Lifting weights -- why women should do it

Philippines
June 21, 2011 8:59pm CST
Many women refuse to lift weights with the fear to gain large muscles. Contrary to this, women have very different body composition from men and no matter how often we lift weights, we will never grow as big as those bulky bodies we see at the gym. The importance of strength training cannot be stressed enough. Here are some reasons to convince you to start working those muscles: * Strength training makes us stronger. Lifting weights trains our strength and enables us to do more extensive physical activities. * Lifting weights improve our bone health. When we lift weights, we increase our bone density and our tendons and ligaments are strengthened. * Strength training increases muscle mass. It slows down or reverses the muscle loss that we experience as we age. * Increased muscle mass through strength training enables us to burn more calories even at rest. * Improving muscle strength increases our flexibility and balance. Thus, chances of injuries during physical activities are decreased. Now, that you've been informed of the benefits, would you start lifting weights?
2 responses
• United States
22 Jun 11
I am a woman with a previous surgery on my left elbow after multiple severe fractures. Although it has been almost 10 years since this happened, I am not allowed to lift weights above about 5 lbs because it aggravates the joint and causes swelling and bursitis (that popping noise with your fingers, only more severe and painful...) I would like to lose weight through strength training, but my limitations make it difficult for me to build muscle in this manner.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
22 Jun 11
I have an exercise regimen wherein i also do some strength training. I lift weights , yes, but only dumb bells. I do at least 3 styles of dumb bell exercises. I need to do it so that my muscles will be firmer. This also prevents the arm skins to sag.