Thursday, January 5, 2012

Why Women Should Lift Weights


Many women feel if they lift weights they will become muscular and “manly” looking. I hear it all they time. However, it simply is not true. You will develop sleek and beautiful muscle; you look toned and more lean; you will have curves – but you will not look “manly”! So don’t be afraid to go for the iron!

Research shows there are many reasons a woman should lift weights. Here are a few.

You will be physically stronger
If your maximum strength is increased, daily tasks and routine exercise will be far less likely to cause injury. Research studies conclude that even moderate weight training can increase a woman's strength by 30 to 50 percent

You will lose body fat
As your lean muscle increases so does your resting metabolism and you burn more calories all day long. Generally speaking, for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35 to 50 more calories each day. That can really add up.

You will tone without bulk
Researchers also found that unlike men, women typically don't gain size from strength training, because compared to men; women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy.

You Will Reduce Your Risk of Injury 
Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability. This acts as reinforcement for the joints and helps prevent injury

You Will Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.
According to Dr. Barry A. Franklin, of William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, weight training can improve cardiovascular health in several ways, including lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. When cardiovascular exercise is added, these benefits are maximized.

You Will Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes.
Weight training may improve the way the body processes sugar, which may reduce the risk of diabetes. Research indicates that weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23 percent in four months.

It Is Never Too Late To Benefit.
Women in their 70s and 80s have built up significant strength through weight training and studies show that strength improvements are possible at any age. Note, however, that a strength training professional should always supervise older participants.

You Will Improve Your Attitude And Fight Depression.
A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did. Women who strength train commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their program, all important factors in fighting depression.

14 comments:

Kathy said...

I have always dropped weight and gotten lean more from lifting weights than cardio. It's a much more efficient workout!

Rachelle Q said...

Thank you for this post. I always tell my friends and family that they need to strength train and they never listen! I am forwarding this post on to them:)

getfitchick said...

Thank you for forwarding Hiker Mom!

Maria said...

Great article. With the guidance of a personal trainer and strength training, I am in the best shape of my life and getting stronger every day.

Maria said...

Great article. With the guidance of a personal trainer and lots of strength training, I am now in the best shape of my life.

Janice said...

Not only is it good for you, it is so much fun! I try telling others my age (50's) but they are unwilling to try. Thanks to a wonderful trainer and the Crossfit community, I am in better shape now then when I was in my 20's!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I love lifting weights. I think a lot of women are hesitant to try it because when you walk into the gym, all the guys stare at you when you pick up the dumbbells!

jillconyers said...

Great info! I just blogged about strength training. After starting 15 months ago I realized I should have started sooner.

Thanks for linking up this week!

Unknown said...

I have really fallen in love with weight training. I love bodyrock and just going to the gym and doing free weights! Its great that it has so many benefits!

Lisa said...

Great post. Too bad many women shy away from weight training, I love it, it's the only thing that helps to shape and lean out my body!
visiting from Fitness Friday bloghop! :)

getfitchick said...

Thank you for sharing ladies!

KEFFitness87 said...

Agreed!! When my first fitness journey started when I was 15, the trainer I was working with recommended weight training but I was too scared bc I thought I would bulk up! He told me to trust him and I would see results. It was a slow process at first but once I incorporated more cardio the pounds just fell off! I'm a believer!!

Coming from the FFBH!! Already a subscriber to your awesome blog!!

www.lgifit.com

Laura said...

This is a great reminder! I only did cardio for years, but finally started strength training a year or two ago and feel so much stronger. I still prefer cardio, so I just need to find the motivation to stick with it!

momto8 said...

yes I agree..and I am living proof!!
I am your newest follow..pls follow back if you can!