For decades, a majority of men have discovered the many benefits of weight lifting for getting in shape and ensuring one’s overall health. However, very few women have yet to start strength training. In a survey conducted in 20,000 gyms across the UK, it was found that while cardio usage was equally split between men and women, only 7% of free weight users are female. Fear of getting bulky and other misconceptions are causing women to shy away from the free weights room, that’s why it’s important to debunk these myths once and for all and find out how strength training can be beneficial to a woman’s health.
The surprising benefits of weight training
We’re all familiar with how weight training can give you strong and toned muscles, but did you know that strength training can have a positive impact on bone density? Resistance training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition can affect a majority of women during their menopausal years. Moreover, weightlifting can boost your confidence as the stronger you become, the more motivated you are to lift weights. It’s a huge morale booster, especially once you find that you can lift more than most men in the gym. These reasons, along with other health benefits, prove why it’s so important for more women to start lifting weights today. Still not convinced? Here, we debunk a couple of weight training myths for women.
Weight lifting can make you look bulky
For most women, fear of getting bulky is the top reason why they’re avoiding the weight room at all costs. While it is possible to get big muscles while weightlifting, it’s extremely difficult to get all bulked up unless you drastically change your diet, alter your hormone balance, and dedicate most of your days to weight lifting. Otherwise, expect to get toned and strong muscles if you do strength training for 15 minutes a day, at least three times a week.
Only men can do it
Keep in mind that women are just as capable of pressing out a few chest reps or lifting weights at the gym. If you’re strength training for the first time in your life, you probably shouldn’t start out by trying to lift the same weights as your male workout buddies, don’t be afraid to get in the weight room and start picking up some free weights.
The treadmill is all a woman needs to get fit
Not all women have the same fitness goals. While some may be logging a bit of extra time on the treadmill to sweat out that extra 20lbs, others simply want to be stronger, while some want to have defined muscles. Amazingly, weight lifting can help to achieve all three fitness goals. Strength training can increase aerobic performance, promote weight loss, and give you a more defined physique.
For better health, try weight lifting and see how it benefits you. Keep your fitness goals in mind, train effectively, and see what a difference weight training can do for your body.
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