Step aside jazzercise classes, let’s bring out the weights! Even though weight training for females is becoming more popular, some people are still under the impression that weight training is only for men.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to worry about bulking up, building a lot of muscle is much harder than most people realize. The reason that men look bulkier than most women is due to the significantly higher amounts of testosterone in their bodies. Even though females also produce this hormone, it is in much lower quantities. You will end up building lean muscle mass, feel strong, and notice some muscle definition under the skin that will accentuate that beautiful physique of yours.
Have an injury and have your physio or chiro tell you that you should weight train? When done correctly, lifting weights will build strength, stability, and mobility in all the right places. Aside from those clear benefits, weight training also improves bone density, and strengthens your connective tissues, all resulting in helping injury prevention and bone loss. Weight training will also help improve your posture by strengthening the back and core muscles (especially a problem area if you spend a lot of time sitting). If that’s not enough of a reason to put on a little muscle mass, then how about speeding up your metabolism? For every 1 pound of lean muscle, your body will burn about 50 more calories per day!
When it comes to sport, and other activities, whether you are a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, weight training will immensely improve your speed, agility, power, and endurance! So if you feel like you’ve plateaued and aren’t improving in your sport, or are finding other activities difficult then make sure to include weight training as a part of your weekly program!
There are mental benefits to weight training also. Women who weight train report to have better moods, greater ability to deal with stress, reduced anxiety, and an overall greater sense of wellbeing. This is all thanks to the endorphins that are released when we exercise.
So if you needed a reminder to either get back to weight training, or an encouragement to start then this is it. Remember, it is absolutely key to perform weight training exercises with proper form. So don’t be shy, go ahead and call up that gym you’ve noticed to book in a session with a trainer that will work with you to get you on the right path!