Women still fighting the battle of the bulge

“Over the years women have wasted a lot of time and money on crazy diets that exclude essential food groups, even though we all know that these unhealthy approaches will not lead to long term weight loss,” Ms Linford said.

“The only way women can ensure that they receive steady and sustained weight loss is through a balanced diet and regular exercise including strength training, which has been Fernwood’s philosophy since the first club opened in regional Victoria 20 years ago,” she explained.

Not surprisingly, according to Accredited Exercise Physiologist Maryanne Long, the Newspoll data also revealed that over half of Australian women have never strength trained before.

“A lot of women think that lifting weights is going to make them muscly and bulky, and that’s just not true. The truth is that women simply don’t have the same levels of muscle-developing hormones as men and if women don’t strength train, they will start losing muscle after the age of 30,” she explained.

“Strength training is vital in preventing lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes and helping women to lose excess body fat, which is what helps to make you look trim and taut,” Ms Long said.

When asked about their motivations for wanting to lose weight, just over 50 per cent of women said they exercised for health reasons. Ms Linford said it was positive to see that 75 per cent of women were also motivated to lose weight so they could feel more confident and attractive.

“Women develop an increase in self esteem and confidence as they begin to notice improvements in their body shape, fitness and strength. Being part of a supportive and non-judgemental environment certainly helps women to feel less conscious, and more focused on achieving their goals,” she said.

This year Fernwood is celebrating its 20th Birthday and founder of Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs, Diana Williams says it’s amazing to think that 20 years ago there was no such thing as a women’s-only gym in Australia.

“Back when I opened the first gym in Bendigo, many women I knew avoided going to the gym because they were intimidated by the sight of men lifting huge weights and deterred by the overpowering masculine ambience. Thankfully, Fernwood changed all that and women now have a place where they can feel comfortable, safe and supported to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals,” Diana explained.