Listen up Ladies

Strength training will NOT turn you in to SHE-MAN

Today I would like to clear up a strength training myth. I have had a million conversations with ladies who won't pick up weights heavier than 2-4 kg because of the fear it will bulk them up and make them look masculine. So I ask you do I look like a man? Ok don’t answer that, lol! 

The truth of the matter is most women actually can't bulk up because of the high oestrogen levels in their bodies, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. The SHE-MAN women body builders that you are afraid of looking like do not get like that by recreational gym use 3 times a week!

Why strength training is important to me?

I have always been a sporty girl and have been competing in numerous sports since forever. Apart from the last year I have pretty much always run which included running track, marathons, half marathons and 10k’s. However, I was never really happy with my shape and had a slightly flabby tum and love handles until I  incorporated lifting weights into my exercise routine. Now we're not talking 2-4 kg weights, we are talking the heaviest weights I can lift with good form. I am not the strongest girl in the world but I’m working on it ;-) and improving all the time. I also don’t have big muscles, not even close but the fact-of-the-matter is since I started training this way my legs, arms and especially my stomach are toned and slim.  My body shape is not perfect but it is no longer a concern of mine. And hopefully my training and healthy diet will continue to keep me slim. Let’s face it we have enough worries in life without worrying about our body shape!

More reasons to strength train:

• Develop strong bones. By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
• Control your weight. Muscle burns calories more efficiently. Therefore, the more toned your muscles, the easier it is to control your weight.
• Reduce your risk of injury. Building muscle helps protect your joints from injury. It also contributes to better balance, which is essential as you age.
• Boost your fitness.  Strength training  will help you improve in other sports / activities you do. It will also help with everyday activities such as gardening / cleaning / moving furniture and will even help you chase down that bus as it drives by you in the morning. You show that bus driver not to mess with you!
• Manage chronic conditions. Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of arthritis, back pain, depression, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
• Sharpen your focus. Some research suggests that regular strength training helps improve attention for older adults.

So why not giving strength training a go and not focus all your training solely on cardio, which many people do. If the weights scare you, just start with body weight exercises, such as squats, lunges, push ups and pull ups.

Safety

Please note is it important to learn proper form and technique from a professional source; such as certified trainer in the gym or by attending a strength-training class.