When it comes to staying fit, many women shy away from hitting the weights and would prefer cardio equipment such as the treadmill or elliptical. Lifting is very intimidating to those unfamiliar with it. You may have done a few exercises using weights, but quickly become insecure or fearful. There are many stereotypes and horror stories passed around that cause women not to try weight training. The most famous stereotype is that if you lift weights you will become bulky and manly. This is completely false. Yes, some women may look bigger than others, but that has to be your goal and you have to work to get that big.
1. Fat loss is more effective—Yes, you heard me right. You will lose more fat from weight training than you will doing cardio. After a good strength workout your body consumes additional oxygen. When your body does this, it requires more caloric expenditure and an increased metabolic rate. Also, the more muscle and strength you create in your body, the more efficiently your body will use calories.
2. Curves—While building muscle, your body will change and give you more of an hourglass figure. Strength training turns that stubborn fat into lean muscle giving you those beautiful curves you’ve always wanted. Doing just cardio will not only burn fat but will burn muscle so you will not get those curves.
3. Sleep Quality—Strength training will greatly improve your quality of sleep by aiding you in falling asleep faster, deeper, and with less interruptions in the night.
4. Increased Energy and Stress Relief—Resistance training causes an increase in energy expenditure hours after you train. Not only will you increase energy, but you will feel less stressed. Researchers have found that those who exercise regularly manage stress better and do not react as bad to stressful situations. Memory and cognition also improve. So during school, weight training can be a great way to take a break and let out some of that stress!
All in all, lifting is great for women. Not only does it make you healthier physically, it makes you healthy mentally as well. You feel stronger and more confident as a person. Weight training will benefit you in all aspects in life. You cannot be judgmental of something until you try it, so go out there and lift, ladies! There are many great trainers, online coaches, apps, and websites that can guide you to the start of your new fitness journey. Don’t be afraid to step in that weight room, everyone has to start somewhere. Strong is beautiful.
Don’t forget to be a Fashionista inside the gym as well. Cute new gym clothes are a great way to motivate yourself! You look good, you feel good, and you work harder. The outfit pictured above consists of high-waisted leggings which are comfy and actually stay up while doing squats. Paired with the leggings is a basic crop tank and a printed sports bra. The black Adidas hat is added to finish off the outfit and give it a street style flare.
