace a long-term lifestyle that supports weight management and promotes overall vitality.
How Much Weight Should You Expect To Lose?
Most people quit their weight loss journey before achieving their objective as they are unsatisfied with their progress. However, this could be prevented if they were taught what to expect. 
Setting big hairy audacious goals might give you an initial kick. It will, however, make you feel overwhelmed soon enough and increase your odds of cutting short your transformation journey due to subpar results.
Your physique transformation goal should be SMART:

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Relevant
T: Time-Bound

For example, “lose 50 pounds” does not meet the ‘SMART’ criteria. Instead, your weight goal could be along the lines of “shed 16 pounds in two months.”
Now, let’s get to how much weight you can expect to lose safely. As per the JAMA, you must burn 3,500 calories weekly to lose a pound of body fat. Breaking this into a daily target gets you to cut 500 calories from your diet. [1]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cutting your daily caloric intake by 500-1,000 calories can result in a weekly weight loss of 1-2 pounds. Sticking to this caloric restriction range will keep your physique transformation journey gradual, steady, and sustainable. [2]
You must adjust your caloric intake depending on your experience level to get the best results. Although the CDC green lights cutting 500-1,000 daily calories from your diet, you don’t necessarily have to do it. Beginners should start with a more conservative objective. For example, a newbie should aim to maintain a 200-300 calorie deficit in the initial phase of her weight loss journey until she adjusts to her new lifestyle. Conversely, more experienced individuals can flirt with the 1,000-calorie shortfall. 
Reasons Fat Loss Can Be Difficult For Women
Most of the literature on the internet about weight loss is geared towards men. This, however, can be a bottleneck for women trying to get rid of the spare tire. It’s no secret that men and women are built differently. What works for men for weight loss might not necessarily work for the ladies. Here are a few factors that can make fat loss more difficult for women:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Girls experience monthly hormonal fluctuations because of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, there are major hormonal shifts during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes can impact your metabolism, appetite, energy levels, and fat storage patterns, making fat loss more challenging. 
Some ladies might also fall off track during menstruation, which is perfectly fine. Although losing weight requires strict adherence to your diet and training, you must listen to your body and step off the gas when necessary. 
Furthermore, you must not feel guilty for missing a training session or eating your favorite pizza during your menstrual cycle. Negative feelings and emotions can make you feel overwhelmed, which is never good for a physique transformation. 

Higher Body Fat Percentage
Women usually have a higher body fat percentage than men. It is primarily because of the differences in the hormonal structure. The ladies store more fat in their hips, thighs, and breasts, which can be more resistant to fat loss.
Until you are a professional bodybuilder, you shouldn’t be too fixated on your body fat percentage. Instead, you should aim to achieve a healthy body fat percentage according to your height, weight, and age. 
Not sure what your ideal body fat percentage should be? Use our convenient online body fat percentage calculator to find out.
Lower Lean Muscle Tissue
Men generally have more lean muscle tissue mass than the ladies. For the uninitiated, muscle tissue is metabolically more active than fat tissue, meaning it burns more calories than fat. According to research, 1 pound of muscle burns seven to 10 calories daily, whereas 1 pound of fat burns only 2 to 3 calories. Since a pound of muscle burns at least two times more calories than the same amount of fat, men are at an advantage since they burn more calories throughout the day, even at rest. [3]
Furthermore, this also results in a slower metabolic rate in women. Hence, the ladies must work harder and smarter to make up the difference through exercise and a well-balanced diet.
Work and Family Responsibilities Hinder Exercise Regimens
Besides equal responsibility and workload in the office, women generally play a more prominent role in the household. Managing their professional and family obligations can leave no time to work out for most women.  
If you are too busy to hit the gym, you must find an effective home workout program to help you shed the extra kilos. Adding more deliberate activity throughout the day is an excellent way to burn extra calories. 
Check Out: At-Home Workouts And Exercises
Too Many Myths
“Don’t lift,” “Don’t eat too much protein,” and “Avoid supplements” are a few of the bad advice that is consistently thrown at women. Notably, most of this ill advice comes from insecure men that do not want women to outlift them or broscientists that cannot back themselves with scientific evidence. 
Whenever someone tells you something that doesn’t sound correct, it probably isn’t. Also, you should develop the habit of crosschecking everything someone tells you about health and fitness. It will save you a lot of trouble in the long term.

Emotional Eating
Emotional triggers such as stress, sadness, or anxiety are often associated with binge eating. Many women turn to junk food as a coping mechanism, seeking comfort and relief. However, this can put their weight loss progress on a downward trajectory. 
Emotional eating can build a negative relationship with food, leading to eating disorders and other chronic health conditions. Furthermore, binge eating often results in a caloric surplus that can sabotage weight loss goals. 
You must follow a nutrient-dense, balanced whole-food diet to lose excess weight. Getting most of your calories through junk food can lead to macro and micronutrient deficiencies that can hamper your overall health, energy levels, and metabolism and make the weight loss progress more complex. 
It doesn’t end here. Frequent emotional eating can disrupt your natural hunger and fullness cues, and you can expect a disruption in your daily eating pattern. Binge eating can frequently make you feel hungry at odd times throughout the day, increasing your chances of overeating. Snacking late at night causes you to store most of that food in the form of visceral fat. 
Although weight loss might be a little more complex for women than their counterparts, it isn’t impossible. The ladies might have to work a little harder than their male counterparts to achieve the same results. 
Problems With Fat Loss Workout Plans For Females
Knowing the most common weight loss workout problems for women will help you avoid these pitfalls and put you on a fast track to achieving your dream figure.
Lack of Personalization 
As mentioned earlier in this article, most ladies make the mistake of following a generic workout program. Ladies that start on the wrong foot will have subpar results and will have to refocus their energies down the line, which will cost them much more time and effort. 
No two people are the same. They will react to different exercises uniquely. Furthermore, a fat loss program might help an individual lose belly fat, but if your primary objective is to fix your bat wings, you will face disappointment in the end. 
You must follow a personalized training program that caters to your unique needs. It should also consider your experience level. Punching above your weight class will limit your performance and significantly increase your risk of injury while training. 
Remember, there is more than one way to skin the cat. Contrary to what most people think, you don’t have to die on the treadmill to lose weight. The main objective is to lose weight by entering a calorie deficit, which can be achieved while engaging in your favorite physical activities like swimming, dancing, biking, or lawn mowing. You do you. 
Check out: Calories Burning Calculators
Too Much Cardio and Avoiding Weight Training

It is not a coincidence that the cardio section in gyms around the world is flooded by women. It is the result of years of misinformation. Women have been made to believe that lifting weights can make them look manly. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Women do not produce enough testosterone naturally to build the same muscle mass and definition as their male counterparts. On the flip side, lifting weights can help women build a toned and perfectly carved figure. 
Overemphasizing long-duration steady-state cardio can result in a loss of muscle mass, which can be counterproductive in women, especially those with a normal BMI. Doing too much cardio will make you skinny. However, it is the hourglass figure that most ladies are chasing. 
Overlooking Progressive Overload
Resistance training should be a part of your exercise routine, as building muscle mass can improve your calorie-burning rate. However, sticking to the same training regimen for an extended period can lead to a muscle and strength plateau. 
You must progressively overload your muscles to ensure you make consistent progress. Progressive overload can be achieved by increasing the frequency, volume, intensity, duration, or poundage of your workouts. You could also incorporate advanced training principles like super sets, drop sets, and intraset stretching into your training regime to challenge yourself. 
Using HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts is another effective way of moving toward your training objective. Ensure you incorporate suitable progressive overload techniques for fat loss into your training regimen as per your experience level. 
Following a Boring Routine
Getting bored of your exercise regimen is one of the fastest ways of dumping your weight loss goal and the fitness lifestyle and returning to your old ways. You must keep things interesting by adding new variables. 
For example, if you started your fitness routine by running outdoors five days a week, you could switch two of those days into a strength training session. Once you master some of the exercises, add more complex movements like the snatch and clean and jerk into your regimen. 
After you get decent at weight lifting, add a gymnastics day to your workout program. Remember, monogamy is best limited to intimate relationships. Incorporating diverse exercises, training methods, and workout formats into your exercise regime will enhance your skill set without making you feel overwhelmed. Furthermore, you could sign up for competitions like a half marathon in your city to challenge yourself. 
You Must Rest
In contrast to what pop culture has been feeding us, rest is not for the weak. Even the strongest of the strong ensure they get a good night’s sleep each day. Rest is when your body recovers and rebuilds. Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to give your body enough time to rest and recover. 
Additionally, advanced lifters that follow an intense training regimen should take two to three rest days a week to allow their muscles to recover from the brutality they put them through. So, sit back, grab your protein shake, and relax. You don’t have to kill it every day in the gym to lose weight and achieve your dream figure.

Back It Up
No, we aren’t going Prince Royce on you. 
You must back up your workout routine with a solid diet and recovery program. You break down muscle during your workouts. They grow back bigger and stronger outside the gym. Determine your daily caloric objective and use an appropriate macronutrient split to ensure optimal recovery. 
Furthermore, you must keep your stress levels under check as they can wreak havoc on your weight loss journey. Too much stress can increase cortisol production in your body, which can make your body hold onto excess body fat. Addressing lifestyle factors holistically alongside exercise is crucial for comprehensive and sustainable fat loss.
Hire a Trainer and a Nutritionist
Most people try to do everything on their own. Not only does it return poor results, but it also significantly increases their risk of injury. Hiring a trainer will ensure that you are following a personalized training program that caters to your unique needs. A trainer will also teach you the correct exercise form, helping you get the best bang for your buck while reducing the odds of injury. 
Getting your trainer and nutritionist to work together will do wonders for your weight loss journey. It will help you enter a calorie deficit while adhering to your lifestyle, which will help you stick to your fitness routine. Seeking a professional’s help might cost you a little money upfront, but it will pay dividends in the long run. 
Factors To Consider While Designing a Flat Loss Workout Plan For Females
If the process is correct, your chances of success increase by manifold. Here are the factors to keep in mind while creating a fat-loss workout plan for females to increase effectiveness and suitability:
Individual Goals and Fitness Level
We cannot stress this enough. So many ladies leave so much on the table by sticking to a vanilla training program. You must choose a fat loss workout program as per your experience level, current physique, and objectives. 
Furthermore, you must break down your objective into smaller goals. Small wins every week will keep you motivated and moving in the right direction. As you progress through your training program, you will gain experience, skills, strength, and endurance. You must readjust your training program every few weeks to ensure you constantly challenge yourself. 
Tracking your progress will keep you accountable. Maintaining a training and diet journal and taking body measurements and pictures weekly will keep you focused on your transformation journey. Share your training objectives with your friends, family, and trainer for better accountability. Telling your loved ones about your fitness goals will also make you push harder toward your goals. It might also motivate your near and dear ones to join you on your transformation journey.

