Weights

The sport of Olympic-style "Weightlifting" is one of the world's most misunderstood and under-appreciated sports. Part of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 (with a women's event having been added in 2000), Weightlifting is the only Olympic sport in which heavy weights are used. If you want to lose fat or change your body, one of the most important things you can do is lift weights.

Diet and cardio are equally important, but when it comes to changing how your body looks, weight training wins hands down. If you've hesitated to start a strength training program, it may motivate you to know that lifting weights can:

* Help raise your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn all day long.

* Strengthen bones, especially important for women * Make you stronger and increase muscular endurance

* Help you avoid injuries

* Increase your confidence and self-esteem

* Improve coordination and balance Getting started with strength training can be confusing.

The routine you choose will be based on your fitness goals as well as the equipment you have available and the time you have for workouts.