Strength training (or lifting weights) hardly sounds like a glamorous activity, but those whose job it is to look fabulous (like movie stars and models) know it's one of the best methods for getting a tight, sculpted look.

Muscle-bound men grunting, the clink of iron on iron, sweat – these are the sights, sounds and smells often associated with gyms and strength training. The truth is, anyone and everyone can and should lift weights if they’re serious about getting in shape and losing weight.

Strength training uses either specially designed machines or free weights (steel disks, long bars and short bars). Home exercises can also use exercise tubes or bands to simulate the resistance of real weight. You can use this equipment to strengthen and reshape every area of your body.

• Is there any other single workout that can increases bone density and muscle mass, helps improve athletic performance, sustain your metabolism so you continue to burn more fat and calories (this is especially important as you age or when you’re dieting), perk up your posture, boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself?
  
  
• All gyms and even the most basic exercise rooms in hotels have some weights, making it a workout you can do on the road.
  
  
• Even a minimal investment in a few dumbbells or some rubber exercise tubing can get you started with strength training at home.

• Gym memberships can be expensive, and home strength training equipment is not always of high quality.
  
  
• If you've never lifted before, you're probably going to need a few personal training sessions, which can run $50 to $150 an hour.
  
  
• At home space may be tight or you may have young children running around so having to store a bunch of weight equipment is not always ideal.