7 Reasons Why Women Should Weight Train
By Gavin Gillibrand
7 Reasons why I believe women “Must” use weights or resistance training
Many women (not all) are stuck in the mindset of using cardio to get results from their gym efforts and find themselves not getting the results they desire.
First of all, lets look at some of the common myths and concerns that I hear on a daily basis in the gym and why they prefer cardio to weight training.
1) They feel intimidated by the weights and other men.
2) They don’t want to “get bulky” and they believe that lighter weights (pink ones) and cardio is the best way to “trim and tone”
3) They have tried weight training before but didn’t get results.
4) They are not sure what they are supposed to be lifting or how often.
These are all genuine concerns that most females have when entering a gym and these concerns reinforce why they shouldn’t be weight training. On top of that, we still have the media producing total junk in women’s magazines and so-called “celebrity trainers” and “C” list soap stars coming out with Aerobic DVD’s on how they shed 2 stone in 8 weeks jumping around in a leotard. Of course you did!
Lets look at some genuine facts about why women not only benefit from weights or resistance training, but how it can make a massive improvement to their health and longevity.
1) Weight training is the #1 fat burner on the market.
Weight training will build a little muscle without making you bulky. A weights workout will continue to burn calories and keep your metabolism elevated for up-to 48 hrs after your workout. What this means is that you lose body fat, tone up and get back into those skinny jeans in double-quick time.
2) With weights you will gain strength but not bulk.
Women do not have enough of the muscle-building hormone Testosterone to build a significant amount of muscle. A strong muscle is lean, toned, defined and looks great in clothes 🙂
3) You decrease your risk of Osteoporosis.
As a woman ages, her risk of Osteoporosis rises. Weight training from age 20+ can minimise this risk by strengthening bone mineral density by up to 13% within 6 months of training.
4) Less chance of injury.
Weight training not only strengthens your muscle, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability. This means you will be less likely to injure yourself and reduces your chances of back pain and Arthritis as you get older.
5) Improve any sporting performance.
Weight training is used by every single sportsman and women. Golfers get a stronger swing which means they can hit the ball further. Skiers reduce their chance of injury and runners or triathletes can improve their performance with heavy weights and low reps on their legs. Whatever your sport or hobbie, weight training will enhance your performance.
6) Your risk of Diabetes is severely reduced.
Weight training improves the way your body deals with sugar and insulin and will increase glucose utilization by 23%. This means that you can handle poor food choices better than someone who doesn’t weight train. Don’t use this as an excuse for a bad diet but if you do slip up your body can deal with this more efficiently.
7) Beat the Blues.
Women who weight train have reported that they felt not only physically stronger, but also mentally stronger in life which can help beat depression. It can also give a female confidence when she sees herself improving in the gym and lifting heavier weights.
Ok, so I know I said 7 reasons but here is the bonus reason #8
8) It makes you sexy!
Yes that’s right. You lose body fat, get a small, lean, tight, toned body that looks good in and out of clothes. You feel confident, stronger mentally and physically and all the other health benefits add to up to the makings of a desirable sexy woman.
Train hard, live easy.
Gavin @ Ultimate City Fitness
Gavin Gillibrand BSc. Fat loss and Body Transformation Expert in the City of London, UK Please visit our website http://ultimatecityfitness.com for more great articles like this and how you can get and stay in your best shape ever