Metabolic Rate and Hormonal Influences
Women generally have a lower metabolic rate than men. Hence, a fat loss workout plan for females must include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and strength training to speed up their metabolism and, ultimately, their fat loss progress.
Women’s training programs should also account for their hormonal fluctuations. You cannot expect a girl to crush a workout on a heavy-flow day. Hormonal changes caused by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect performance, energy levels, and recovery.
You should also be open to modifying and adjusting your training program on the fly to account for your menstrual cycles. Although online fitness influencers might tell you to push through the pain and leave it all on the gym floor, it is not always worth it. Listen to your body and retreat when your body is telling you to.
Also, feel free to switch your strength training sessions with lighter physical activity, like going for a 20-30 minute walk during menstruation, if you can handle it.
Training Frequency
Your training frequency will depend on your schedule, availability, and fitness level. Beginners should start their training journey with three to four weekly training sessions. They can up the ante as they gain more experience and do six workouts weekly. 
Interestingly, as a lifter gets more experienced, they usually lower their training frequency as they can get much more work done in a single workout. An advanced lifter can need two to three recovery days to allow their muscles enough time to recover between workouts. 
Also, feel free to cut back on your training frequency if you feel too beat up after a workout. You must be nimble with your training regimen and modify it according to how you feel. However, you must not use this as an excuse to skip workouts. Following a balanced training regime is like walking a tightrope. Do too much too soon, and you risk losing your balance and falling off. Conversely, analysis paralysis leads to no progress. 
Workout Intensity and Volume
You must program your training intensity and volume as per your experience level. Initially, you should focus on compound movements and learn the correct exercise form. 
Feel free to step on the gas and ramp up your workout intensity and volume as you gain more experience. That said, you should aim for consistency and a balance between challenging workouts and adequate recovery for optimal fat loss progress. 
Use HIIT workouts and advanced training principles to spike your training intensity and volume. However, ensure you are not sacrificing your exercise form to do more, as it can increase your risk of injury. 
Remember, you don’t always have to do more to lose weight. Going all out in each workout can lead to overtraining, which can result in a weight loss plateau. Pull back your training intensity and volume if you feel sore and need more time to recover. 
Also, since you must cut your calories to lose weight, you shouldn’t increase your training volume and intensity significantly simultaneously, as it can put your body under major stress. Use linear progression in everything you do in your weight loss journey.

Exercise Selection
Each exercise requires a different technique. You must always design your workout program considering the exercises you can do with the perfect form.
If you are a beginner, you should first focus on spending a few weeks learning the correct training technique before starting a workout program. Learning exercise techniques during a workout can hamper your training intensity.
Beginners should always start with compound exercises as they help work multiple muscle groups and can improve your mind-muscle connection and build a solid foundation. Multi-joint lifts are also more effective at burning body fat than single-joint exercises.
Nonetheless, a balanced training regimen should include a balance of compound and isolation exercises for muscular training and an adequate amount of cardiovascular training for optimal weight loss progress. Incorporate steady-state cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your training regimen to optimize fat burning.
Progression
Progressive overload is the name of the game in any workout program, whether you are trying to build muscle mass and strength or lose body weight. Following the same rep and set scheme or using the same weights for a prolonged period will lead to stagnation.
Sticking to the same routine also leads to boredom. An uninspiring training regimen is one of the most common reasons why most people quit their training regimen before achieving their goals.
Your workout program should include a variety of exercises, training methods, and workout formats to keep things interesting. Aim at using slightly heavier loads or doing more reps, sets, or exercises in each workout to challenge your muscles constantly.
Flexibility, Mobility, and Adaptability
Flexibility and mobility are often overlooked in weight loss and strength training regimens. Working on your mobility can improve your overall functionality and your performance in daily activity. On the flip side, neglecting it can increase the risk of injury.
You could work on your mobility by incorporating static and dynamic mobility exercises in your warm-up and cool-down routines. A 10-minute warm-up can prepare you for your workout and help improve your range of motion, whereas a 10-minute cool-down improves your blood flow and kickstarts your recovery process. Yoga is a great way to work on your flexibility and mobility and reduce your stress levels.
Besides physical flexibility, you should also program flexibility into your training regimen. You should be able to adapt your workout routine according to different settings, such as home workouts, gym sessions, or outdoor activities. Being on the road should never be an excuse to skip a training session.
Recovery
Recovery isn’t limited to a rest day. It is much more than that. Recovery also involves the rest duration between sets, the days you must wait before training the same muscle group again, nutrition, and supplementation.
You must check all the boxes to make the necessary progress in your fat loss journey. Recovery is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall progress. Plus, you must avoid overtraining, as it can lead you to a plateau, increase your risk of injury, and hamper your overall health and well-being. You should consult a healthcare professional if you sense lackluster recovery even after giving your ample time off training.
Debunking Common Myths About Female Fat Loss

Here are some of the undying myths about female fat loss:
You Can Spot-Reduce Belly Fat
Most people have some trouble areas. Some gain excess fat in their bellies, whereas others gain underarm fat, known as bat wings. While some fitness influencers are big on selling herbal teas, tummy-cut gels, and sauna belts, you must know that spot-reducing fat from a specific body part isn’t possible. 
That said, you can target specific muscle groups to improve their aesthetics. For example, after you have shed the excess belly fat by maintaining a calorie deficit, you can build a carved six-pack by performing your favorite ab exercises. 
Lifting Weights Will Make A Girl Look Manly
Women do not naturally produce enough testosterone to build the same muscle mass as men. On the contrary, lifting weights can help women build toned and shapely figures. Plus, it will make them stronger, which will improve their performance in daily tasks. 
Cardio is the Best Way To Lose Fat For Women
Weight loss ultimately depends on calories in vs. calories out. As they say, you cannot out-train a bad diet. You must maintain a calorie deficit to lose weight. Exercise can help expedite your weight loss progress by helping you burn more calories, but it isn’t necessary. You can also burn the same amount of calories in a strength training workout as cardio. 
Check Out: Calories Burned Weight Lifting & Bodyweight Exercise Calculator
You Must Skip Meals To Lose Body Fat
Many ladies skip meals in hopes of losing weight. Missing meals or severely restricting calories is not a sustainable or healthy approach to fat loss. It can lead you to develop a negative relationship with food, which could result in eating disorders. Contrary to what most people believe, you can maintain a calorie deficit by eating small 4-5 meals spread out evenly throughout the day. Eating small and regular meals will prevent nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, slowed metabolism, and negative effects on overall well-being that are caused by missing meals. 
Next Read: 26 Exercises For Flabby Arms and Bat Wings (Workouts and Diet Tips Included)
The 2 Best Fat Loss Workout Plans For Females
Given below are two high-intensity workout programs to help you lose weight. The first training routine focuses on strength training exercises, whereas the other mainly includes bodyweight cardio exercises that can be done at your home. 
You could alternate between the two workout regimens every week or stick to one training routine for 12 weeks before moving on to the next. 
HIIT Strength Training Fat Loss Workout Plan For Females

Use an appropriate weight for each exercise that allows you to perform the recommended reps with a picture-perfect form. As you gain more experience, you can make these workouts more challenging by using advanced training techniques, such as drop sets and super sets. 
Day 1: Full Body Workout

S. No. 
Exercise
Set
Reps
Rest

1
Air Squat
3
15-20
30-sec

2
Barbell Bench Press
3
15-20
30-sec

3
Lat Pulldown
3
15-20
30-sec

4
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
3
15-20
30-sec

5
Biceps Curl
3
15-20
30-sec

6
Crunch
3
15-20
30-sec

7
HIIT Cardio
1
15 minute

Day 2: Upper Body and Core

S. No. 
Exercise
Set
Reps
Rest

1
Push-Up With Knee Tuck
3
15-20
30-sec

2
Dumbbell Bench Press
3
15-20
30-sec

3
Lat Pulldown
3
15-20
30-sec

4
Arnold Press
3
15-20
30-sec

5
Dumbbell Biceps Curl
3
15-20
30-sec

6
EZ Skull Crusher
3
15-20
30-sec

7
Plank
3
30-60 secs
30-sec

8
High Knee
3
60 secs
30-sec

9
HIIT Cardio
1
15 minute
30-sec

Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Lower Body and Cardio

S. No. 
Exercise
Set
Reps
Rest

1
Barbell Back Squat
3
15-20
30-sec

2
Walking Lunge
3
15-20
30-sec

3
Leg Extension
3
15-20
30-sec

4
Leg Curl
3
15-20
30-sec

5
Romanian Deadlift
3
15-20
30-sec

6
HIIT Cardio
1
15 minute

Day 5: Full Body

S. No. 
Exercise
Set
Reps
Rest

1
Jump Squat
3
15-20
30-sec

2
Machine Cable Fly
3
15-20
30-sec

3
Seated Cable Row
3
15-20
30-sec

4
Side Lateral Raise
3
15-20
30-sec

5
Dumbbell Hammer Curl
3
15-20
30-sec

6
Cable Rope Crunch
3
15-20
30-sec

7
HIIT Cardio
1
15 minute

Day 6: Cardio
On this day, you must perform two cardio workouts. The first will be a 30-45 minute low-intensity steady state (LISS) workout that must be done first thing in the morning fasted, and the second cardio workout will be a 15-minute HIIT session in the evening. 

