There’s no shortage of gym workout routines for women online. There are so many that it can actually be a little overwhelming.
Which ones will really work and which ones were just made up by some random guy who claims he trained Jennifer Aniston?
If you’re looking for trustworthy, science-based strength training advice, you might want to log off of BuzzFeed and head to the library. Many of the best trainers (with both the best clients and the most credentials) are saving their premium workouts for books.
If you’re new to lifting weights, books can be a really great beginner’s guide. You’ll get more than just month-long gym workout routines for women. You’ll get valuable coaching tips, diet advice, myth-busting wisdom, and effective workout routines for women.
Even the experienced lifter can learn something new by taking the time to dive into any (or all!) of these 8 great books.
1. The New Rules of Lifting for Women
The New Rules of Lifting for Women
This book is the ultimate guide for women who are new to strength training. You’ll want to read this if you are still struggling with a fear of getting “bulky” or don’t fully understand the benefits of strength training. The book’s 3 co-authors work together to bust myths, present a healthy eating plan, and offers comprehensive workout routines for women. The routine in this book should take you about 6 months to complete if you’re training 3 days each week. You should definitely, at the very least, browse this authoritative book on strength training for women. If you’re looking to tone your arms, then check out our 30 day arm challenge.
2. Strong Curves
Strong Curves
Strong Curves was developed by the “Glute Guy” Bret Contreras. When he’s not training clients 1-on-1 at the Glute Lab in Arizona, he’s devouring the latest research. All this hands on experience and studying (he recently earned a PhD in Sports Science) means he’s delivering top-notch information. For women who want a bigger, firmer butt, you can’t beat this book. There are full-body workout routines for women, bodyweight routines, and lower body only workouts.
3. Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
Tom Venuto firmly believes that starving yourself skinny won’t give you the body you want. Burn The Fat starts with an extensive guide to dieting for fat loss. He even offers tips on “mental training” and goal setting in this well-rounded book. Once you’ve got your nutrition and head right, the author shares his cardio and weight training for women routines to maximize fat loss and preserve muscle mass.
4. The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises
The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises
Consider this the Merriam-Webster of exercises. It contains full-color photos of over 600 exercises plus detailed descriptions of how to do them. The book is conveniently organized by body part and is fully indexed at the end. That means you can find your new favorite triceps exercise in seconds. It’s great for travel or times when you don’t have access to your usual equipment. In less time than it takes to Google a workout, you can have one of the best workout routines for women around. Need a bodyweight only glutes routine? No problem, this book can help you put one together.
5. The Female Body Breakthrough
The Female Body Breakthrough
Rachel Cosgrove is an accomplished trainer and author. She owns her own gym and has coached all types of athletes from Olympic weightlifters to triathletes. She’s also a great writer who’s been published in major fitness magazines. Female Body Breakthrough offers lots of great advice that’s specific to a woman’s needs. She addresses issues that some male writers skip like hormones and the emotional issues related to eating. Her workout plans for women will give you a toned but curvy look.
6. Strength Training for Fat Loss
Strength Training for Fat Loss
Nick Tumminello is known for taking complicated science-based topics and translating them for the average gym crowd. He has many books on strength training, but this time around he’s focused on gym workout routines for women that will torch body fat. You’ll be making the most of each session with circuits, combinations, and complexes designed to boost your metabolism. He includes photos and descriptions of over 150 workout routines for women. At the end of the book, you’ll get his customized fat burning workout routines.
7. You Are Your Own Gym
You Are Your Own Gym
It’s a common misconception that strength training requires barbells or machines. Newsflash: your own body can be used as strength training equipment! As a former Special Operations trainer, Mark Lauren has written “The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises.” Some of the most challenging lifts are bodyweight (think pull-ups and push ups), so you can gain measurable strength with just your bodyweight. While this book doesn’t specifically cover strength training for women, it does offer programs that will help you train for strength, endurance, and fat loss.
8. Strong
Strong
Strong is a new release from the authors of The New Rules of Lifting series. The authors have clearly taken the latest research into consideration and are offering a completely new program to cut fat, improve metabolism, and build strength. There are 9 months of workout routines for women packed into this book. You’ll get warm ups and cardio sessions as well.
What is the importance of weight training for women? Here’s just a few reasons we can think of.
