Upper Body Strength: The Lift Women Didn't Know They Needed

As a woman, I know that it's easy to focus on cardio and lower body exercises and overlook the importance of upper body strength. However, as I've learned over time, developing strength in the upper body is crucial for overall health and wellness. In this article, I want to share with you the reasons why it's important for women to have upper body strength and provide some exercises that can help build that strength.

One of the biggest reasons why upper body strength is important for women is that it can make daily activities easier. From carrying groceries and lifting children to pushing doors and opening jars, a strong upper body can reduce the risk of injury and make these tasks much more manageable.

In addition, having a strong upper body can help with posture and balance. Good posture is essential for overall health and wellbeing, and a strong upper body helps maintain proper posture. Plus, a strong upper body helps with balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.

It's also worth noting that as we age, our upper body strength naturally begins to decline. This can make daily tasks and activities more challenging, and can also lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries. That's why it's especially important for women to work on building and maintaining upper body strength as they age.

If you're someone who enjoys physical activities that require upper body strength, then developing that strength is even more important. Having a strong upper body can improve your performance in various physical activities.

So, how can you start building upper body strength? Here are a few exercises that can help:

1. Push-Ups: Push-ups are a classic exercise that work the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. If full push-ups are too difficult, begin with modified push-ups with your knees on the ground and work up to full push-ups.

2. Plank: Planks are a great exercise for the entire body, but they especially work the core and upper body. Start with holding the plank for 30 seconds and work your way up to longer durations.

3. Dumbbell Rows: Dumbbell rows work the upper back muscles and can help improve posture. Start with light weights and work your way up as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

Other exercises that can help build upper body strength include pull-ups, overhead presses, and chest presses. It's also important to vary your workouts and incorporate a variety of exercises to target different muscles.

As always, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or injuries.

So, don't overlook the importance of upper body strength in your fitness routine! By incorporating these exercises and making upper body strength a priority, you'll not only improve your daily life but also maintain your independence and overall health as you age.

If you're interested in developing an exercise plan to help build your upper body strength, don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can create an exercise plan that works for you and helps you achieve your fitness goals. Let's attack your fitness routine and take your upper body strength to the next level! You can contact me at medina@gymnanigansllc.com or click here to schedule a consultation. 

Donna M., Exercise Physiologist