LISS Cardio: 30-45 minutes (Morning)
HIIT Cardio: 15 minutes (Evening)

You can use your favorite cardio equipment for the cardio workouts. We recommend switching your cardio routine weekly to make your workouts more enjoyable. If you hit the treadmill in the first week, consider going for a hike in the second week. 
Day 7: Rest
Feel free to scale these workouts according to your experience levels. Beginners can reduce the number of sets and reps they perform for each exercise, whereas advanced athletes should aim to complete the workout as prescribed. 
HIIT Cardio Fat Loss Workout Plan For Females

These cardio HIIT workouts require you to push the intensity as hard as possible. Stick to the recommended rep and rest time for optimal results. 
Also, you should not become a couch potato during your rest days on either of these fat-loss workout plans. Go for a 20-30 minute walk, or use your favorite cardio machine. Active recovery days help speed up your recovery process and prepare you for your next workouts. 
Day 1
This HIIT circuit includes seven exercises, and you must complete two rounds. Perform each exercise for 60 seconds. You are allowed a 30-sec rest after completing each movement. Rest for two minutes after completing the first round. You must complete this HIIT cardio circuit within 22 minutes. 

S. No. 
Exercise
Time
Rest

1
Burpee
60-sec
30-sec

2
High Knees
60-sec
30-sec

3
Plank Jack
60-sec
30-sec

4
Air Squat
60-sec
30-sec

5
Mountain Climber
60-sec
30-sec

6
Rope Jump
60-sec
30-sec

7
Push-Up
60-sec
120-sec

Day 2
This is a killer 10-minute HIIT workout for folks on a tight schedule. Go all-out in this workout and leave nothing in the tank. The day two workout involves 60 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest. Put the pedal to the metal in this one!

S. No. 
Exercise
Time
Rest

1
Bear Crawl
60-sec
10-sec

2
Box Jump
60-sec
10-sec

3
Push-Up
60-sec
10-sec

4
Mountain Climber
60-sec
10-sec

5
Jump Squat
60-sec
10-sec

6
Ball Slam
60-sec
10-sec

7
Bicycle Crunch
60-sec

Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Tabata
Tabata consists of eight rounds of 20 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest, for a total of four minutes. This workout will take you 26 minutes to complete. Remember, Tabata circuits should be an all-out effort. 

S. No. 
Exercise
Time
Rest

1
High Knee
20-sec
10-sec

2
Rest
60 seconds

3
Jumping Lunge
20-sec
10-sec

4
Rest
60 seconds

5
Lying Leg Raise
20-sec
10-sec

Day 5: EMOM
Every minute on the minute (EMOM) is a HIIT workout that will get your heart racing. EMOM workouts involve one-minute exercise sets with built-in rest. You must complete the exercise as quickly as possible without compromising your form and use the remainder of the minute to rest. 
Do two rounds of the following workout:

Minute 
Exercise
Reps

1
Push-Up
10

2
Squat
10

3
Crunch
15

4
Jumping Jack
20

5
Diamond Push-Up
10

6
Jumping Lunge
16

7
Burpee
10

8
Box Jump
10

9
Lying Leg Raise
20

10
Russian Twist
20

Day 6: AMRAP
As many reps as possible, popularly known as AMRAP, is one of the most brutal forms of HIIT workouts. You are racing against yourself in an AMRAP workout. Push your workout intensity to perform as many reps as possible in a given period. Then, you must try to beat your previous record when you do this workout the next time. 
There is no designated rest time in an AMRAP workout. You do as much work as possible in a single go and then take a breather. Most exercisers limit their rest to the time taken to transition between exercises.
Do as many rounds as possible in 12 minutes:

S. No. 
Exercise
Reps

1
Burpee
10

2
Jump Squat
15

3
Crunch
20

4
Push-Up
15

5
Hanging Leg Raise
10

6
Jump Rope
10

7
V-Up
10

Day 7: Rest
The Role of Diet
Simply put, there is no way that you can achieve your dream figure without controlling what you put in your body. You must be mindful of your diet and ensure you are maintaining a calorie deficit. 

How to maintain a calorie deficit?
There are two main ways to ensure you are in a calorie deficit. First, you could use an online today daily energy expenditure (TDEE) calculator to estimate how many calories you should consume each day to reach your body transformation goal.  
You could also track your daily calorie intake using a calorie-tracking app like MyFitnessPal. Log your food intake in the app for five days; that will be your average daily calorie intake. As per the CDC guidelines, deduct 500-1,000 calories from your daily intake to shed 1-2 pounds weekly. 
It doesn’t end here. You must divide your new average calorie intake into a suitable macronutrient goal to lose body fat and build muscle mass. 
These are the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR) for weight loss:

Carbs: 45–65% of your daily calories 
Fats: 20–35% of daily calories
Protein: 10–35% of daily calories

Each individual will react uniquely to different macronutrient splits. Try variations of different macronutrient ranges and figure out which one works best for you. 
Furthermore, you should get your calories from nutrient-dense whole foods. You must avoid empty calories like sugar-laden carbonated drinks or alcohol, as they will be stored in your body as visceral fat. 
Tracking and Realigning Your Weight Loss Progress
You must be proactive throughout your weight loss journey to achieve your desired results. Slacking on any front can lead to subpar results. You must track your physique changes weekly from the day you start your transformation journey. Here are some ways to track your progress every week:

Take your body measurements (shoulder width, chest, biceps, thighs, hips, arms, etc.)
Weigh yourself
Check your body fat percentage
Click photos from different angles
Maintain a workout journal where you note down your exercises, reps, sets, and weights used
Maintain a record of your 1RM on different exercises

Keeping track of all these parameters helps you analyze if you are on the correct path. Furthermore, tracking your progress allows you to make quick adjustments when you realize you have drifted off your transformation journey. 
However, you must give the fat loss workout plan for females at least 8-12 weeks to work its magic. Changing your training program too often can lead to ineffectiveness. If you don’t see any favorable changes in this period, you should be quick to make the necessary changes to your workout program. 
How Long Should a Weight Loss Program Last?
A weight loss program involves maintaining a calorie deficit. You should stay in a calorie deficit for 12-16 weeks at a time. This duration should be enough to help you budge the needle in the right direction. 
That said, sticking to a calorie deficit for too long can lead to a plateau. After the 16-week period, you should switch to a maintenance phase and give your body some time off. You can then begin the next phase of your weight loss journey by entering a new calorie deficit. 
Supplements To Help Females With Weight Loss

Although supplements are not necessary to lose weight, they can help you fill the voids in your whole food diet and charge you up for your training regimen. Here are the supplements that can help you with your weight loss program:

Whey Protein: Protein supplements improve satiety and help preserve muscle mass. They will keep you from feasting on junk food. 
Caffeine: It is an effective stimulant that increases energy levels and metabolism. Further, it can suppress appetite and help you get the most out of your workouts. 
CLA: It is a type of fatty acid that has been suggested to support fat loss by increasing fat metabolism and reducing fat storage. 
Fiber Supplements: These can help promote feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and support healthy digestion. 
Fat Burners: These supplements increase your metabolic rate and can help you burn calories throughout the day. 

Safety Precautions and Listening to Your Body
These are a few safety precautions to help you with your weight loss journey:
Listen To Your Body’s Cues and Adjust Your Workout Plan Accordingly
Even after you design a personalized training program, there is no guarantee that you will get the desired results. You will learn a lot about your body after starting your weight loss journey. You must always be on the lookout for signs and signals that can make your transformation journey smooth and seamless. 
Check For Signs of Overtraining or Potential Injuries
Many people push themselves too hard during a weight loss program, which can lead to overtraining. Not making necessary adjustments to your training plan can increase your risk of injuries. 
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Each individual needs personal assessment and guidance before starting a transformation journey to improve their probability of success. A healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and limitations. They can also evaluate potential risks and help you understand any precautions you must take.
FAQs
Can women use the same workout plans and exercises as men for weight loss?
Yes. All exercises work the same for all genders. That said, since women have a lower natural metabolic rate than men, they should use a high-intensity workout program to optimize their fat loss. HIIT circuit training works best for women trying to get rid of the spare tire. 
Do I need to take supplements to help with weight loss?
No. You can achieve your dream figure by switching to a healthy and balanced diet and effective training regimen. However, most people cannot meet their daily nutrient goals through whole foods. In this case, supplements can help you fill the voids. 
Can I lose weight without working out?
Absolutely! You can lose weight without starting an exercise program. Entering a caloric deficit should be your primary goal for shedding weight. According to the CDC, you can lose 1-2 pounds weekly by cutting 500-1,000 calories a week. Although not mandatory, working out can help burn more daily calories, which can speed up your weight loss progress. 
Note: The content on Fitness Volt is for informative purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice to diagnose, prevent, or treat health problems. If you’re suffering from a health issue, are pregnant, or are under 18 years old, you should consult your physician before starting any new supplement, nutrition, or fitness routine.0
Wrapping Up
Congratulations on getting this far and taking the first step towards a stronger, healthier, and more confident you. Since you have read this article till the end, rest assured that you are equipped with all the necessary knowledge to transform your figure. 
Use the two high-intensity training regimens explained in this article to kickstart your transformation journey. Remember, a fat loss workout plan for females requires you to embrace a balanced and personalized strength training program, follow a suitable diet and recovery program, stay in tune with your body, and stay consistent and patient. So, what are you waiting for? Lace-up your shoes and get to work. Best of luck!
References

Wishnofsky M. CALCULATION OF DIETS. JAMA. 1957;163(5):384–385. doi:10.1001/jama.1957.02970400056024
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Losing Weight. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html
Cava E, Yeat NC, Mittendorfer B. Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. Adv Nutr. 2017 May 15;8(3):511-519. doi: 10.3945/an.116.014506. PMID: 28507015; PMCID: PMC5421125.

Female Muscle Growth: Unleash Your True Potential

Female Muscle Growth: Unleash Your True Potential

Traditionally, muscle and women haven’t gone together. The overriding view has been that muscle will make a woman look manly, less athletic, and less feminine. Thankfully, we are entering into a more enlightened age. Millions of ladies around the world have discovered the truth about what eating and exercising to add muscle to their physique can do for them. Building muscle can help women:

Improve their figure
Eliminate body fat
Improve aesthetics
Boost strength, self-confidence, and inner conviction

As a personal trainer, I’ve spent 35+ years introducing women to the benefits of muscle training and working with them to get serious about weight training and nutrition to create a toned, athletic, muscular body. 
In this article, I lay out a complete beginner’s guide to female muscle growth. 
Taking Stock

When you start on a journey, you need a roadmap. It’s the same thing with building muscle. That roadmap begins with an assessment of where you are starting from. To find that out, you need to take some vital statistics.
Take the following body measurements:

To do this, you’ll need a smart scale. You can pick up a good one for around $80. These scales pair to a phone app to provide you with important data, including your lean body mass and body fat percentage.
To take your body measurements, you will need a tape measure.
Measure the following body parts:

Upper arm (flexed)
Chest
Stomach (around the belly button)
Hips
Mid Thigh

Take these body measurements once every week to assess your progress. Be aware, though, that you will be reshaping your body by both losing fat and adding muscle. Because muscle is heavier than fat, you may not lose as much weight on the scale as expected. The key parameters to focus on are your body fat percentage and lean body mass. 
How Should Women Train?
The idea that women are delicate beings persists. As the saying goes, they are the weaker sex – the rose to the man’s thorn. Men are meant to be the strong ones. It may be sexist and stereotypical, but it’s still stuck in our collective mindset.
That’s why you can still walk into any gym and see the racks of heavy iron on one side, all dark and imposing – and then the tiny, cute pink dumbbells on the other. That’s the women’s side. Well, it’s time to blast the notion that men and women, with the same goal, need to train differently out of the water once and for all.

