Don't be afraid of weight training ladies!

Most women I have talked to have stated that they do not like strength training.

Side bar: I know many women, like myself, love strength training. I have one friend who told me that when she uses the weight machines at the gym the guys always look over at her like “psh, what is she lifting?” Then, they realize she is lifting the same amount as them and they quickly turn away. BAMF.

My home gym: I am hoping to add more weights to it for my birthday!

 I can understand why most people dislike strength training because they have not been exposed to weight training in the past. There is technique involved so I can see why people would avoid weight lifting because improper form can lead to much more harm than good. I have been lucky enough to have taken four weight lifting classes in my life, so I know proper technique and I know how it has benefited my body. Okay I just love strength training. I love how my body feels after a good workout. I love the confidence I get from being strong, and I love how my body looks after I have been training hard! So, I just wanted to share a good reference I have found to get you started in the hopes that more women will fall in love with strength training too!

Review of “Strength Training for Women” by Joan Pagano

Reasons why strength training is critical to your health (from this book):

-Even if the number on the scale stays the same (after age 25) if you do not lift weights your lean body mass begins to decline and your body fat increases.

-One pound of fat takes up more space than one pound of muscle.

-Less prone to injury

-Muscle has a higher resting metabolic rate à you will burn more calories with muscle… even while you are sleeping!

-Helps your maintain bone loss.

-You won’t bulk up. (I know many women avoid strength training for this very reason) You will only bulk up if you use very heavy weights and have high levels of testosterone.

What I like about this book:

There is a great picture of human muscles that shows which moves in her book target that muscle.

It clearly explains why strength training is important.

The photos in this book are excellent at showing proper technique.

Overall, this book is really great for those just getting started in strength training. While I did learn some new information I feel like this book is geared more towards beginners rather than those who already have experience in this area.

In sum: I really love strength training and I think most women would greatly benefit from it! So here are three ways to get started with proper technique:

-work with a personal trainer

- read a book about strength training

OR use an at home fitness program that will show you the proper technique! Contact me here if you would like help finding a great program for you! OR email me at ulyssesfitness@gmail.com

I would love to know if you have been avoiding weight training in the past, why is that? Lack of knowledge? Just don't like it? Let me know please!