Whether you're a yoga, HIIT or barrecore kinda girl, chances are, you're pretty content with your current workout routine.

But according to Pinterest, saves for 'strength training' is up a huge 415%, as the fitness focus is moving away from losing weight to discovering what the body can do - and it's not all about bulging muscles.

Personal trainers argue that incorporating strength training into your workout routine can boost endorphins - instantly slashing stress and anxiety and whatever else comes with a hectic day in the office - while improving energy levels, posture and sleep patterns.

Yep, we're sold already.

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What Is Strength Training?

Strength training is all-over-body exercise that uses resistance to build muscle, but that doesn't mean you'll end up looking massive. In fact, far from it.

'Absolutely everyone - young, old, man or woman - benefits from strength training,' says celebrity personal trainer, Peter Maciver AKA PMac, 'but there are misconceptions which have deterred women in particular from heading to the weights or dumbbells.'

'For many, there's a fear that they will bulk up, but strength training is the key to achieving definition in your arms, legs and everywhere else, giving you that toned physique so many people are after. These changes will help improve your overall health and well-being, too.'

What Are The Benefits Of Strength Training?

1. Strength Training Can Nip Stress And Anxiety In The Bud

Kick the crystals and essential oils to the kerb for a minute, because strength training could be the answer to a clearer mind, and anything that makes us feel a little lighter gets our vote.

'Research shows that even short periods of strength training may produce small improvements in anxiety and lower stress levels - this is because it releases endorphins,' says Ashley Verma, founder of DEFINE.London. 'It may only briefly reduce stress each time, however, as time goes on, experts believe it'll lead to a more positive perspective to fight the unsettled negativity of stress.'

Even better? Peter argues that strength training can boost energy levels and endurance and even out sleep patterns. See ya, insomnia.

2. Strength Training Can Bolster Weak Joints And Crush Pain

Anyone with weak knees knows that it can be painful and exhausting. Take the stairs? We'd rather not. But doing even a few lower body strength training exercises for 15 minutes daily has the ability to completely change that.

'An inactive lifestyle results in people becoming gradually weaker over time,' says Ashley, 'but muscle mass allows us to move more and to do more in life. It allows people to become more engaged with their personal fitness and to explore what their bodies can really do.'

3. Your Body Works Hard Even After You've Stopped Strength Training

Overindulged lately? Strength training has got your back.

'The more muscle you have, the more body weight you burn at resting heart rate,' says Peter. In other words, if you work with weights, or use your own body weight for strength, your body keeps on working to burn off calories even after you've stopped lifting.

Clever, right?

4. You Can Strength Train In The Comfort Of Your Own Home

If you aren't keen on taking out a gym membership, that's totally OK. You hardly need any equipment to do most strength training exercises, just a little space, and Ashley even suggests doing them in the office.

'Strength training is an excellent workout method for anyone, including busy people who don't have time to hit the gym, as it comes in far more accessible forms which you can do at home,' she says. 'That's why its popularity is growing. You can do strength training in ad breaks while watching television - each moment counts - and more often than not, all you need is your own body weight to create work for your muscles.'

5. Strength Training Will Make You Look A Hell Of A Lot More Toned

Ditch the notion that strength training will make you beefy - it won't. Sure, cardio will burn calories, but it's strength training that'll give you a super-defined physique, especially if you stick at it.

'Don't be scared of the word muscle,' says Peter. 'What makes you 'big' is pushing weights that challenge you and that are heavy. 'Bodyweight' weight will only get you toned. You'll feel tighter, stronger and firmer - a toned, feminine physique.'

7 Simple Strength Training Exercises To Master At The Gym Or At Home

1. Push Ups - 10 Reps, 4 Sets

'This is an upper-body strengthening exercise,' says Peter. 'It requires no equipment and works your arms back and shoulders. In the process, you'll gain upper body strength and the more comfortable you get, the more reps you can add.'

With your hands flat on the ground and shoulder width apart, push your body weight straight up with your toes resting in the ground. Lower your body back to the ground and repeat.

2. Squats - 10 Reps, 4 Sets

Toned legs a la Gigi Hadid? Don't mind if we do - but Peter says not to be put off by the word building.

'This just means creating muscle,' he says. 'Not only will this exercise help with cellulite but it can help to build and lift the bum, as it works your quads, hamstring and glutes.'

Simply stand with your feet shoulder width apart and pointing slightly outwards. Then, lower your knees to a 90-degree angle, as if you're about to sit down. To take things up a notch, practise this while holding weights.

3. Clean And Press - 10 Reps, 4 Sets

One for the gym, this is a full-body workout, and according to Peter, works every single muscle. You will need a barbell, though.

It's three movements in one: A deadlift (a lift from standing position - sit back into a squat position and reach down to pick up the barbell), an upright row (lifting the barbell up to shoulder height) and a shoulder press (holding the weight at shoulder height and extending your arms right up).

'There's no right weight for this,' says Peter, 'but it should be a struggle at rep 7.' And if you're a beginner, build up to it, or enlist a personal trainer for guidance.

4. Pull-Ups - One Clean Rep And Build It Up

This one includes monkey bars, so get yourself down to the gym or your local park.

'Place your hands on the bar, hold your body weight, and pull yourself up,' says Peter. Simple, yes, but it'll work your back, arms and improve your posture. 'To give you a helping hand, use a resistance band, which will give you assistance to help pull you up if you can't carry your own weight. If you're at the gym, you can even use a machine. The heavier the weight, the easier it becomes to push you up.'

5. Dips - 10 Reps, 4 Sets

Not into lifting weights? Try this instead.

'Dips is a great exercise for building triceps and toning your chest,' says Peter. 'You're not pushing weights, just your own body weight.'

'Position two chairs hip-width apart and place your hands to the back of you on each chair, then extend your legs in front of you and bend your elbows. If your elbows are tight together at the back, it'll work your triceps more.'

6. Lunges - 10 Reps, 3 Sets

This is probably one of the easiest exercises to strengthen your lower body muscles, it just requires a bit of space.

Simply lunge forward on your right leg and continue onto your left leg, alternating as you move forward. It's likely to get your heart pumping, too.

7. Wall Sits - 10 Reps, 4 Times A Day

This is basically a squat (with your feet shoulder width apart) but your back needs to be flat against the wall. Slowly slide down until your legs are bent at a right angle and hold for as long as you can.

If you have weak joints, incorporate this move into your routine when you've mastered the rest.

Happy training.