Muscle is Muscle
Women do not need to train differently than men to build muscle. Until one of us – men or women – starts restructuring our cell’s molecular composition or growing new types of muscle fiber, we all need to train in the same manner. You see, whether a muscle belongs to a man or a woman, it will react to stress in the same way. It will need the same type of stimulus to grow, the same form of fuel to repair itself, and an identical amount of rest to recuperate. So, fundamentally men and women should train the same.
Differing Goals 
Weights are a tool. What we want to achieve from the tool will dictate how we use it. Some female weight trainers desire muscular size and strength gains, while others are after a toned, shapely look. Those goals require different workout plans.
For size and strength, you’ll train super heavy with lots of sets to failure and relatively low reps. Those more intent on defining and shaping the muscle should perform sets in the 8-30 rep range and include isolation exercises. Notice, though, that it is the goal and not the gender that determines the nature of the weight training. After all, there are many women out there who do desire larger, stronger muscles. These women will train just like men to achieve their goals. 
Meet Your Muscles
The first step toward adding lean muscle mass to your body is to become aware of the different muscles that make up your amazing body.

Here’s an overview:
Shoulders
The shoulders consist of three muscles — the front, side, and rear deltoids. The shoulders pull the humerus (upper arm bone) out to the side (middle delt), out to the front (front delt), and behind the body (rear delt).  Here are shoulder workouts for designed for women.
Chest
There are two parts to your chest muscles — the pectoralis major and minor. The pec major sits on top of the pec minor. The main job of the chest is to push your arms away from your body and towards its center line.
Trapezius
The trapezius, or traps, is a kite-shaped muscle that covers the area from your neck to the mid-spine. It allows the scapular bones to move up and down and in and out. 
Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi (or lats) is a large muscle that originates at the ribs and inserts at the top of the humerus. Well-developed lats give a pleasing ‘V’ shape to the torso. 
Erector Spinae
The erector spinae are the muscles at the base of the spine. They run all the way from the pelvis up to the neck. Its main job is to extend or pull back the spine. 
Biceps
The biceps are a two-headed muscle. Their main function is to flex the elbow, bringing the wrist up towards the shoulder. They also assist in wrist supination. Here are three arm workouts specifically designed for women.
Triceps
The triceps, at the back of your upper arm, is a three-headed muscle group. All three heads originate at the shoulder joint and insert on the elbow. The job of the triceps is to straighten the arm through elbow flexion. It is the antagonist (opposite) muscle to the biceps. 
Abdominals
The abdominals are a flat muscle band covering the lower front torso. These muscles allow for flexion of the torso, bringing the chest toward the knees.
Quadriceps
The quadriceps comprises four heads, which run from the hip/pelvis to the knee. These muscles combine to perform flexion and extension of the knee, as well as lateral and medial rotation.
Calves
Two muscles make up the calves — the gastrocnemius, which flexes the ankle, and the soleus, which assists in that ankle flexion. 
Glutes
There are three parts to your glute (butt) muscles — the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. These muscles combine to allow for hip extension, abduction, and rotation. Additionally, here are three glute workouts specifically tailored for women.
Hamstrings
The hamstrings are sometimes known as the leg biceps. That’s because they do the same job as the biceps, which is to flex and extend the limb’s joint — in this case, the knee. It is the antagonistic muscle group to the quadriceps. 
How to Get More Out of Your Muscle Growth Workouts
Building muscle is hard work, and it’s even harder for women than it is for men. That’s because they have less testosterone coursing through their veins. If you want to be successful, you need to be totally locked in when you are on the gym floor. Here are five training tips to help you optimize your workouts:
1. Get Rid of Distractions

When you are in the gym, you need to be in the moment with what you are doing. Every distraction needs to be eliminated so that you can focus like a laser beam on the movement that your body is undergoing.
That means the gym is not a place for your smartphone, social chit-chat, or daydreaming about what you’ll do on the weekend. Leave that to the wannabes who will be spinning their wheels for the next five years.
You also have to turn off the negative voice inside your head that is constantly telling you that you can’t do what you intend to do. We all have that voice. It’s the ones of us who can quash it who are the ones who make real gains. When you can override the voice that tells you to bail out of a set because you could be late for the next appointment or overtrain, you can push your set to the required limit.
 2. Two Key Body Position Changes
The positioning of your elbows and your sternum is something that most weight trainers don’t really think about. However, they are vital to optimal performance. Rather than starting a lift with rounded shoulders, think about pulling your shoulders back and extending the chest. You can do this by pulling the shoulder blades back and together while also lifting the sternum.
When you are performing any pulling type of resistance exercise, don’t think about pulling with your hands. Rather focus on pulling from the elbows so as to bring them back and behind your torso. Consider your hands and forearms simply to be the hooks that connect your elbows to the resistance.
4. Put Yourself on the Clock
You’ll recall that earlier I stated that the gym floor is no place for your smartphone. The exemption to that rule is that you can utilize the stopwatch function on your phone to increase the intensity of your training. Of course, you can only do this if you have the discipline not to use any of the social media features of your phone while you’re training. If you can’t, go out and buy a simple stopwatch!
The first thing you can do with your stopwatch is to limit your rest between sets. This could be 30, 60, or 90 seconds, according to your training goals, but the key is to keep it consistent.
You can also use your stopwatch on finishing exercises in order to get the most out of your body-part training. For example, let’s say that you’ve come to the end of your shoulder workout.
Set your stopwatch for 60 seconds and then grab a relatively light pair of dumbbells and hold them out at a 45-degree angle from your body as the stopwatch counts down for 60 seconds. As soon as your time is up, start pressing the weights overhead. Your goal is to get to 50 reps, but you won’t get there. Let’s say you get to 29 reps and then can’t do another one. Now you have to immediately go back to that static hold but this time for 30 seconds. Once that is done, continue your pressing reps. If you get right through to 50 reps, then you are done. But if you fail before 50, you have to do another 30 seconds hold before continuing.
This is a great finisher that can be adapted to any body part.

4. Minimize Energy Links
Many lifters are losing out on a lot of their strength potential by inadvertently causing energy leaks. Often these occur through the core area. In effect, they steal away from the upward-lifting power you exert by using it for horizontal bracing.
You can easily overcome this problem by bracing or tightening your core on every repetition that you perform. You can do this by pulling your lats down while tightening your abs and squeezing your pectoral muscles.
Another important cue that will allow you to stop energy leaks is to forcefully squeeze your glutes at the top of a rep. This will ensure maximum stability.
5. Descending Sets
Descending sets are a great way to extend a set to eke out the last bit of possible movement from the target muscle. It involves performing a set number of reps with a given weight, then dropping the weight slightly, and going for the same number again. Repeat this process for four or five drops until you are working with half of your original weight (though it will feel like twice as much).
As an example, consider the standing overhead shoulder press. Stand in front of a dumbbell rack and grab a pair that will allow you to get a good six reps. Perform your set and then
re-rack the weight. Immediately pick up the next pair and rep out another six reps. Keep going down the rack for another three drops without any rest. Your delts will be on fire, and your gains will be guaranteed.
What Really Happens When You Work Out?
You’re at war with the weight when you’re in the gym. You imagine that the weight is mocking you, laughing at your inability to lift it. So, you throw yourself against it with maximum intensity. You leave nothing on the gym floor. When you walk out of there, your muscles are quivering and pumped to the max. 
And, yet, you haven’t built one ounce of muscle.
In fact, you’ve done just the opposite. Your intense training has broken your muscles. The immense challenge of lifting all that weight has caused minute tears in their
fiber. When you walk out of the gym, you are in a catabolic (muscle-depleting) state.
It’s what happens after the workout that determines whether or not you build any mass. That’s because growth happens during the recovery phase, not during the training phase.

The Importance of Recovery
Your workout has paved the way for muscle growth. What is needed now is muscle recovery, which involves re-feeding, resting, and recuperating. By doing these things, you can
repair the microfiber damage that has been done to the muscle fiber. If you provide it with the correct nutrients and sufficient recovery time, your muscle will grow bigger and stronger. 
If you don’t recover sufficiently, however, the opposite will happen. Rather than getting bigger and stronger, your muscles will get smaller and weaker. That’s because you won’t be giving it
the opportunity to repair the damage you’ve inflicted upon it during your workout.
Here are four tips to help you to optimize your workout recovery:
Know When to Stop
We’ve all heard the phrase, “No pain, no gain,” right?
Well, many trainers lack the experience to understand the difference between beneficial muscle extension and contraction pain that engorges the muscle cell with blood and lactic acid and the pain that is actually harming their body.
As a result, they slip into an overtrained state, which dramatically impairs their recovery ability.
You don’t want to push your body to the limit in every single workout. Sure, there’s a place for taking your training to the limit, but there’s also a place for pushing just a little beyond your comfort zone.
Make it your goal to do a little bit more than you did last workout, not to destroy the muscle.
Take Stretching Seriously
Most people who work out don’t take stretching seriously. If they do it at all, it’s usually just a few seconds that mimics the exercises they’re about to do. Stretching, though, is an important part of the muscle-building and recovery equation.
A stretched muscle is a more flexible muscle. Stretching the muscle allows you to perform your exercises through a complete range of motion. However, stretching after your workout is even more important.
During your training, you have built up a great deal of muscular tension. Incorporating stretching as part of your cool-down routine will reduce this tension while lessening post-workout muscle soreness.

