Ladies.........do you lift?

Ladies.........do you lift? If not then why not?

Even in these supposedly modern and equality driven times there are still myths, misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the whole concept of weight training for women and the associated benefits.

The media, popular culture and uneducated personal trainers are just some of the culprits guilty of misleading half of the population.

A dramatic statement I know but this unfounded nonsense is stopping women from enjoying and benefiting from a fantastic training medium, lifting weights.

Below I have listed and clarified some of these myths and misconceptions as well as hopefully provide a little guidance.

Get fitter, leaner & stronger by lifting weights

• Weight training will not make you bulky or muscular
• Unless you want to build muscle, then it takes years of hard work following a specific weight training and nutritional programme
• Lifting weights will help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism
• Weight training doesn't necessarily mean lifting heavy weights
• Although the best health & fitness results come from lifting heavier rather than lighter weights
• Lifting weights will not make you look like a man
• Lifting weights will help you to get fitter, stronger, more coordinated, increase flexibility, be leaner and more self confident.

More and more women are lifting weights with various personal goals in mind when training. However, I am sure that every one of them is making gains towards their goals and reaping the benefits of lifting weights as part of their training regime. Whether for competition or pleasure, health & fitness or physique these goals (and more) will be achieved by weight training as well as cardio and classes. 

Achieve your goals by including weight training in your programme

There are many different ways to train using weights; free weights or machines, weight lifting or body building type programmes, Cross Fit or standard sets and reps? The list is endless and the variations within each are many too. It may seem overwhelming to some and this is certainly why cardio and classes are popular. It is important to know how to lift safely and with good technique, and this often means enlisting the help of a Coach or Personal Trainer. The benefits are many though and well worth it for improvements in posture, mobility, energy levels and digestion as well as those listed above.

As I have stated in my previous blog it is first necessary to know what your goals are, then to get the right programme put in place to help you achieve those goals. A programme for a 25 year old looking to get leaner and more athletic looking is going to be different from that of a 55 year old looking to gain flexibility and strength. Both of these individuals will lift weights as part of their training and both will use similar exercises along the way. However, their overall programmes will be different thus reflecting their individual goals.

I work with many young Figure Skaters most of whom are young ladies, most of whom I get to train with resistance or lift weights. Most of these girls are also achieving success in school and college sports outside skating because they are strong, fit and confident. This is not just through their training with me as Figure Skating in itself engenders many positive life skills. However, being fit, strong and healthy is an important part of the whole picture and one that can benefit many women young and old in achieving a fitter, more active and healthier life.

I hope this has helped, I hope that you now have the confidence to go and lift weights.