Are you afraid of weight training? Scared you are going to end up looking like a woman version of The Hulk? Think again… There are SOOOO many benefits to strength training for women and the chances of you becoming the above is pretty much zero – our hormones pretty much do not allow our bodies to create enough testosterone to build that type of figure! 

So here are 5 Reasons why YOU should start lifting weights and doing resistance training TODAY!!

 

1. BONE HEALTH:

Lifting weights has been proven by many, many studies to increase your bone density. This may not seem important now but as we age as women in particular our bones weaken and become harder to strengthen. Your 60 year old body will thank you later. This is also important as a Mummy as your bones can weaken from pregnancy.

 

2.  MUSCLES SPEED UP YOUR METABOLISM:

In the past we all have recognised cardio as being the only way to loose weight through exercise BUT this is not true, the effect weight training has your metabolism causes it to be one of the most effective ways to loose weight. Basically, the more muscle you have the faster your metabolism is!! AMAZING!

 

3. EFFECTIVE FAT LOSS NOT MUSCLE LOSS:

Weight training is MUCH more effective at burning fat rather than muscle therefore you will become leaner and more toned rather than just skinny and flabby! Resistance training will also help you burn extra calories after you stop training for the next 48 hours as your body requires more energy to repair the muscle! BONUS

 

4. QUALITY SLEEP:

Ok, ok resistance training won’t magically make your baby sleep through the night but it does improve your quality of sleep so that those precious hours you do get will be deeper and you will be able to fall asleep easier.

 

5. FEEL LIKE A STRONG POWERFUL WOMAN:

For me I love the way strength training makes me feel strong and improves my every day functioning meaning daily tasks are much easier. I also love the feeling of hitting a PB in strength training and how it makes me feel more confident! Strength training has also been proven to help with stress relief which is hugely important to me with my anxiety. So next time you’re feeling crappy go lift some heavy shit and see how you feel after! 

 

Ok, so now you know the benefits here are a few examples of types of workouts that you can try that include strength training:

– Gym resistance machines

– Free weights 

– Pump classes

– Circuit classes 

– F45 classes

– Crossfit

– TRX training

– Resistance band work outs

– Body weight resistance workouts

– Powerlifting

 

 

Still not convinced that it wont make you a woman hulk? Go ask any female body builder how hard she as worked to gain her muscle and you will understand.

 

So try adding in 2-3 sessions a week of resistance training and let me know how you feel.

 

Love,

Brittany 

 

P.s as always this info is generalised – please gain medical clearance before starting any exercise program especially if you have recently had a pregnancy.