Weight training is a world of exercise that is not only for men. Women, for one reason or another, tend to stick with cardio and think that’s the only way to get fit. Maybe it’s because there is a fear of getting manly features. Is there a chance that working out around grunting men and complicated machines is intimidating? It might be a combination of a few factors. Throughout my years I have seen numerous women hold back on weights or completely ignore them because of those fears. I want to bring the truth out into the light and let all the women know that weight training is NOT a guy workout only. Here are 7 reasons that women should lift weights.
1 – Lose Body Fat
Weight training burns more body fat than cardio. If you train at a high intensity you will even keep burning calories with an elevated metabolism for multiple hours after your workout.
A study done by Wayne Westcott, PhD, claims that an average woman weight lifting about 3 times a week will lose almost 4 pounds of fat in 2 months.
This will also cause you to gain lean muscle, which elevates your metabolic rate even at rest. That means you’re constantly burning more calories than someone with less muscle.
2 – You Won’t Bulk Up Like A Man
Some women are terrified of the fact that they may end up looking manly. The fact is that women have up to 30 times less of the hormones needed to build massive muscles, like testosterone.
You still have the capability to get tone and lean, but there is no way to build muscle like a man unless you are taking some unnatural substances.
3 – Get Physically Stronger
Your muscles don’t have to grow to get stronger. The neuromuscular connection between your brain and your muscle tissue has a lot to do with strength.
Lifting weights and practicing complex full body movements improves the way that muscles respond to your nervous system. That alone will make you stronger.
Guess what that means? You don’t have to depend on the guys to open up cans of pickles anymore. Daily chores will become easier, like picking up kids or heavy objects.
Studies show that women can gain strength at the same rate as men.
4 – Prevent Osteoporosis
As women age they are at a much higher risk for osteoporosis, which is when bone density declines. Severe osteoporosis can cause bones to fracture easily because they get extremely fragile.
Weight training places stress on the bones which increases the bone mineral density. As women age it would be smart to also take a calcium supplement in order to prevent osteoporosis.
5 – Prevent Injuries and Body Pain
Weight training strengthens connective tissue, joints, and stabilizer muscles. Studies show that strengthening the lower back muscles can rid lower back pain by 80%.
Strong tendons and ligaments are important to prevent injury. Just like muscle and bone, placing stress on those tissues will make them stronger.
6 – Lower Your Chance Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is out of control, especially across the United States. It claims more lives than anything else.
Weight training lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of cholesterol in the body. That reduces stress on the heart which significantly reduces its chance of failing.
7 – Look More Toned
Losing weight is all fine and dandy, but if you want to look your best you have to tighten up by adding lean muscle. Cardio will help you lose weight, but loose skin doesn’t particularly look all that good.
Adding a touch of lean muscle will make your body tight and toned. The most important part is how it effects your confidence. The better you look, the better you feel. People will notice your confidence and your body.
I hope these 7 reasons that women should lift weights gives you the confidence and motivation to not hold back. Don’t be afraid to get in in the mix and show the guys how to really lift weights. If anything, they will be really impressed. There is a ton of health benefits that you get along with all that attention. If you liked the article please share it with your friends on facebook. You may also be interested in The Basics Of Toning Your Legs.
About Adam Pegg
