Weight lifting for women
Women tend to avoid weight lifting as part of their exercise regimen thinking
that they will end up with muscle bulk and somehow look more masculine. This is
a myth that has long gone around the fitness circuit but is absolutely false. It
is actually quite difficult for a woman to bulk up like a man as much of that
ability comes from the predominantly male hormone testosterone. While women have
a small amount of testosterone naturally, it is not in the amount to give the
same effect as on a man.
For women, weight lifting and strength training
resistance exercises provide numerous benefits to the body. It strengthens the
musculoskeletal system overall and helps maintain flexibility, strength and
endurance. Research has shown these types of exercise help to prevent loss of
body mass (sarcopenia) and osteoporosis that are common as women age.
Weight lifting helps women with overall muscle conditioning which is crucial to
the stability and strength of the body. This muscle conditioning also helps with
creating stronger bones and joints as they become denser with the stress put on
the connecting muscles. Weight lifting also strengthens the tendons, ligaments
and other connective tissues along with the muscles. Simple regular maintenance
will keep the bones and muscle systems strong throughout your life.
Your muscular system is like a network as it is
interconnected – neck, shoulder, back, hip and stomach muscles all work together
for instance. Strengthening this network of muscles with weight lifting
exercises will help your posture so that you find that you sit and stand
straighter while still being comfortable. It can even improve stability and
overall balance so that you are more agile.
Studies have long shown that for women, regular weight lifting exercise is one
of the top ways to manage stress more effectively. Weight training as a part of
your exercise regimen will help you fall asleep faster and get a better quality
of sleep. That is a large part in allowing your body to manage stress as poor
sleep can cause more stress on the body and the mind.
Weight lifting is for women one of the best forms of exercise for those who want
to lose or maintain a weight goal. Because muscle tissue burns more calories
than fat does, any increase in muscle mass will help boost the metabolism. As
your metabolic rate goes up, it becomes easier to lose weight as your body
consumes calories at a greater rate. Even when you don't lose weight (since
muscle also weighs more than fat), you'll see results in lower body fat and a
smaller waistline.
Women who haven't started a weight training program yet, shouldn’t despair as
it's never too late : as long as you are fit for regular exercise, you can
slowly start adding some weight lifting to your routine. Each day becomes a
little easier and you will soon see results in both how you look and how you
feel.