Improve the Quality and Quantity of Your Sleep
Sleep is an underrated part of recovery. Yet, it is the period when the vast majority of the muscle recovery process occurs.
When you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, your body can go to work to repair and rebuild muscle tissue that has been broken down during your workout. It can do this more effectively because it doesn’t have to carry out the myriad of other daytime functions it is called upon to perform.
During deep sleep, two vital muscle-building hormones are released at maximum levels. These two hormones – testosterone and growth hormone – will greatly boost the muscle repair process.
For the effects of sleep to provide maximum recovery benefits, you need to stick to a regular night-time schedule that gives you 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Take a slow-release casein protein supplement 30 minutes before bed to provide your muscles with the required nutrients for cell repair.
Stay Hydrated
Your entire body performs better when you drink water. You will be able to absorb nutrients more quickly and effectively, which will help you get crucial amino acids into the muscle cell more quickly.
Aim to drink half a gallon (around 2 liters) of water daily. 
Nutrition for Female Muscle Growth
What you eat is the most important factor for adding muscle to your body. Food provides the nutrients that fuel your muscle cells and the building blocks to create new muscles. All the training in the world will not bring results unless it is supported by sensible, quality nutrition. 
Macros

Food has three main, or macro, nutrients — protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
We measure the energy in foods in calories. There are four calories in one gram of protein and carbs and nine calories in one gram of fat. 
All three of the macros are needed by the body. When it comes to building muscle, however, the most important macro is protein. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Carbohydrates are also important as they provide the energy to fuel you through your workouts. 
We suggest the following macronutrient ratio:

50% carbs
30% protein
20% fat

Focus on lean protein sources:

In terms of carbohydrates, concentrate on green leafy vegetables, starches such as sweet potatoes and yams, rolled oats as well as fruits like bananas and apples.

Supplements for Female Muscle Growth
Working out places a lot of stress on the body. To meet those demands and undertake the needed bodily repair and recovery, you need more nutrients than sedentary people. Even when you are following a healthy, balanced diet, there are several nutrients you probably won’t get in sufficient quantity to meet your body’s needs. That’s where supplements come in. 
Here are seven proven muscle-building supplements that you should consider:
1. Beta-Alanine
During your workout, when insulin levels are high, beta-alanine rushes into the muscle fiber, where it combines with the amino acid histidine to form carnosine. Carnosine helps buffer the acidity level inside muscle fibers so they can contract with more strength for longer periods.
Research shows that supplementing with beta-alanine increases muscle strength, power, and endurance. [1]

Ideal dosage for females: 2-4 g

2. Creatine

Several studies have shown that creatine can improve power and strength when combined with resistance training. It delivers the extra phosphocreatine your body needs to restore its ATP (adenosine triphosphate) stores. ATP is the body’s main energy source. Yet, after around 10 seconds of intense exercise, your body will exhaust its ATP supplies. Creatine will provide the boost you need to complete those last couple of muscle-stimulating reps. [2]
Many people choose to take their creatine separately from their pre-workout.

3. Tyrosine
The amino acid tyrosine has been clinically proven to increase training endurance without any jittery side effects. It also improves stamina and focus. The body uses it as a precursor to the key neurotransmitters epinephrine and dopamine. [3]

Ideal dosage for females: 1-3 g

4. B Vitamins
The B-complex vitamins, especially B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin), are vital for the body’s energy-producing process. Their main job is to convert food into energy. Other B-complex vitamins to look out for are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and folate (B9). [4]

Ideal dosage for females: B6 (50-100 mg); B12 (50-400) mcg [micrograms]

5. Caffeine

We all know that caffeine is a powerful central nervous system booster. However, the voluminous research on the world’s most popular stimulant has also been shown to be a powerful strength and muscle builder and a blunter of muscle pain. Look for the anhydrous form of caffeine, which has been shown to be the most effective. Be sure to stay under the maximum recommended dosage to avoid a dramatic energy crash and jittery reaction. [5] 

6. Citrulline
The body takes citrulline and converts it into arginine. It then becomes nitric oxide (NO). To achieve a pump in the gym, you need to boost your NO levels. NO is a vasodilator that expands the blood vessels to allow more blood to surge into the muscle.
Taking citrulline before arginine will boost the body’s blood levels of arginine. Arginine taken directly will see a lot of it taken up by the intestines. [6] 

Ideal dosage for females: 3-6 g

7. Arginine
Arginine converts directly to nitric oxide in the bloodstream. To get as much arginine as possible, look for alternatives to L–arginine as arginine-AKG or arginine-HCL. [7]

Ideal dosage for females: 3-5 g

6 Myths About Women & Weights — Busted!
Weight training has come a long way in the last few decades. Years ago, even men were told that lifting weights would make them slow and muscle-bound; that athletes would lose their edge; and that, really, there was very little benefit to the whole thing. 
Today, we know that none of those things are true! But when it comes to women and weights, many myths still prevent women from getting the figures they want in the gym.
It’s time to set the record straight once and for all with six of the most common misconceptions about women, weight training, and muscle.
1. Weight Training Will Make Women Look Masculine
Dana Linn Bailey via @danalinnbailey
Let’s get this right from the outset: women will never develop the muscles of a man unless they take a whole lot of artificial testosterone (i.e., steroids). Women simply do not have enough of it naturally. Testosterone, the main driver of muscle growth, is a male hormone, meaning women have between 90 and 95 percent less of it than a guy. 
The result of lower testosterone levels is that women will have to work very hard and with a lot of determined focus to add every pound of muscle to their bodies. They won’t get bulky by accident!
The great thing about weight training is that it is a tool that allows you to shape your body the way you want. If you want to achieve a slightly bulkier body like Dana Linn Bailey, you can do that. However, if your goal is to end up with a lean, athletic body like three-time Bikini Olympia champion Ashley Kaltwasser, then you can do that, too!
2. Women Should Train Differently From Men
Of course, there are some major anatomical differences between men and women. When it comes to our skeletal muscles, however, we are pretty much identical. There are obviously differences in muscle size, and women have more slow-twitch muscle fibers than men. However, men and women have the same muscle insertion and attachment points, and the fibers travel in the same direction. That’s all that counts when it comes to working out with weights.
Take the quadriceps muscles. You have four of them (hence the name). So does every guy. All four of those quad muscles attach and insert in the same places. That means the exercises that will best strengthen and build the quadriceps for you are the same ones that will strengthen and build the quadriceps for a guy.
The same thing goes for every muscle in your body.
Bottom line: The same exercises are needed for women and men to get bigger and stronger muscles. 
3. Olympic Lifting is Too Dangerous for Women

Olympic lifting mainly refers to two specific lifts;

There are several variations of these two moves, which are done in the gym. They are all functional compound movements that will make you get strong fast. They will also help you burn off body fat and improve your muscular and cardiovascular endurance.  
Olympic lifting can be dangerous, but so can running on the treadmill. So long as you learn the proper technique, warm up properly every time, and progressively increase your resistance, you will benefit immensely by adding Olympic lifts to your routine. Start with just an unloaded bar and go from there.
4. Women Should Use Light Weights & High Reps to Get Toned
There’s no such thing as ‘toning’ a muscle. There is only making it stronger, bigger, and more defined. As we have already discovered, working on your nutrition is key to getting defined muscles. Calorie-burning exercises like full-body compound strength training workouts will also help remove body fat and enhance your muscular definition. 
Light weights are beneficial as part of a complete weight training program. Your body has two types of muscle fiber: fast twitch and slow twitch. Doing high reps (as high as 50 reps) and low reps (as low as 6 reps) will help you develop all of your muscle fibers. But concentrating on high reps in the belief that it will get your muscles more defined is a myth that needs to be buried once and for all!
5. Stick to the Treadmill to Get Lean
Getting lean includes:

Stripping off body fat
Developing muscle

When it comes to removing fat from your body, 75 percent of your results depend on what you put in your mouth. To lose fat, you must create a caloric deficit, which requires eating fewer calories daily than your body burns. 
You also need to expend more energy throughout the day. The best form of exercise to do that is debatable, but one thing is certain: weight training helps remove fat while strengthening and building muscle. Walking, or even running, on the treadmill will not build muscle. 
A smart training plan will combine strength training with a high-intensity form of cardio training called HIIT — exactly like you’ll find in my FitQueen Challenges. 
6. Older Women Should Avoid the Weight Room
Nothing could be further from the truth!
A plethora of research over the last few years is establishing strength training as the most important thing people over 50 can do to turn back the signs of aging. In the past, the few seniors who discovered the benefits of strength training in these studies did so as part of their rehab program after an injury or accident. We now know that proactively beginning a strength training program in your 40s or 50s can help prevent accidents or injuries from occurring in the first place. 
Studies conducted over the past decade have shown that regular strength training can significantly reduce the symptoms of the following age-related conditions:

Arthritis
Poor balance
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Obesity
Back pain
Breathing problems
Depression
Dementia

In addition to making you far less likely to suffer from these and other health conditions, strength training will make you more functional in your everyday tasks. 
And don’t think that just because you’re in your 60s or 70s, you need to stick to the baby weights. Your muscles, joints, and bones will respond just as well to heavy weights as those of a 20-year-old!
Wrap Up
The days of women working out with pretty pink weights to ‘tone’ their bodies are over. Today’s woman wants an athletic, muscular, lean physique, and she knows that she’s got to get serious in the gym to get it. 
In this article, we’ve discovered that you have to train just as hard and heavy as the guys to build muscle. We’ve also seen that what you eat matters. Focus on lean proteins, complex carbs, and the key supplements we identified. Train consistently, eat smartly, and focus on recovery and you will steadily add the lean muscle that you desire. 
References

Derave W, Ozdemir MS, Harris RC, Pottier A, Reyngoudt H, Koppo K, Wise JA, Achten E. beta-Alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during repeated isokinetic contraction bouts in trained sprinters. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Nov;103(5):1736-43. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00397.2007. Epub 2007 Aug 9. PMID: 17690198.
Cooper R, Naclerio F, Allgrove J, Jimenez A. Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Jul 20;9(1):33. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-33. PMID: 22817979; PMCID: PMC3407788.
Ipson BR, Green RA, Wilson JT, Watson JN, Faull KF, Fisher AL. Tyrosine aminotransferase is involved in the oxidative stress response by metabolizing meta-tyrosine in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem. 2019 Jun 14;294(24):9536-9554. doi: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.004426. Epub 2019 May 1. PMID: 31043480; PMCID: PMC6579467.
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068. PMID: 26828517; PMCID: PMC4772032.
Fisone G, Borgkvist A, Usiello A. Caffeine as a psychomotor stimulant: mechanism of action. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2004 Apr;61(7-8):857-72. doi: 10.1007/s00018-003-3269-3. PMID: 15095008.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9750, Citrulline. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
McConell GK. Effects of L-arginine supplementation on exercise metabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2007 Jan;10(1):46-51. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32801162fa. PMID: 17143054.

