The benefits of exercising and the types of fitness options are in a constant flux of inconclusive studies. Nonetheless, a recent laboratory experiment is highlighting the benefits of a certain types of bodybuilding or strength training for the middle-age woman.

Any middle-aged gal in quest of stunting the middle-aged spread should consider the benefits of weight lifting. A recent study released by the American Heart Association touts a fitness program that includes a bi-weekly session of weight lifting. The new finding has been found to put the skids on the physical spread women experience as they approach their late 40s and early 50s.

The clinical trial involved 164 overweight and obese women from Minnesota (aged 24 to 44 years old) with a body mass index (BMI) 25-35. Strength training with the use of weights was shown to decrease abdominal fat in pre-menopausal participants.

Based on the data of the average weight gain of women in the middle, one to two pounds of weight gain a year is the norm. The vast majority of the weight gain is assumed to be fat.

The conclusion of the clinical trial showed that strength training to prevent the development of more body fat percentage.

The findings of the study showed the following results:

• Weight training was found to decrease intra abdominal fat development. This type of fat is has been related to metabolic disturbances and heart disease.

• Women in the two-year strength training program reduced their body fat percentage by almost four percent. The percentile of body fat showed more signs of stability and controllability.

• The findings of the research showed strength training to improve the overall health and lower the increases in intra-abdominal fat by more than 10 percent.