But weight lifting will make me bulky..

False.

Sis, if you have been limiting yourself to the cardio section of the gym or studio yoga or HIIT classes, but you haven’t been noticing the results you want to see, it might be time to look at resistance training.

As always you should check with your doctor before starting any new activity to make sure it is safe for you to try. If you are completely new to weight lifting I highly recommend consulting a personal trainer or doing research on proper form to reduce risk of injury.

Here are 6 reasons why women should lift weights

1. Higher bone denisty

As a paramedic this speaks volumes to me. The amount of old women I see with osteoporosis whose bones are so frail just encourage me to hit the gym more.

Weight training increases bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and broken bones. Weight training also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability which helps prevent injuries.

2. Lowers risk of diabetes and heart disease

Another important topic to me is heart disease and diabetes. I see the devastating effects of these conditions on the daily basis and, again, seeing that is enough motivation for me to hit the gym even after a long day.

Weight training can help to improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, and in turn this will help to lower blood pressure. (lower blood pressure reduces your risk of having a heart attack and stroke)

Weight lifting will also improve the way the body processes sugar, which may reduce the risk of diabetes.

3. Better mood

Who doesn’t want a better mood?! Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood, prevent pain, and fight depression.

Since I started weight training I have noticed I have a much more level headed outlook and I have felt more confident and physically independent.

4. Improvement in athletic performance

Physical strength can also help with other sports by improving agility, endurance, power, and speed. This ties back to #1 with increased bone density and connective tissue. If you’re always injured, it’s hard to make big athletic progressions.

Weight training will help the body adapt to situations it will face during sports and also, throughout everyday life.

5. Increased fat loss

Lifting weights builds lean muscle. Having more muscle boosts your metabolism. A higher metabolism burns more calories resulting in less body fat and easier weight loss. For each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 30-50 more calories per day!

6. You will not get “bulky”

Women typically do not “bulk” from strength training. Why? This is because the levels of testosterone in women are much lower than men. Young women have around 10% of the testosterone of men. Meaning, women will develop muscle tone and definition without the size.

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