Three Leg Day Workouts for Women

Three Leg Day Workouts for Women

A lot of guys, especially younger lifters, tend to skip leg day. Instead, they focus all their energy on training their pecs, lats, delts, and arms. This creates a very unbalanced physique, which is why many men are happy to be seen shirtless but keep their legs covered with long pants.  
In contrast, many women are overly focused on training their lower bodies, especially their glutes. Some even train their legs every day, combining their lower body workouts with hours of leg-centric cardio.
So, why are so many women unhappy with the shape and condition of their legs?
In many cases, the reason is quantity over quality. In other words, some women’s leg workouts are high in volume and frequency but low in effective exercises. So instead of using a targeted approach, it’s more of a kitchen sink affair, with workouts containing so many exercises that many of them are actually redundant.
While such enthusiasm and dedication are to be applauded, there are better ways to use your training time and energy. These are valuable commodities that should be invested wisely and not wasted on unproductive or unnecessarily long workouts.
Get better results from your training time with these three tried and tested leg day workouts!
Leg Anatomy Basics  
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of effective lower body training, let’s take a moment to look at the muscles you’ll be working. That way, you’ll be able to name the parts of your body you can feel during each workout.

The main muscles that make up your lower body are:
Gluteus maximus
Located on the back of your hips, the gluteus maximus (glutes for short) is the largest muscle in the human body and potentially the most powerful. The main role of the glutes is hip extension, but it’s also involved in external rotation and abduction of the hip.
Hamstrings
The hamstrings are a biaxial muscle that crosses the back of your knees and hips. As such, it has two main functions – knee flexion and hip extension. There are three hamstring muscles: biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus. You can develop the hamstrings by performing leg curls and hip hinging exercises.
Quadriceps
The quadriceps extend your knee and flex your hips. There are four quadriceps muscles: the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. Known as the quads for short, these muscles are located on the fronts of your thighs.
Hip abductors
The hip abductors are located on the sides of your hips and thighs. They are responsible for lifting your legs out and away from the midline of your body. The hip abductors are the gluteus maximus and medius and tensor fascia latae.
Hip adductors
Located on the inside of your thighs, the hip adductors are responsible for drawing your legs in toward the midline of your body. The three hip adductor muscles are longus, brevis, and magnus, meaning longest, shortest, and biggest.
Triceps surae
Triceps surae is the collective name for the muscles of your calves – the gastrocnemius and soleus. These muscles work together to point your foot in a movement called plantar flexion. In addition, gastrocnemius, the uppermost calf muscle, also works with the hamstrings to flex your knees.
Six Benefits of Leg Training for Women
Most women don’t have to be told to train their lower bodies. After all, sculpted, toned legs are a common training goal. That said, in case you are unsure about the benefits of leg training for women, here is a list of six reasons why you should work your lower body hard and often!
Increased functional strength
Almost all strenuous activities involve your legs. A stronger lower body will make these activities easier and less tiring. For example, walking upstairs, running, and lifting heavy items off the floor are less demanding when you’ve got strong legs.
More shapely legs
While lower body-centric cardio can help increase muscle tone and endurance, if you want your legs to look their best, you need to include direct leg training in your workouts. You can use strength training to target each muscle with laser-like precision, sculpting your legs to create the lower body of your dreams.

Stronger bones and healthier joints
Lower body strength training is not just good for your muscles but also for your bones and joints. Like your muscles, your bones get stronger with training. Load-bearing exercises trigger the release of bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Increasing bone strength and density can help ward off age-related bone loss (osteopenia) and may prevent osteoporosis.
Strength training is also good for your joints, namely the hips and knees. Lifting weights makes your joints more mobile and stable and can help prevent or reduce knee and hip pain.
Increased calorie and fat burning
Your lower body contains about 40% of your total body muscle – possibly more, depending on your build and genetics. Powering these muscles through a workout requires a lot of energy, which is measured in calories. Leg workouts use far more energy than most upper-body workouts. Training your legs can help increase your weekly caloric expenditure, leading to fat and weight loss.
Better balance and coordination
Balance is your ability to keep your center of mass over your base of support. In contrast, coordination is your ability to move your limbs in a controlled, harmonious way. Freeweight and bodyweight leg exercises enhance both of these fitness qualities. Better balance and coordination mean that you won’t just look more athletic but will feel it, too.

Improved posture
Long periods of sitting can cause havoc with your posture and leave you with weak legs. Poor glute muscle tone, for example, can affect your lower back, leading to pain and poor posture.
Leg training, especially when you do standing exercises, can improve your posture so you can sit and stand more upright. Good posture makes you look slimmer and younger and takes pressure off your muscles and joints.
Leg Day Workouts for Women
Here are your three leg day workouts for women. But, before doing any of them, you must prepare your joints and muscles for what you’re about to do by warming up. Start with 5-10 minutes of easy cardio, e.g., air bike, rower, jogging, or jumping rope, followed by dynamic mobility and flexibility exercises for your lower body.
A ten-minute warm-up can save you months of lost training caused by an otherwise avoidable injury, so don’t skip it.
Ready? Then let’s get to work!
Home Leg Day Workout for Women
No gym? No problem! You can get a GREAT leg workout almost anywhere. All you need is a little space and an exercise mat. Do this workout at home, in your hotel room, at the park – anywhere you want!

#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Recovery

1
Glute bridge
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

2
Plie squat
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

3
Side leg raises
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

4
Alternating lunges  
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

5
Standing calf raise
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

1. Glute bridge
Target muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings.
Steps:

Lie on your back with your legs bent and feet flat. Brace your core and press your lower back into the floor.
Drive your feet into the deck and lift your hips up so your body forms a straight line.
Pause for 1-2 seconds.
Lower your butt to the floor and repeat.
Make this exercise harder by using one leg at a time.

2. Plie squat
Target muscles: Adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus.
Steps:

Stand with your feet about 1.5 shoulder-widths apart. Turn your toes outward. Brace your core and pull your shoulders down and back.
Bend your legs, push your knees outward, and descend until your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor.
Stand back up and repeat.

3. Side leg raises
Target muscles: Hip abductors.
Steps:

Lie on your side so your body is straight. Rest your head on your outstretched arm.
Lift your uppermost leg up to about 45 degrees. Turn your hip slightly inward to maximize glute and adductor engagement.
Lower your leg and repeat.
On completion, roll over and do the same number of reps on the other side.
Make this exercise more challenging by putting a booty band around your knees.

4. Alternating lunges 
Target muscles: Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus.
Steps:

Stand with your feet together and your arms by your sides.
Take a large step forward, bend your legs, and lower your rearmost knee down to within an inch of the floor.
Push off your front leg and return to the starting position.
Do your next rep leading with the opposite leg.
Alternate legs for the duration of your set.

5. Standing calf raise
Target muscles: Calves
Steps:

Stand on the edge of a step, using your hands for balance.
Point your toes and rise up onto your tiptoes.
Lower your heels down and get a stretch in your calves.
Alternate between these two positions for the required number of reps.
Make this exercise harder by using one leg at a time.

Dumbbell Leg Workout for Women
Dumbbells are the perfect training tool for home exercisers, and gyms have them too. Use dumbbells to overload your muscles and build more strength. Choose weights that fatigue your muscles within the prescribed rep range.

#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Recovery

1
Dumbbell Romanian deadlift
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

2
Dumbbell goblet squat
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

3
Dumbbell leg curl
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

4
Dumbbell lateral lunge
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

5
Dumbbell swing
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

6
Seated dumbbell calf raise
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

1. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift
Target muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings.
Steps:

Stand with your feet together and a dumbbell in each hand, arms by your sides. Bend your knees slightly, brace your core, and pull your shoulders down and back.
Hinging from your hips, lean forward and lower the weights down toward the floor. Do not round your lower back.
Stand back up and repeat.

2. Dumbbell goblet squat
Target muscles: Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus.

Hold a dumbbell in front of your chest, just below your chin. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, core braced, and shoulders back and down.
Bend your knees and squat down until your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor. Take care not to round your lower back.
Stand back up and repeat.

3. Dumbbell leg curl
Target muscles: Hamstrings.
Steps:

Lie on an exercise bench so your knees are on the edge. Clamp and hold a dumbbell between your feet. Secure it using a yoga strap or resistance band if necessary.
Bend your legs and curl the weight up until your knees are bent to 90 degrees.
Extend your legs and repeat.
You can also do this exercise lying prone on the floor.

Dumbbell lateral lunge

Target muscles: Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, abductors, adductors.
Steps:

Stand with your feet together and a dumbbell in each hand, arms by your sides. Brace your core and set your shoulders back and down.
Take a large step to your left, bend your left knee, and descend until your left thigh is close to parallel to the floor. Keep your right leg straight.
Push off your left leg and return to the starting position.
Repeat this movement to your right side.
Alternate sides for the specified number of reps.

5. Dumbbell swing
Target muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings.
Steps:

Hold a single dumbbell in both hands and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Brace your core, pull your shoulders back and down, and bend your knees slightly.
Hinge forward from your hips and lower the weight down between your knees. Do not round your lower back.
Drive your hips forward and use this momentum to swing the weight forward and up to shoulder height.
Lower the weight and repeat.

6. Seated dumbbell calf raise
Target muscles: Calves
Steps:

Sit on an exercise bench or sturdy chair, so your knees are bent to 90 degrees and your shins are vertical. Rest the balls of your feet on a low step, e.g., a thick book, wooden block, or weight plates.
Rest and hold a dumbbell on each knee.
Extend your ankles and rise up onto your tiptoes.
Lower your heels down, get a stretch in your calves, and repeat.

Gym Leg Workout for Women
Access to a well-equipped gym means you’ve got everything you need to easily target your leg muscles. However, don’t get distracted and try to do every exercise you see. Instead, pick the best movements for each lower body muscle group. Remember – quality is always better than quantity!

