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Five Supreme Workouts for Women at Every Fitness Level

These five exercises are supreme for women of all ages and any fitness level.

Zumba.
Public Domain

#1 Yoga (relax)

Yoga is a superior exercise for women. It helps us calm our minds and de-stress. In another article, I talk about how certain yoga exercises can even make women feel more sexy and enhance their sexual experience.

With so many types of yoga to choose from, there is something for everyone. Even pregnant women can participate in prenatal yoga.

#2 Swimming (get wet)

Why is swimming supreme? It is easier on the body than many other forms of exercise. Swimming works all of the major muscle groups, making it ideal for a total body workout.

The fact that anyone can participate is very encouraging. Angela Lane weighed 200 pounds at the age of 31. She hadn't swam in over 10 years. Lane says, "People would tell me, 'You need to run or walk,' but when I tried that, my ankles and knees hurt."

Lane began swimming, and challenged herself to begin with just one lap. She met her goal, and said, "Swimming really began to strengthen, condition and tone my body without those harsh, jarring effects of some of those other exercise programs."

#3 Body weight training (build)

Body weight training firms the female body without adding bulk. I have lifted weights, and I ended up working out harder and gaining weight. Muscle does weight more than fat, but I didn't like the shape my body took. I prefer a lean, toned body.

#4 Zumba (dance)

Women like to work out and socialize at the same time. Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D. Says, "Women like to talk and bond more, and are good at connecting with each other." Brownell is an obesity researcher at Yale University and author of "Food Fight." What else does Dr. Brownell say about us women? He says, "They're more likely to exercise with someone else."

In addition, Zumba works the hips and abs, which are trouble spots for many women.

#5 Kickboxing (feel and become strong)

Kickboxing makes women feel strong and powerful. It releases stress as you kick and punch the air. If you are feeling more stressed on a certain day, you have the liberty to put more energy and force into your movements. Kickboxing works the core, legs and arms. My favorite type of kickboxing is Turbo Kick.

Pick one or alternate between several. Workout at your level, and listen to your body.

More from Rebecca Bardelli:

Top Four Yoga Exercises To Help Women Feel Sexy

A closer look at Zumba

Christina Hendricks Talks About Health and Fitness: A Female's Reaction

Amenorrhea and Blood Clots Can Affect Female Athletes

Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting, and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). In addition, Rebecca is a former gymnast and is avid about swimming, yoga, and other athletic activities.

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Updated Monday, Nov 14, 2011