Should women be lifting weights?

Have you thought about doing some weightlifting but always feared that in the end you will look like Arnold Schwarzenegger which might not look all to attractive on a female body in your mind?

Don’t worry! If you want a strong, healthy body then weights and strength training is definitely one way to go and the road to a true body builder body is long, if you feel it is getting too much you can change your program anytime!

A friend of mine got into weight training in a big way. When she started out, very often she was only one of a few women in the weights room at the gym and it made her feel self-conscious being the only female in this testosterone-filled room. She wore headphones to keep focused but she could feel the eyes burning into her as she pumped iron. She stuck with it, and got herself incredibly fit and super strong.

Women often asked her 'aren't you scared of getting too bulky?' but she said it wasn't a concern. If they knew the level of dedication and sacrifice it takes to gain even the slightest bit of muscle then they would see why that is an outdated myth.

The female body just isn't built that way, and even if you train with heavy weights you are not going to become Superman overnight (or ever, for that matter).

What you ARE likely to get is lean muscle, which will give you what is often referred to as a 'toned' physique. We just don't have the same hormones in our system that enable men to develop big muscles.

Fact is:

BURN MORE FAT - Regular strength and resistance training will help you build lean muscle. The great news is that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns during the day. It speeds up your resting metabolism. That means that you can get away with eating more food and your body becomes a fat-burning machine!

PROTECT YOUR BACK - Weight training can protect your back against all sorts of illnesses like slipped discs or even arthritis. Regular strength exercise will increase the function of your muscles in the back, core, and glutes, which will help reduce the amount of pain over time. By strengthening the spine and stabilising the muscles, you will reduce your risk of injury too.

CORRECT POSTURE - Some exercises can help to correct your posture. A common issue is poor posture caused by sitting hunched over a computer, and if your body isn't aligned correctly you may feel tense. Good posture will work wonders for your self-esteem too!

PROTECT AGAINST AGEING - Evidence also suggests that regular weight training can increase bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Older women should be doing more weights and resistance training to help guard against the effects of ageing.

So, forget the myths and pre-conceptions. If you want a strong, healthy body then weight training is definitely one way to go!