The world of health and fitness has come a long way when it comes to gendered exercise associations. Gone are the days when the weights section was a male-only zone – nowadays, just as many men and women can be seen lifting barbells and working on their deadlift PB.

That’s good news – not just because women should feel comfortable in all areas of the gym, but because of the myriad of benefits strength training can offer women in particular.

We could tell you all about those benefits, but the best women for the job are those at the heart of the strength training world. So, we asked six female personal trainers to reflect not just on their own fitness journeys, but on how the weight training game is changing and what it can do for women.

Strength training: 6 PTs on why lifting weights is so good for women