Ladies, have you considered lifting weights? If not, the time is now.
Lifting weights is a great way to get the body you want, feel healthy and strong, and have more energy. Women should lift weights because it will help them lose weight, increase their bone density, regulate hormones, improve balance and stability in their joints, reduce back pain from carrying around extra weight on your frame all day long - the list goes on!
In this post, we'll go over seven reasons why women need to be lifting weights.
What motivates women to lift weights?
According to research, the motivation for women to lift weights can be explained by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The hierarchy suggests that women are driven to take care of their bodies first and foremost. These can include physical needs related to fitness or bodily aesthetics. This includes taking care of one's health, growing muscles, learning how to use equipment, or training for an event.
After these physical needs, the next step is social. This includes interaction with other people in a group environment or companionship. For women, this can be wanting to make friends, feel included, or have someone to work out with.
The final step is esteem needs which are emotional and psychological needs to feel confident or happy with oneself. Women are driven by a desire for self-esteem, feeling attractive, and being proud of their bodies. This includes body image issues such as the fear of getting bulky or looking fit.
What are seven reasons why women should lift weights?
Now that we've clarified that, let's dive into some fantastic benefits of weight training for women.
At M-Power Fitness Coaching, we believe in the balance between cardio and strength training. We tell our clients that lifting weights has many benefits, but one main reason women should do it: muscle. Your weight training program can help you achieve a better body and feel good about yourself.
Strengthens you.
Lifting weights will make you stronger, and being strong is a great feeling; you can even say that it's empowering.
Lifting your arms to chest level while walking can help with posture. Stronger core muscles also mean that piggy-backing or carrying things down the stairs after a night out won't hurt as much anymore. Because it's easier on our bodies when they're well-conditioned from working out regularly at home alone in front of videos instead of letting ourselves get topped over by everyone else.
Muscle burns fat more efficiently.
Weightlifting changes the composition of your body. The lean and dense muscle is more metabolically active, which burns calories throughout the day. This is interesting to know if you're actively trying to lose weight or improve your body mass index while working out at a gym.
Consequently, you will have a healthy weight as well as increased amounts in muscles that burn fat for fuel when needed.
The risk of injury decreases.
There is less risk of osteoporosis because muscle mass helps to maintain bone density. This decreases the chance of injury when participating in other physical activities like walking or lifting family members; it also reduces breaks and fractures that women are more likely to experience due to lighter body weight and less muscle mass.
Sport and athletic women's performance are improved.
Lifting weights builds lean muscle and the ability to burn fat and improve overall athletic performance. The more muscle you have on your body, the better your endurance levels will be! This means longer periods for those marathons (although I'm not sure what marathon she's participating in) or that mile run at PE class.
Lifting weights increases bone density and muscular endurance.
The stronger the muscles in your body, the less likely they will be to get injured. Lifting weights not only protects you against injury but also helps keep your joints flexible so you can actively do sports without injuring yourself. It also makes everyday activities like walking upstairs or carrying groceries easier.
Exercise becomes more challenging with it.
If you haven't lifted weights before, then picking up a weight for the first time can be challenging. It is easier to lift heavier weights when your muscles are stronger, so lifting will become more challenging but also more rewarding!
The workout becomes harder in the sense that it is less likely for you to get tired or out of breath as quickly when lifting weights, but it is also easier in the sense that lifting them does not tire out other muscles in your body.
Lifting weights can lower blood pressure and reduce resting heart rate.
Lifting weight has a good effect on lowering high blood pressure, which is a common cause of cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or strokes, so it is best to have your doctor monitor you as you begin weight training if you are at risk for this condition.
Lifting weights can lower resting heart rate by strengthening the heart muscle. The more fit you are, the less likely your muscles will require your heartbeat to speed up to compensate for them during physical activity.
Ensures a longer lifespan
Aerobic activity such as running or using an elliptical is important, but weight training should not be forgotten because it positively affects life expectancy.
Life expectancy for many nations is increasing every year, and research shows that people who maintain their fitness level by regularly exercising live longer than those who don't.
This means you can spend more time on your favorite activities as you age and have a more enjoyable life as well as be around to see your children's children.
What are the advantages of lifting weights for women?
- Lifting weights reduces the risk that women will have osteoporosis.
- Weightlifting is an excellent way for women to build lean muscle mass, which helps burn calories more efficiently.
- Getting in shape can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.
- Women who weightlift are much less likely to experience depression or anxiety.
- Weightlifting can also be an effective form of stress relief by releasing endorphins in the brain that make you feel happy and relaxed.
- Weight lifting will help women maintain their weight, as opposed to gaining weight.
- Women can build muscle mass which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Lifting weights builds lean muscles that burn more calories than fat does.
- Lifting weights strengthens your core and helps you develop better posture.
Weight training gives women a sense of accomplishment.
We all want some validation for what we're doing, whether it be from ourselves or from others. That feeling of being proud about achieving something is often the best reward.
There are many reasons that women should lift weights, including weight management benefits, improved bone density, and reduced risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. So if you're interested in getting started with strength training but need some help figuring out how to incorporate it into your current fitness routine, give us a call at MPower Fitness Coaching!