Written By: Nirmalya Dutta | Updated : August 6, 2013 12:05 PM IST
Why women shouldn't avoid weight training
Did you think only men need weight training? That if women do weight train, they end up looking bulky and masculine? Well, nothing could be further from the truth.
The reason men look bulky is because of a hormone called testosterone. A woman's body on the other hand secretes only about 1/100th of the amount of this hormone secreted by men. Therefore unless a woman takes steroids, it's impossible for her to look bulky!
So why do women need weight training? Here are the top reasons
It helps keep osteoporosis away
Research suggests that weight training combined with a diet high in calcium helps increase mineral density and enhances bone modelling. This is particularly important for women who are approaching menopause as their bones start decreasing in density.
It helps achieve the 'well-toned' look
Resistance or weight training helps sculpt the body better by improving your muscle tone. So, no more wobbly abs, sagging breasts or buttocks. It also tightens the skin adding to the overall toned look.
It reduces risk of heart attack, diabetes and other illnesses
According to the American Heart Association weight training helps improve cardiovascular health. It does this by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. It also decreases blood pressure and helps prevent diabetes by keeping the blood glucose level down. It is also known to increase lung capacity which means chances of respiratory illness also decreases.
It increases strength and endurance
Weight training helps build lean muscle. Lean muscle keeps on burning calories even after the workout is over. It also increases endurance and makes everyday tasks much easier.
It helps burn fat even at rest
Weight training helps build lean muscles while increasing the overall metabolism of the body. Lean muscles help burn fat even while you're not working out. So, for long lasting weight loss weight training is your best bet.
It decreases risk of injury and improves posture
It does so by improving flexibility and reducing muscle stiffness. This in turn reduces backaches and arthritis because it helps reinforce muscles around the joint.
One thing you need to keep in mind though is the importance of proper posture and form during weight training. That's why it's always advised that you should have a good trainer when you start with weight training
It is a great confidence booster
Weight training has some psychological benefits as well. We live in a world where a woman can pretty much do everything a man can and that includes weight training. Women who lift weights generally tend to feel more confident about themselves.
So get rid of all the silly notions about weight training and go pump some iron, girls!
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