Strength Training For Women Who Don't Want to Look Like Men

There are many misconceptions about women strength training. Because of this, many women are missing out on the incredible and numerous benefits. Aerobics seems to be the accepted choice among females. Many fear that lifting weights will turn them into Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many women fear growing large muscles and losing their femininity.
The truth is without much testosterone you can't build large muscles, even if you really wanted to. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone that helps build muscle mass. Sure, women do have some testosterone naturally in their body. Some women have more of it than others. And even a few women add more testosterone to their bodies unnaturally (If they really want large bulky muscles). But you are safe. You won't accidentally turn into the hulk.
There are numerous benefits to strength training. Here are just a few:
-Decreases fat
-Tones muscles
-Increases bone mineral density
-Improves posture
-Grows muscle
-Improves strength
-Helps body recover from stress
-Helps lower cholesterol
-Strengthens ligaments, tendons and joints (Prevents injuries from accidents)
-Improves body image
-Improves self-esteem
Women strength training has an advantage over aerobic exercise alone. It promotes weight lose. Here's how. Muscle needs to burn more calories in order to maintain itself than fat does. Fat hardly need any calories to exist. By building muscle you actually change your metabolism. You speed it up. This causes weight loss. And results in a firm, toned body. Tip the scale in your favor (literally). Build lean muscle...burn more calories...lose fat...become toned...lose weight. After age 30 women lose approximately 1% of there muscle mass each year. This slows down metabolism because your body isn't requiring as many calories to maintain it. Many women notice that they seem to put on weight after age 30 without changing anything. This is not because they have become lazy or started eating more. The body chemistry has changed. They lost muscle. "Use it or lose it". That is why you need to start a strength training program. Build back the muscle and speed up that metabolism.
"Is it worth the effort?" Yes. Even if weight is not an issue for you, osteoporosis may be. This weakening of the bones effects women more than men. Guess what can strengthen your bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis. You guessed it... women strength training!
More fit = less injuries.
As we age we become more susceptible to injuries. Through strength training you can thicken and strengthen your tendons, ligaments, muscles and bone...causing your joints to become less week and hold up during a fall or accident. Strength and flexibility are important to your posture. Keep your body core strong through exercise and you can eliminate back problems and walk better.
Working out can reshape your body and raise your self-esteem, give you good health and improve your physical image. It may seem like too much work but I would say it is definitely worth it.
It's never too late. Strength improvements are possible at any age. Even 70 and 80 year-olds have shown significant increase in strength after beginning a resistance program.
If you are already an athlete, you can use this training to improve your abilities in your sport. Become a better tennis player, golfer, or softball player by training your muscles with resistance exercises.
Give it a try and I think you will be impressed and very pleased with the positive changes that you notice in your body, health and attitude.
If you are an athlete and would like to get more information about developing your competitive edge through strength, power, speed, and agility training you may want to visit http://www.strength-training-coach.com
Joe Ross
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