#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Recovery

1
Smith machine donkey kick
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

2
Leg press
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

3
Cable hip abduction
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

4
Cable hip adduction
2-4
12-20 per leg
60-90 seconds

5
Barbell hip thrust
2-4
12-20
60-90 seconds

6
Tiptoe farmer’s walk
2-4
40-60 seconds
60-90 seconds

1. Smith machine donkey kick
Target muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings.

Set the bar on a Smith machine to around waist height.
Kneel on the floor beneath the bar and place the sole of one foot against it.
Extend your hip and drive the bar upward, taking care not to hyperextend your lower back.
Lower the bar and repeat.
Do the same number of reps on both sides.

2. Leg press
Target muscles: Quadriceps, gluteus maximus, hamstrings.

Sit on the leg press machine and place your feet on the footplate so they’re roughly shoulder-width apart. Release the weight catchers.
Bend your legs and lower the weight down until your knees are bent to at least 90 degrees. Do not round your lower back.
Extend your legs and repeat.
Reengage the weight catchers and then rest.

3. Cable hip abduction
Target muscles: Hip abductors.  

Put an ankle strap around your lower leg and then attach it to a low pulley machine.
Stand sideways onto the machine, your working leg furthest from the weight stack. Hold the machine for balance.
Keeping your leg straight, raise your foot out and away from the midline of your body.
Lower your leg and repeat.
Do the same number of reps on both legs.

4. Cable hip adduction
Target muscles: Hip adductors.

Put an ankle cuff around your lower leg and then attach it to a low pulley machine.
Stand sideways onto the machine, your working leg closest to the weight stack. Hold the machine for balance.
Keeping your leg straight, cross your foot in front of you.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
Do the same number of reps on both legs.

5. Barbell hip thrust
Target muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings.

Sit on the floor with your upper back resting against a sturdy bench. Rest a barbell across your hips. Bend your legs and put your feet flat on the floor.
Drive your feet into the floor and lift your hips to form a straight line with your knees and shoulders.
Lower your butt back to the floor, and then repeat.

6. Tiptoe farmer’s walk
Target muscles: Calves.

Stand with a dumbbell in each hand and your feet together. Brace your core and pull your shoulders down and back.
Rise up onto your tiptoes and then start walking around your training area.
Continue for the designated distance or until you are unable to keep your heels off the floor.

Leg Day for Women – FAQs
Do you have a question about these workouts or leg training for women in general? No problem, because we’ve got the answers!
1. How often should I train my legs?
It’s generally accepted that it takes 48-72 hours for a muscle to recover from training. This means you can work your legs every 2-3 days or 2-3 times per week. More workouts could lead to overtraining, while just one workout per week may not produce the results you want.
So, hit your legs 2-3 times per week, e.g., Monday and Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This will create a good balance between work and rest.
2. Can I change the exercises in these workouts?
While you are free to make changes to these programs, avoid using exercises that are too different. For example, while doing machine leg curls instead of dumbbell leg curls is fine, doing leg extensions instead of leg curls is not, as the replacement movement uses an entirely different muscle group.
So, make changes if you wish, but make sure you switch “like for like” and don’t use completely different movements. However, avoid changing the exercise order, as doing so can unbalance your entire workout. 
3. Do I have to stick to the 12-20 rep range?
Unless you are training for pure strength, it really doesn’t matter all that much how many reps you do per set. Studies suggest that you can perform 5 to 35 reps per set and still make progress (1). Almost any rep count will work if you take your set close to momentary muscular failure.
However, if you want to build strength, you need to use heavy weights and do lower reps, typically 1-5. However, this is a very specialist type of training and not something many women (or men) need to do.
So, if you want to do eight, ten, twenty, or thirty reps per set, you are free to do so.
4. How do I make my thighs thinner?
Reducing the circumference of your thighs is usually more about your diet than your workout program. Invariably, big thighs are the result of excess fat storage rather than muscle mass. So if your thighs are bigger than you want and you’re not a weightlifter or bodybuilder, you probably need to adjust your diet and shed the excess fat.
However, it’s worth noting that no amount of dieting guarantees you’ll develop a “thigh gap” or achieve any other Instagram body standard, as your shape is primarily determined by your genetics.
So, don’t compare how you look to anyone else; just be the best you can be.
5. What is the best diet to use with these workouts?
Healthy eating and regular exercise go hand in hand – or they should! Eating right will make your workouts more productive, while an unhealthy diet could undermine your progress. However, there is no single perfect diet that’s right for everyone, and what you eat will depend on your fitness goals, likes and dislikes, cooking skills, and grocery budget.
So, rather than follow a cookie-cutter diet, why not take a shot at creating your own healthy eating plan? It’s actually easier than you think!
Check out this guide to overhauling your diet in six weeks. It could be the last diet you ever need.
Closing Thoughts
Friends don’t let friends skip leg day, or so the popular meme goes. That’s true for men AND women. Leg workouts offer a lot of benefits, including increased functional strength, better endurance, greater bone density, and enhanced fat burning.
In fact, leg training is so good for you it’s hard to think of many reasons not to do it.
Sure, leg training is demanding and can leave you tired and sore. But you’ll soon learn to love it when you see and feel how good it is for you.
So, give one of these leg day workouts for women a try. You’ll soon be on the way to leaner, shapelier, stronger legs.  
References:
1 – Lasevicius T, Ugrinowitsch C, Schoenfeld BJ, Roschel H, Tavares LD, De Souza EO, Laurentino G, Tricoli V. Effects of different intensities of resistance training with equated volume load on muscle strength and hypertrophy. Eur J Sport Sci. 2018 Jul;18(6):772-780. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1450898. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29564973. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29564973/

Understanding Female Body Types and Shapes

Understanding Female Body Types and Shapes

Humans come in all shapes and sizes. The average human shape doesn’t exist, even though society likes to create its ideals. When it comes to the female body, traditionally, the different varieties have been described by shapes as well as by fruit. Even though it’s possible to classify body types according to these categories, this is by no means an exact science. There is usually some overlap between the different types, and there is even quite a lot of variation within each type. However, you should be able to identify yourself in one of the body types. 
In this article, we explore the ten most common female body shapes. We’ll also provide guidelines on how to identify which body type you are, provide tips on how to dress according to your body shape, and answer the most frequently asked questions on female body shapes.  
10 Common Female Body Shapes
There are five main body shapes, with the other five being variants of them.
Those five basic shapes are:

Rectangle or Banana
Triangle or Pear
Inverted Triangle or Apple
Hourglass
Athletic

Fruits are often used to represent body shapes because they are easy for us to visualize. Let’s now break down the main female body shapes.

1. Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass body shape is considered well-balanced, having a bust and hips that are about the same size and a narrow waistline. This creates the classic hourglass figure. The bust is large and rounded, and the hips are curvy. The hips and shoulders are aligned.
Dressing tips for the hourglass figure:

Make the most of what you’ve got by accentuating the curves. Do this by wearing high-waisted pants, wrap dresses, and tops with belts.
Go for fitted silhouettes that hug your body but are not overly tight.
Opt for V-necklines or scoop necks that will accentuate your hourglass figure.
Wear flared bottoms or bootcut jeans to provide lower body volume.
Strategically employ layers to provide dimensions and depth. This could include adding a jacket, scarf, or blazer to your ensemble.
Stay away from shapeless outfits.
Experiment with a range of patterns, including stripes, color blocks, and prints.

2. Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape is typified by narrow shoulders and bust and comparatively wide hips and thighs. This creates a lower body-heavy look that resembles an inverted triangle. The butt is generally rounded, and the waist is well-defined. 
Dressing tips for the pear body: 

Balance out the lower and upper body by choosing wide, detailed tops with embellishments like patterns and ruffles.
Wear off-the-shoulder tops and wide necklines.
Buy A-line and flared skirts that gradually flare down from the waist.
Go for dark lower body colors with lighter color tops.
Wear jeans with a straight flare to create a streamlined appearance from the hips to the thighs.
Look for structured fabrics to give the impression of a smooth silhouette.
Wear such statement accessories as scarves, chunky necklaces, and earrings.
Invest in form-fitting undergarments, including a well-fitted bra.

3. Apple Body Shape
The apple or inverted triangle body shape is identified by wide shoulders, a large bust, and narrow hips. The legs are generally proportionally smaller than the upper body, and the person tends to carry a bit of excess weight around the middle. 
Dressing tips for the apple body:

Your goal should be to lengthen the body and draw the focus away from the midsection. You can do this by emphasizing your legs with above-the-knee skirts and tailored pants.
Select tops and dresses with an A-line silhouette to produce a slimmer waistline effect.
Employ draping around the midsection to cover undesirable areas.
Wear dresses and tops with an open V-neckline to emphasize the width of the upper torso.
Stay away from high-waisted bottoms.
Opt for structured fabrics rather than form-fitting materials.
Use layers, such as a fitted jacket, to draw attention away from your midsection.
Wear off-the-shoulder tops, necklaces, or detailed sleeves to emphasize the upper torso.
Wear a well-fitted bra that will lift and support the bust.
Wear flared pants that can help balance your proportions.

4. Rectangle Body Shape
The rectangular body shape is characterized by bust, waist, and hip measurements that are about the same. The shoulders are essentially straight, and the butt could be considered to be flat. The rectangular body shape bust could be considered small, yet the shape is generally recognized as athletic.
Dressing tips for the rectangle body:

Create the illusion of a defined waist by wearing a belt or choosing clothing with cinching or ruching.
Choose structured clothing such as tops with pleats, seams, or darts.
Wear a variety of necklines to help balance your figure. Experiment with things like V-necklines, scoop necks, and boat necks.
Make use of layering to add depth and dimension. Do this with jackets, vests, or cardigans.
Go for skirts or pants with such details as ruffles or pleats to help balance out the upper and lower body.
Experiment with print and patterns.
Add accessories like chunky necklaces, scarves, or bold belts to add interest.

