After 6 years of weight-lifting, 5 times per week.
Weight training is as beneficial and suitable for women as it is for men. Many women are wary of lifting weights of fear that they will lose their femininity and wake up one morning looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger; however, there is one word that said women overlook; testosterone. It is a very important hormone that plays a key role in developing and shaping muscles, and women do not produce enough of it. So rest assured that unless you are supplementing with this hormone, you will never pull off the Terminator look. I have been lifting weights 5 times a week for the past 6 years, with no more than a couple of weeks of break time per year.
I started my lifting journey at 26 years of age, weighing 118 lb (pic in the black dress) , and now at 32, I weigh 135 lbs with lean muscles, healthy body fat, and an energy of a 17 year-old (bikini pic at top of article). I’ve managed to sculpt my
Prior to 6 years of weight-lifting.
ideal body, and so far, nobody has mistaken me for a man. Lifting weights is the best thing that I have done in my life so far. It has changed me tremendously, not just externally but internally as well. My personality has undergone some sculpting too. Do not be a “cardio queen”; give weight lifting a try, and you will never regret it. With resistance training you can sculpt your body however you choose. If you want a narrow waist and a bigger backside, you can do so. If you wish to have a strong back and arms like Angela Bassett so you can carry your groceries in one trip, you can do so as well. The only thing you have to lose is self-doubt, body fat, and some old clothes that will no longer fit. If you are still unsure about taking such a step, the following are 10 reasons why you should consider it.
1. Increased Muscle Mass; weight lifting will help to reduce the speed of muscle loss (sarcopenia) as you age. This loss of muscle can start as early as your twenties.
2. Increased Bone Strength; women tend to have less bone density through aging than men. Lifting weights can aid in the increase of bone density which can help slow or reverse the effects of osteoporosis.
3. Better Stability; falling can be fatal. Though nothing guarantees that you won’t fall, weight training will ensure stronger muscles, which means more stability. The majority of those who experience bad falls is usually associated to poor balance and weakened muscle fibers.
4. Improved Daily Activities; lifting weights will force your muscles to work more efficiently. Everything we do requires some kind of physical movement. These movements include sitting, standing, running, walking, sleeping, lifting, pulling, and other daily movements. Lifting weights can help you achieve proper execution of these complicated movements.
5. Lowered Blood Pressure; in the long term, lifting weights can reduce your blood pressure. You will not only create beautiful muscles, you will stimulate increased blood flow to the muscles you are using. As your muscles strengthen, it takes less work to make them contract, which means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. This lowers your blood pressure and resting heart rate. However, while you’re in the midst of lifting your blood pressure may temporarily rise, so people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or significant heart problems should check with their doctors before starting a weight-lifting program.
6. Leaner, sexier physique; with the increased muscle mass you will end up with lower body fat percentage since your body can burn more calories at rest.
7. Better health and easier menstrual flow; people who lift weight tend to eat healthier which lead to a better immune system. Many “feel good” hormones are realized during exercise and those can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps. Also when it is that time of the month, your body goes through a hormones shift which results in lower estrogen and progesterone that make you feel more powerful during exercise.
8. Looking good naked and having a better sex life; check out reasons 4 and 10.
9. Enhanced mood; exercise promotes the release of endorphins which makes you feel happy and increases your sense of wellbeing.
10. Increased self-esteem; research has shown that women who lift weights are more confident and content with their lives.
So do not be afraid of the iron. Start sculpting the body you desire, now. Pick up those heavy weights, push out a rep, yell out, “I’m woman!!!”, and repeat!
Maggie Mangiel of Body on Track, for War Room Sports
