The Physical And Mental Benefits Of Weight Training For All Women

Ladies, if you have been hiding in the cardio rooms of your gym, it’s time to venture to a new realm. Move on over to the weight room, aka Iron Paradise! Some women view it as “The Dark Side” of the gym because they have heard far too many silly rumors about the combination of women plus weights or they are worried about lifting amongst their male counterparts. Well, it’s time to understand the reasons that lifting is beneficial both physically and mentally for women of all ages.

Physical Benefits Of Lifting:

You Are Going To Look GOOD

First things first- Ladies, your scale is a filthy liar. Throw it out. Muscle weighs more than fat, so invest in a tape measure and record the inches you lose instead of pounds. If you do not know how to take measurements, watch the short YouTube video: How To Measure Yourself For Weight Loss by Lindsay Brin.

Lifting Will Change Your Body Shape

Have you ever stared at “that girl” in the gym that has an ass that defies gravity? I bet you see her in the weight room more than on the treadmill. She knows that the secret to sculpting her body is not just on cardio machines. She knows that she has to work those major muscle groups, like her glutes, as a regular part of her workout regimen as well.

Muscular development has a profound impact on the shape of your body. You can even target areas to change the shape of your body. For instance, you can work on increasing the width of your shoulders and back, and that gives you the appearance of having a smaller waist.

Keep in mind…

To see your muscles, you will need to eat properly, but fat burning is probably also on your agenda if you are looking for a change.

READ Nutritional Supplements - Weight Lifting Vs. Cardio

Muscles Blast Fat During And After Lifting

Many people have the false impression that lifting weights is only for muscle-bound meat heads who want to break out of their shirts like The Incredible Hulk. This is simply not the case. Numerous studies show that conditioning your muscles and building lean muscle mass in conjunction with proper nutrition helps your body to incinerate fat.

This is because the larger your muscles are, the more energy they need to sustain themselves. Not only will you burn more fat and calories while you exercise, you will burn more fat and calories while you are at rest. Your body becomes an efficient machine.

Lift at least 2-3 times per week for 30-60 minutes per session.

READ BodyBuilding And Teenagers: Does Weight Lifting Stunt Growth?

Strengthened Bones

Osteoporosis is more common in women than it is in men, and the risk of this condition increases with age due to loss of bone mass. One of the best ways for women to combat osteoporosis is to lift weights. This is because strength training over time helps to prevent bone loss and may actually help women to build new bone. Shaw goes on to say that many women see density increase in the hip bones and spine which are two areas most highly impacted by osteoporosis. No matter your age, it’s never too late to pump iron, and you don’t have to lift heavy to reap the benefits- just lift.

Mental Benefits Of Weight Lifting

You Are Going To Feel Great

Lifting is a mood and confidence booster. Don’t be intimidated by the men or women lifting near you. Chrissie Jacobs, an ASCM-HFI certified personal trainer, nutritionist, gym owner, and women’s physique competitor says, “Weight training can be intimidating.  But remember, the girl next to you isn’t your competition.  The competition is the girl you were yesterday.  Set goals and work towards them one day at a time.”

Jacobs agrees that self-improvement is a great reason to lift, and here are a few other reasons:

Lifting Got Ya Feeling Like She-ra, Princess Of Power

There is nothing more empowering than being a physically strong female. When you push weights, I promise that you will feel powerful. And there is something fierce about a woman who can move a respectable amount of weight.

If you don’t know how to lift properly, invest in a personal trainer for 6-12 sessions. Let them show you how to train properly with weights so that you don’t look neurotic in the weight room and so you don’t put yourself at risk of injury.

If you don’t have money for a personal trainer there are millions of YouTube videos that will walk you step by step on the proper form of ANY exercise that you can think of. You can also find prepared workout routines online or in fitness magazines like FitnessRx or Muscle and Fitness Hers.

Watch out because you’re going to be unstoppable in every aspect of your life once you conquer the weight room Ms. Princess of Power!!

READ Post Workout Nutrition For Weight Lifting Routines

Bad Mood Betty Becomes Good Mood Glenda

Are you pissy and tired after a long day at work? You just want to go home and have a glass of wine?

STOP!

Wine could further your bad mood. Lifting, however, can help your body release endorphins that are natural mood enhancers. Exercise is like a natural form of caffeine. Regular exercise relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood.

You will feel better when you work off that long, stressful day, and you’ll be healthier too.

READ Cardio vs Weight Lifting

Social Hub Where Women Support Other Women

Far too often women are hating on each other and tearing each other down instead of building each other up. No woman lifting in the gym who looks perfect started out that way. Everyone in the weight room had humble beginnings just like you as you start your journey. If you strike up a conversation with a woman in the gym, chances are you will find great comradery. Women who lift have a special bond with one another. They know what kind of work it takes to be a weight room diva, and they respect one another because they understand the effort and the struggle.

Once you become a weight room diva make sure to pass along your knowledge and kindness to those you see embarking on their journey as well.

There is a saying, “Once you start seeing results, it becomes an addiction.” It’s true! Lifting weights is terribly addicting. You will realize you are strong both mentally and physically and probably become a life-long lifter. Make sure that you don’t completely alienate your cardio, but DO get in that weight room and change your fit life.