Women's guide to using the weights area

Weights can help you burn fat fast

Think weight lifting is going to give you a muscle-bound body a la Madonna? You could be missing out on the best way to trim down. Zest's fitness expert Jon Stratford clears up a few weights myths.

Myth: Women bulk up easily with weights

Testosterone is the main hormone needed for muscle growth and women have much lower levels than men, so find it much more difficult to gain muscle. You'd have to lift a lot of really heavy weights to get bulging biceps.

Myth: Weight training turns fat to muscle

Fat and muscle are two completely different substances, and you can't turn one into the other. Working out with weights increases your metabolism and burns off fat, while simultaneously helping you to develop lean, toned muscle.

Myth: Weight training helps you lose weight

No, but it will help you lose inches. Time to ditch that fixation with the scales and focus on how your clothes fit, because if you regularly work out with weights, you'll drop a dress size much quicker.

Myth: Weight training makes you toned but not fitter

Getting rid of fat and building lean muscle with weights will help to boost your stamina. Plus, there are loads of other health benefits, from reduced stress and PMS symptoms to improved posture and a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Need any more reasons to give it a try?

More reasons to pick up dumbbells and add weight training to your workout