Women also need strength training

Strength training is exercising with the goal of increasing your physical strength. It is done using weights. The common assumption is that only men should strength train. But it is equally important for women. Here’s why:

You will be physically stronger

Increasing your strength will have a positive impact on your daily living. Chores will be easier. Lifting kids, groceries and laundry will no longer make you run out of breath.

You will gain strength without bulk

Unlike men, women typically don’t gain size from strength training, because compared to men, women have ten to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle mass. You will, however, develop lean muscle tone and definition. This is a bonus.

Improves your athletic performance

Strength training improves athletic ability. Golfers can significantly increase their driving power. Cyclists are able to continue for longer periods of time with less fatigue. Whatever sport you play, strength training has been shown to improve overall performance as well as decrease the risk of injury.

Lose body fat

 An average woman who strength trains two to three times a week for two months will gain nearly two pounds of muscle and will lose 3.5 pounds of fat which eventually leads to nice body toning.

As your lean muscle increases, so does your resting metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories all day long. Generally speaking, for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35 to 50 more calories each day.

Reduces your risk of injury and back pain

Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability. This acts as reinforcement for the joints and prevent injury. Research also shows that strengthening the low-back muscles eliminates or alleviates pain in that area.

Reduces your risk of diabetes

Weight training may improve the way the body processes sugar, which reduces the risk of diabetes.

Reduces your risk of heart diseases

Weight training improves cardiovascular health by lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol, increasing ‘good’cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. When cardiovascular exercise is added, these benefits are maximised.

Improves your attitude and fight depression

Research has shown that strength training reduces clinical depression symptoms. Women who strength train report feeling more confident.

Decreases your risk of osteoporosis

Weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density (and enhance bone modelling) by 13 per cent in a couple of months. This, coupled with an adequate amount of dietary calcium, can be a women’s best defense against osteoporosis.

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