Why Weightlifting Is Good For Women

Even with the rising trend of women in weightlifting, many people still believe that barbells are better left to the men and women should have no business doing bench presses.

In fact, the National Center for Health conducted a survey and found that only about 20% of women are engaged in strength training.

It’s about time we get more women involved in pumping iron. Not only will it help you achieve the summer bod you’ve always wanted, but also transform your overall health and well-being.

Here are 7 reasons why weightlifting is good for women:

Reduce Stress and Enhance Mood

Weightlifting causes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that improve mood, prevent pain, and combat depression. Higher endorphin levels in the body naturally reduce anxiety and stress. These neurotransmitters also stimulate the brain, improving mental clarity and boosting energy levels. Lifting weights can lighten up your entire day, or help you cope with a bad one.

Lose Body Fat

Weightlifting helps build muscle mass, and more lean muscle means better metabolism rates. You burn calories faster and all day long. Research proves that women who lifts weights at least 2-3 times a week in a span of 2 months gain 2 lbs of muscle mass and lose 3.5 lbs of fat. In simple math, for each pound of muscle you gain, you’ll burn 35-40 calories/day.

Decrease Osteoporosis Risk

Women are more prone to developing osteoporosis as we age, so weight training is beneficial not only to strengthen muscles, but also the bones. Weightlifting increases bone density and reduces your risk for fractures and brittle bones. Research has further discovered that lifting weights may also help maintain a healthy and strong spine.

Get Strong Without Getting Bulky

This is probably one of the major reasons why women are afraid of weightlifting – the fear of getting “bulky.” However, this fear is unfounded and is just physically impossible – women don’t have the testosterone to build that much muscle as men do. We don’t build size from strength training that easy, and weightlifting instead help us develop muscle definition and strength without looking like a she-Hulk.

Burn More Calories

Weightlifting increases your metabolism for up to 24 hours after your workout. More intense workouts burn more calories. High intensity training creates a demand for more oxygen consumption which helps break down your body’s fat stores better.

Reduce Risk for Injury

Weight lifting builds strength in your body’s joints and connective tissues. These parts of the body help prevent injury from daily tasks and workout routines, and even improve performance if you’re involved in a sport of any kind.

Improve Posture and Reduce Back Pain

Another benefit of weightlifting is it strengthens your back and core muscles. Stronger back and core muscles improve posture and reduce lower back pain.

Read the full article by the blog Paleo Hacks here to learn a beginner’s dumbbell workout and get you started on weightlifting today.

Have you tried weightlifting? Tell us how you’re enjoying it and its many benefits in the comments below!