Heading to the gym in women's fitness wear could help women protect against illnesses such as diabetes later in life, it has been claimed.

Studies carried out by a research team at Virginia Tech University indicate that resistance training can benefit muscle function and may improve insulin and glucose metabolism, helping to prevent the onset of diabetes.

Richard Winett, Heilig Meyers professor of psychology in the College of Science and director of the Center for Research in Health Behavior and the clinical science program at Virginia Tech, commented that in the past the benefits of resistance training have focussed on building strength and maintaining lean body mass.

He added: "However lab-gym based studies have shown that resistance training has other potential benefits for prevention and treatment of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes, and some people may find this form of exercise more appealing."

Earlier this week, the Daily Telegraph reported comments by Dr Timothy Church that many people undo the hard work they put in at the gym by eating unhealthy food afterwards. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19331419-ADNFCR

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