Why Women Need to Strength Train with Free Weights

The push in women's fitness is to "get strong."

Strength training is great for bone density, flexibility, weight loss, and metabolism. Using challenging weights helps build muscle mass and provides health benefits.

The best kind of strength training exercises are multi-joint or compound exercises. These exercises target multiple joints and muscles at one time. An example would be the bench press, employing your elbows, shoulders, chest, and biceps.

And the sexiest reason to strength train? Confidence. A woman who is comfortable strength training with free weights isn't afraid to step onto the gym floor and work out among the "muscle men." That confidence translates to daily life.

Personal trainer Lorne Opler discusses the reasons women need to strength train, and how you can enjoy increased strength and other benefits by training with free weights.