Healthy Living
Monday, December 7, 2009
5 Reasons it's OK for Women to Lift Weights
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By Carmen Staicer - DietsInReview.com
When I first began to
lose weight, my primary goal was a
lower number on the scale. That was my sole focus. (Well, that and
I REALLY wanted to wear a smaller pants size, if I’m being totally
honest.) I never wanted to lift weights, never wanted to develop
muscle - I just wanted to avoid embarrassment if the tag on my
shirt was sticking out.
However, once I was successful with my weight loss I found I was
still unhappy with my body's appearance. Reading online one
day, I was struck by the idea of lifting weights, but I didn’t want
to bulk up. I gave it a try, though, and now I’m addicted. Lifting
weights is terrific for women and the benefits are endless. Here
are my top
five reasons women should lift weights.
- Lifting weights makes you physically stronger.
This has benefits that go beyond the obvious, such as carrying in
the groceries or wrestling with a tight jar lid. This means that
you will be less dependent upon others in your daily living. (It
also makes it easier to wrestle with that recalcitrant toddler -
but don’t tell them that!)
- Lifting weights helps you lose body fat. The
average woman who weight trains two to three times per
week for two months will gain about two pounds of muscle while
losing three to five pounds of fat. As lean muscle increases so
does the resting metabolism, enabling you to burn more calories
throughout the day.
- Lifting weights defines muscles. Women have
less of the hormones that cause muscle bulk, so lifting will help
you to define your muscles, not rip them. This also helps your
clothes fit and look better.
- Lifting weights decreases risk of
osteoporosis. Research has found that weight training can
increase bone mineral density by 13 percent in
six months. This, coupled with taking your daily calcium, means
less bone fractures as you get older.
- Lifting weights improves your attitude and
mood. Women who weight train feel more confident and
capable, both of which are important factors in fighting
depression.
Carmen Staicer is the Chief Mom at
DietsInReview.com, sharing her insights on keeping yourself and
your family eating and living as healthy as possible. She's a
bit of a weight loss success story herself, having lost 80 pounds
over the course of 18 months. Learn more from Carmen
about how you can take those first steps toward a healthier
diet and lifestyle at
DietsInReview.com.
© DietsInReview.com
Related: women, weights, weight training, weight loss, muscle, metabolism, lose weight, fitness, exercise, diet, body fat
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Posted by Nina M Mon Jul 6, 2009 8:58pm PDT
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Posted by autumn Mon Jul 6, 2009 10:19pm PDT
I love weight training. However, there are too many times that I am the lone female in the free weight section of the gym. Come on, ladies, let's kick ass!!
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Posted by simfelicity Mon Jul 6, 2009 11:45pm PDT
change of atmosphere,,,,aside of course from the 5 reasons stated above
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Posted by opiniononly Tue Jul 7, 2009 4:06am PDT
It's "OK" for a woman to use weights regardless of her reasons.
Instead of using a word that implies we need permission or justification, why not just refer to the benefits of using weights? I get so tired of reading headlines that use 'should, must, can't" in reference to whatever topic follows, as if we are moronic sheep who are unable to make healthy, mature, rational decisions and/or informed choices.
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Posted by tressa Tue Jul 7, 2009 9:42am PDT
I use kettlebells while watching tv. It's a cool overall workout. I hated going to the gym because I never knew what to do with all those machines or weights. I feel so much stronger. And you're right, I want to be strong to be able to take out the garbage cans, move things, etc. My Mom is 80 and has never exercised. I'm learning from her health issues. I don't want to fear falling or all the other "getting older" things. I owe it to my kids to be as strong as possible for as long as possible. I have plans for my older years and I know being strong is going to be the foundation.
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Posted by Dubs Tue Jul 7, 2009 11:52am PDT
5 reasons why its not "OK" to use patronizing headlines to make a point. Opioniononly hit the mark.
(Warning: Encroachment of Sarcasm)
1. Because women don't realize that weights make you physically stronger. They are supposed to will it so.Duh!
2. The chocolate parfait diet isn't working. Again... Duh!
3. What else is it going to define? Duh!
4. If I lift weights I might break something! *gasp* Duh!
5. So does sitting on your ass eating ice cream. Another....Duh!
Whatever works for you works for you. No need for headlines to tell you different.
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Posted by Miranda Tue Jul 7, 2009 5:58pm PDT
Dubs 5, you're a jerk. I love sarcasm in my life but your use of it was appalling. There's definitely a stereotype with lifting weights. Some women might be turn off by it, because it is so closely connected with those super-macho body types and super macho guys, fake tans and steroids, the pop culture image of weight lifters...some women might be afraid of the connotations that come with lifting weights (being perceived as "butch" or unfeminine). Women might feel intimidated by being surrounded by men when they're lifting weights (I know I felt awkward doing weight training in high school during co-ed gym class). There are plenty of reasons a woman might feel uncomfortable with lifting weights or activities like boxing, kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, etc.
Weight training is also good if you're learning self defense. While many techniques don't require you to be strong, it definitely helps if you're got a little muscle.
As for point number 1, weight training definitely helps with lugging textbooks across campus!
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Posted by Dubs Tue Jul 7, 2009 8:11pm PDT
Sorry Miranda....it appears your insecurity of stereotypes caused my use of sarcasm to go way over your head. It was more about patronizing women with trite headlines in order to poo poo them into lifting weights. Notice my last sentence from my original post.
Does this little clarification make you feel better or do I need to make another patronizing headline about why hypersensitivity leads people to misinterpret sarcasm? (You are correct though it was appalling, I admit it):P
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Posted by HawkeyeGirl Wed Jul 8, 2009 6:19am PDT
Lifting weights is a no-brainer. If you just do cardio, you're still flabby. You might be thinner, but you will have no tone.
Lift, ladies! You are NOT going to look like a he-man.
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Posted by Jackie Thu Jul 9, 2009 2:12pm PDT
I love lifting weights, and I always have. I would much rather lift then run or do other types of cardio. A couple weeks ago I was doing seated rows and I was lifting more then the guy at the machine next to me. It just made me smile.
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