5. Athletic Body Shape
The athletic body shape is characterized by being lean, muscular, and defined. It lacks the curves and hourglass shape of some of the other body shapes but looks fitter and healthier. The waist is narrow with a tight, defined midsection, and the hips are structurally narrower than the shoulders to accentuate a V-taper.
Dressing tips for the athletic body: 

Accentuate the midsection by wearing a belt, cinched clothing, and wraps that detail at the waist.
Go for figure-hugging outfits that highlight your physique.
Choose clothes with such details as ruffles, bows, and pleats that may accentuate your curves.
Wear sweetheart and scoop necklines to enhance your curves.
Wear flared pants and skirts to help balance the upper and lower body.
Use layers to add depth to your silhouette by wearing a jacket or vest.
Experiment with dresses and tops that feature diagonal lines.
Wear high-waisted pants and skirts to enhance your curves.

6. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
The inverted triangle body shape is identified by having wide shoulders and a large bust in relation to the hips. The upper body is also disproportionately larger than the lower body, with narrow hips and slim thighs. The waist is typically narrower than the hips.
Dressing tips for the inverted triangle body:

Minimize the upper body and accentuate the lower body by choosing clothes that add volume, such as pants and dresses with pleats, patterns, and ruffles.
Choose flared jeans and pants to accentuate your lower body curves.
Go for V-necklines to de-emphasize your wide shoulders and create a vertical line to give the illusion of length through the torso.
Wear belts along with pants and dresses that cinch at the waist.
Add structured layers with the use of jackets and blazers.
Go for A-line dresses and skirts to accentuate your curves.
Stay away from clingy tops that will emphasize your broad shoulders.
By pants and skirts with bold prints and bright colors.

7. Oval Body Shape
A round midsection with skinny limbs typifies the oval body shape. The body is soft and flabby with very little muscular definition. The bust is generally well-endowed, and there is a minimal curve between the bust and hips.
Dressing tips for the oval body:

Your goal should be to minimize attention on the midsection. Do this by choosing tops and dresses with an A-line silhouette that will give the impression of a more defined midsection.
Use layers, such as jackets and vests, to enhance the length and create the illusion of a slim torso.
Opt for materials that drape over the body rather than those that are clingy.
Go for tops with V-necks or open collars that will help create a tall body illusion.
Consider buying shapewear that will help support the midsection and create a smooth silhouette.
Draw attention to your legs with above-the-knee skirts.
Use accessories such as necklaces, scarves, and shoes that draw attention away from your waistline.
Experiment with darker colors around the midsection and lighter colors on other parts of the body.

8. Diamond Body Shape
The diamond body shape is identified by a wide shoulder, a balanced or small bust, a narrow waist, and broad hips. The stomach area is wide and full, with excess weight in this area.
Dressing tips for the diamond body:

Choose V-neck or open-neck tops that add length to the body and de-emphasize the waist.
Go for A-line or flared skirts to add volume to the lower body and give the illusion of wider hips.
Wear monochromatic outfits with vertical lines that will lengthen your silhouette and de-emphasize the waist.
Stay away from tight-fitting clothing.
Make use of jackets and blazers to balance out the body.
Go with jeans that have a straight or wide leg that helps deliver a streamlined appearance.
Choose dark colors around the midsection with lighter colors on the rest of the body.
Wear heels to emphasize your legs and add length to the lower body.
Add layers to create depth by throwing on a jacket or cardigan.
Wear tops with vertical detail like seams and stripes to emphasize length rather than width in the upper body.

9. Top Hourglass Body Shape
The top hourglass body shape is characterized by a general hourglass figure with a bust that is slightly larger than the hips. The waist is smaller and more defined, and the hips are slightly curved.
Dressing tips for the top hourglass body:

Emphasize the waist by choosing outfits with belts or that cinch at the waist.
Wear wrap-around dresses and peplum tops.
Go for outfits that hug your curves, such as tailored dresses, skirts, and tops.
Choose V-necklines and sweetheart necklines that emphasize your neck and bust.
Wear structured fabrics to highlight your curves.
Go for flared and A-line bottoms to add volume to the lower body.
Stay away from shapeless clothing.
Buy well-fitting undergarments, including a supportive bra.
Wear high-waisted skirts and pants to help produce an impression of length.
Use dark colors around the middle of your body and lighter colors above and below.

10. Bottom Hourglass Body Shape
The bottom hourglass body shape is identified by hips that are slightly wider than the bust. The waistline is slim and defined. This body shape has full, rounded thighs and hips to create an out-of-proportion lower body. The shoulders and hips usually align.
 Dressing tips for the bottom hourglass body: 

Emphasize the waist by choosing clothing that cinches at the waist, including belts and fitted dresses.
Go for figure-hugging clothes that are tailored or produce a fitted silhouette.
Wear structured tops that have detailing around the bust and shoulders.
Buy A-line or flared skirts that will accentuate your hips and thighs.
Go for jeans with a flare or a bootcut that will help accentuate your curves.
Use jackets and blazers to layer your outfit.
Wear off-the-shoulder tops to give the impression of wider shoulders.

Read also: Guide to Male Body Types (Ectomorphs, Mesomorphs, and Endomorphs)
Female Body Shapes Summary Chart
You may immediately identify your body shape from the abovementioned descriptions. If you don’t, here’s a handy summary chart that focuses on the differences between the bust, waist, and hips:

Body Shape
Bust
Waist
Hips

Hourglass
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips
Smaller than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the bust

Pea
Smaller than the bust
Smaller than the bust
Larger than the bust

Rectangle
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips
Equal to or slightly larger than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips

Apple
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips
Larger than the bust
Smaller than the bust

Inverted Triangle
Larger than the hips
Smaller than the bust
Smaller than the bust

Diamond
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips
Smaller than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the bust

Top Hourglass
Larger than the hips
Smaller than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the bust

Bottom Hourglass
Smaller than the bust
Smaller than the bust
Larger than the bust

Oval
Larger than the hips
Larger than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips

Apple
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips
Equal to or slightly larger than the bust
Equal to or slightly larger than the hips

How To Use Body Measurements to Determine Your Body Shape?
To work out your body shape measurements, you must measure yourself in four places:

Shoulders
Bust
Waist
Hips

When taking measurements, wear something light, like a camisole. If you aren’t used to taking measurements, ask a friend to help you. With some practice, though, you should be able to take your measurements yourself. Here’s how to take your measurements accurately:
Shoulders
Place the tape measure around your shoulders as high up as possible without it slipping off. Make sure that the tape is at the same height on both sides. Record that measurement.
Related: Average Shoulder Width For Men and Women
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Making sure that the tape doesn’t drop or droop in the back. Pull the tape taut but not too tight. Record that measurement.
Waist
Take your waist measurement around the belly button. For some people, the natural waist may be slightly higher than the belly button. You’re looking for the tiniest part of your waist. Again, the tape measure should be taut but not too tight. Record that measurement.
Measuring Waist
Related: Average Waist Size For Women and Men
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips. This may be right at the hip bone or slightly lower. Record that measurement. 
Now that you have taken the time to record your four key measurements make sure to use them when you’re ordering clothes online. Always check out the sizing guide on the seller’s website. Cross-check your bust, waist, and hip measurements with the sizing chart. If it is in between, always size up. 
Now, here’s how to use your measurements to determine your body shape:

If your shoulder measurement is larger than your hips by two or more inches, or your bust measurement is larger than your hips by four or more inches, you are an inverted triangle
If your hip measurement is larger than your bust or shoulder measurement by two or more inches or larger than your bust by four inches or more, then you are a triangle. This is the most common body shape among women.
If your waist is larger than your bust, shoulders, and hips by two or more inches, then you are a circle.
If your shoulder, bust, hip, and waist measurements are all about the same, you are a rectangle. Your waist differential to your hips will be less than eight inches.
If your shoulders, bust, and hips are very similar and the waist is eight or more inches less than the hips, you have an hourglass figure. This is the most desired body shape.

Related: Average Butt Size For Women and Men
Are You Long or Short Waisted?
Women who know whether they are long or short-waisted can create balance and proportion in their dress style. For example, those with a long waist may be better off going for high-waisted pants with thick belts to reduce the appearance of a long waist. On the other hand, people with a short waist might opt for a crop top to give the impression of a longer waist.
Here is how to determine if you have a short or a long waist:

Stack your open hands on top of each other with palms against your skin directly under your bust.
If your lower hand covers, or goes below, your belly button, then you are short-waisted.
If your belly button is below your lower hand, you are long-waisted.
If your second hand is right at your belly button, you are proportionate.

FAQs
What are the factors that control your body shape?
A person’s bone structure can have an impact on their body type. For instance, a person with a wide hip bone structure and a narrow shoulder girdle will tend towards a triangle-shaped body. A person’s height can also affect their body shape. For example, taller people may appear to have a more elongated torso, tending toward a rectangular body shape.
Genetics also plays a part in determining your body shape. Your genetics determines how rapidly you gain or lose weight. It also dictates what parts of your body you store excess calories in.
Another factor that determines your body shape is hormones. Two hormones that are involved in fat storage are estrogen and progesterone. Your ability to control your body weight and minimize fat storage will largely depend on the levels at which your body produces these hormones. 
Is it possible to change body shape?
Yes, it is possible to make changes to your body shape. However, because some of the key determinants of your body shape, such as your bone structure, height, and hormone production levels, are unchangeable, these changes to your body shape will not be major. The main way to change your body shape is to either lose stored body fat or gain lean muscle tissue. 
Is there a universally desired body shape?
No, there is no universally desired body shape. However, in the Western world, the preference is for the hourglass figure with minimal body fat; other cultures prefer body shapes with more stored fat. 
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, women come in all shapes and sizes, and each body shape is uniquely beautiful. Once you have identified your body shape, embrace it and love it. You may decide to make changes to it by reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle tissue. The most important thing is, rather than trying to attain some imaginary, idealized body shape, you must follow lifestyle practices, including regular exercise and healthy eating, to ensure your body is as healthy as possible. 

Balancing Holiday Parties With Working Out

Balancing Holiday Parties With Working Out

“PARTYING AND EXERCISE AREN’T MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE – HERE’S HOW TO BALANCE THE TWO OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD” Exercising and parties are often sold as the antithesis of one another. But they can actually be done side by side, says senior writer Chloe Gray. There are a lot of decisions to make in December. I’m not…

IFBB ST. LOUIS PRO 2019-Womens Figure LAURELLE MARTINEAU

IFBB ST. LOUIS PRO 2019-Womens Figure LAURELLE MARTINEAU

IFBB ST. LOUIS PRO 2019 Womens Figure LAURELLE MARTINEAU