Women in India, and other parts of the world, have the common misconception that lifting weights would add bulky muscles to their structure and they will not really lose weight.
So Women Fitness decided to break this myth and bring to you the actual benefits of lifting weights for females.
1. Not Just Weight Loss, But Fat Loss
Although many people consider weightlifting only a means to add size, when contrasted head-to-head against cardio, resistance training comes out on top in the battle to burn calories. The huge advantage to weight training is your body’s ability to burn fat during and after exercise.
Weight training builds muscle, as lean muscle increases so does metabolism. A higher metabolism means that you will burn more calories all day long. Studies found that the the 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. For each pound of muscle you gain, you’ll burn 35 to 50 more calories per day, which is tremendous.
2. You Gain Strength
One of the most common misconceptions that women have is that weight training leads to “bulking up.” This is absolutely false because women simply don’t have the testosterone to build muscles like men. Women have 10 to 30 times less testosterone than men and have a much harder time gaining size from strength training. Instead women develop muscle definition and strength without the size, which helps improve their stamina, core strength and overall fitness.
3. Reduced Chances Of Osteoporosis
Weight training not only strengthens muscles, it strengthens your bones too. Weight training increases bone density, which reduces the risk of fractures and broken bones. Research has also shown weight training can increase spinal bone density to create a strong and healthy spine.
Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis because the body no longer secretes estrogen. Resistance training is an excellent way to combat loss of bone mass, and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
4. Relieves Stress
Exercise and weight-training release endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that prevent pain, improve mood, and fight depression. An increase in endorphins naturally reduces stress and anxiety. Endorphins also stimulate the mind, improving alertness and boosting energy. Weight-training can brighten your entire day or help you combat a bad one.
Researchers have consistently found that those who regularly strength train tend to manage stress better and experience fewer adverse reactions to stressful situations as those who do not exercise.
In addition, resistance-training studies on older adults show that moderate intensity weightlifting improves memory and cognitive function.
5. Improves Posture
Weight-training strengthens your back, shoulders, and core, helping to correct bad posture so that you can stand taller, with shoulders back and spine straight. A stronger back and core will also prevent lower back ache.
So are you ready to lift now? Hit the gym or get yourself a set of dumbbells at home and start building your strength today.
