Why Women Should Lift Weights

Sometimes you will hear a woman say she wants to become fit but she will not weight train because she’s afraid that will make her bulky and that she will look manly and unattractive. Not only is this a myth, it also restricts many women from experiencing some of the great benefits of weight training.

Weight training is not only for men but can also be used by women to gain strength, lose weight, become fit and build self-confidence. Additionally, you can choose a programme to achieve your physical and aesthetic goals.

In relation to the bulk myth, it is more difficult for a woman to gain bulk than a man since men have more of the hormone that causes weight trainers to get really muscular. Therefore if you are reading this, don’t lose out on the benefits of weight training as a lady for fear of an inaccurate belief.

Look how great they look from weight training (Photo by joeduty)

• Losing body fat – Weight training results in tone and definition, enlarging muscle fibre. This muscle growth in turn increases the rate of metabolism, which allows women to burn fat more easily. Even in older persons, the increase in weight training helps improve metabolic lethargy.
  

• Physically stronger – You will be training yourself and your muscles to be physically stronger, increasing your endurance for your life such as work, family and recreation. It will also allow you to complete your daily activities that require lifting, pushing and pulling such as grocery shopping and laundry.
  

• Reduced risk of osteoporosis – Weight training along with an appropriate diet can increase bone density, thus, lessening your risk for osteoporosis. This is especially beneficial for women as we have a higher chance of developing this disease.
  

• Strengthen joints – Our joints are less prone to injury as weight training strengthens the ligaments and tendons that support these body parts. Overall, our increase in strength improves our ability to recover from any injury we may get.

With these benefits in mind, it is advisable that all women do some strength training. It does not have to be complex or very time consuming but should fit into your lifestyle to suit your own personal strength and other exercise goals. Remember, as in anything else, to be balanced in your training and to consistently train all muscle groups to avoid any imbalance, especially in posture and muscle tone.