There is a big misconception going around about lifting weights. The notion is that women will get bulky the instant that they start weight lifting, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is that weight lifting and strength training will help you get that toned, slim look you are wanting!
Here’s the deal: the more muscle you have, the less fat you will have. Lifting weights will make you stronger and help your body burn fat quicker! As women, we are just not built to get Hulk-like muscle without steroids or crazy supplements. Women don’t have the testosterone levels to build muscle to the level that men do. Isn’t that a relief?!
Now that we’ve debunked the rumour that weight lifting makes you bulky, let’s chat more about the benefits of weight lifting and strength training, so you can see how this can truly transform your body and up your fitness level.
One of the best reasons to lift weights, is that weight lifting helps you lose body fat. Lifting gives you more muscle, and muscles are more metabolically active. And when your metabolism is more active, you burn a lot more calories.
With cardio, you can burn say 500 calories in one hour, whereas when you’ve lifted, you can burn DOUBLE that over 24hrs. Yes, strength training does double duty – working for you long after your workout is done.
Weight lifting helps you gain strength. And trust me, there is not better feeling than feeling capable and strong. Getting stronger means you’re able to go through your daily routine with ease. Climbing stairs, lifting things at work, picking up your kids/nephews/puppies, even being able to help push a broken down van to the mechanic.. Yeah, I did that on my birthday last year. All the mechanics couldn’t believe I was the one pushing it. Happy Birthday to me 🙂 Basically, life becomes easier when you are lifting weights! And you become even more bad ass. /puts sunnies on/
Lifting weights also helps reduce your risk of injury. With strong muscles, you can protect your surrounding bones & joints. Not only that, you can also improve your posture, reduce body aches & pain, and reduce stress!
So now that you know all of the amazing benefits of weight lifting, and that there’s no way it will make you turn into the Hulk…are you ready to try it?! Take that step out of your comfort zone and try it out the next time you’re in the gym. Even if you start simple, by grabbing a heavier kettlebell/band/plate/etc. Just remember, everyone starts somewhere—and it will give you so much more compared to spending an hour on the treadmill will.
Deanna