Women should lift weights. There we said it. By ‘lifting weights’ we don’t mean those adorable little 3 pound dumb bells. I mean, your purse weighs more than that! No, by ‘lifting’ we are talking about building true strength, power, and fitness. Unfortunately, too many women still believe the myth that lifting weights or doing actual strength training (remember, those adorable 3 pounders don’t count!) will result in huge, bulky bodies. Not true! Lifting weights can help women get slim, toned, and looking amazing!
Here are our top 10 reasons why women should lift weights:
1. You’ll Lose More Fat
Researchers from Penn State found that those who lift weights shed six more pounds of fat than those other dieters who only did aerobic exercise. Dieters and chronic cardio fanatics may lose weight, but research has shown that a quarter of weight-loss from non-lifters was muscle loss. Want to lose the right kind of weight? Lift.
2. Your metabolism will soar
Did you know that losing muscle mass can cause your metabolism to slow down? When women lift weights they build essential muscle mass that keeps their metabolism roaring.
3. Hourglass Figure
When women lift weights they build muscle that brings out that awesome hourglass shape.
4. Your Clothes Will Fit Better
As we lose our muscle mass it’s usually replaced with fat, particularly around the midsection. But when women lift weights they are more easily able to keep a hip to waist ratio that not only makes your clothes fit better, but also has a correlation to better overall health.
5. You’ll have stronger bones, and reduce your risk of osteoporosis
Lifting weights is especially important for women who tend to suffer from osteoporosis more as they age.
6. You’ll reduce back pain
Weight lifting can strengthen key muscles in the whole body when done correctly (hint: forget the weight machines!). Back pain can be greatly reduced as you strengthen the core, back, legs, and improve your posture through quality weight training.
7. You’ll Burn More Calories
Did you know that weight lifting continues to burn calories even after your workout is done? That’s because after each strength workout, your muscles need energy to repair their fibers.
8. Better Sleep
Strength training can improve sleep quality and aid in your ability to fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake less often during the night.
9. Overall Health
Research has shown that weight lifting can improve heart health, bone health, brain health, and improve overall mood and energy.
10. A Long Life
University of South Carolina researchers found that total-body strength is linked to lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
So… women, it’s time to step up to that bar and get lifting!