Five Common Myths About Strength Training for Women |
4 Comments |
|
Women should embrace strength training
"Atlas, eat your heart out"
When it comes to strength training, many women are under the impression that the term refers to bodybuilding. The mental image is that you will be bulking up instead of getting fit. There are many different myths about strength training for women that are very prevalent. In an effort to help dispel these myths I’ve put together the most common and then discussed the real facts about strength training.
- Strength training will make me bulky - Out of all the common myths about strength training for women this is probably the one that is the most popular. While it is true that you will be building muscles this is not mean you will end up looking like a bodybuilder. In fact, the only way that women can add this much muscle is either through the introduction of hormones or if they are someone who simply builds muscle at an incredible rate. The majority of women do not have this problem.
- Strength training is really only for men - This is another common fallacy but in reality women can reap many benefits from strength training. Whether it is simply adding more lean muscle mass or strengthening bones, this training can actually be quite beneficial. When done properly strength training has the potential to reduce the risks of osteoarthritis as well as osteoporosis.
- Strength training is too difficult - While this type of training does involve lifting weights, that does not mean that you’ll have the bench press 500 pounds. The right kind of strength training involves using weights that will provide resistance and require you to put forth some effort to move them but that does not mean they have to be overly heavy. Whether you are working on your own or with a trainer, you will be able to pick the right weight that will give you the results you are looking for.
- Strength training will make my butt look big - For many women this is an actual concern but it is yet another myth about strength training. While there are exercises that will increase the muscles in your rear you do not have to focus on this area as much. In fact, in many cases strength training will help get rid of the fat that collects back there and help your rear end actually looks smaller. The key is doing the right exercises that will help you minimize this area instead of making it larger. (Plus, some men like a more muscular butt.)
- Strength training is all about lifting weights - While strength training does involve the use of weights, it is more about building actual strength in many different ways. Whether you are trying circuit training, resistance training, or mixing it all up a little there are many different forms of strength training that are ideal for women.
If you are interested in strength training now is the perfect time to discuss your options with a personal trainer. I would also recommend spending a little time on the fantastic blog, Strong Lifts. While you can get started on strength training on your own it does help to have a solid foundation to make sure that you are doing all the exercises properly.
Featured Information
This post deals with:strength training, women
... and focuses on:Exercise
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Del.icio.us
PropellerNext: Great Walking Exercises
August 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
people really think it’s too difficult?!
(love strong lifts)
August 27th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
[...] Lazy Man covers Common Female Strength Training Misconceptions. [...]
September 1st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
This post says it all!! Strength training is often overlooked by women who think they are going to get bulky. However strength training is a very important part of a weight loss and an exercise program. Muscle is metabolically active tissue and needs energy to sustain itself. This leads to an increased metabolism, which can help get you over a plateau. An increase in metabolism is especially important for anyone past their 20’s. We all lose muscle mass as we age which causes a drop in metabolism over time. This can not be prevented, but can be slowed down with strength training.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:17 am
You can’t write about women & weights without linking to stumptuous … seriously. Krysta is probably responsible for more women lifting to exhaustion than any other blogger.
I’m out of shape after a workoholic summer, but the only thing that can get me back to my college weight (and better, figure-wise) is lifting heavy. Plus, it’s fun.
The only good reason I’ve ever come up with that women may avoid lifting is to avoid the child-men preening and BS-ing in the free weights area of every gym. Which I can relate to.