Weight Training for Women

Ladies who are concerned about and intimidated by weight training often bombard me with the following questions:

Will weight training make me big and bulky?


NO. I mean, if you don`t want it to! Remember, there are females that pursue bodybuilding as a carreer, so you know that they do want to get big. However, weight training can be done in many ways.

Different results can be attained by lifting varied amounts of weight for different numbers of repetitions. Properly done, weight training can result in the tone and tight physique that so many women strive to attain.

Squats

How do I know if I am performing the exercise correctly?


There are many valuable resources that can be tapped into to learn proper form in weight training. Check in your gym and find out what they offer in the area of personal training. Some offer one on one training sessions and even those that don`t, often have certified trainers on staff to answer questions and check your form. 

There are also many books and websites (like this one) that offer examples and detailed descriptions of exercises.You may even take it a step further and get certified as a personal fitness trainer yourself! It is priceless knowledge that you can use for your own personal gain and share with others that also need guidance! Wherever you go for guidance on form and safety, in any exercise program, please make sure that they are educated, experienced, and certified in the field.

How do I know how much weight to use?


There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the amount of weight to lift. It is important, before starting any new training program, to consult with your physician. After clearance has been given, there are some basic guidelines to follow. To achieve a tighter and more tone body, lift a lighter weight for more repetitions. A weight that you can lift for about 15 reps per set is a good start.

However, if you are striving for increased muscle size, you need to lift heavier weights for less repetitions. A weight you can lift for about 6 to 8 reps is a good range, in that case. Actual amounts of weight will vary person to person.




Will weight training aid in weight loss?


Yes! Most importantly, it will aid in FAT LOSS! Weight training is a crucial part of healthy weight loss. The magic combination of weight training, cardiovascular exercise, proper diet, and supplementation adds up to a healthy, tone, and tight body. The absence of any of these elements will drastically hinder your progress. If weight training is eliminated from the equation, it can result in the loss of muscle instead of fat!

Are there any exercises that I should avoid because I am female?


No! There are no exercises that should be avoided solely due to gender! However, the first concern, for either gender, is safety! Medical conditions, hereditary conditions, and personal capabilities should all be taken into consideration when choosing exercises. The golden rule is if you are performing an exercise and start to experience pain, aside from normal training burn, stop immediately! Working through the pain can result in serious injury.


So, if you are not sure how to lift weights, or what effects it will have, I hope that this helped that certain uncomfortability about weight training. Remember, with the proper program, you can achieve physique changes that you never dreamed possible! Best of luck!

Till next time,