I Don't Want to Look Like a Man...

By Rono - ISSA-CFT, WITS-CPT

Weight training is not a surgical procedure, but so many women seem to think so.

Many females in their quest for weight-loss are afraid of weight training, as they feel it will make them look manly. I would be scared too if the reverse were true and weight training made men look more girly. I hear statements such as "I don't want to bulk up" or "I don't want to get big". Part of the problem with these statements is that it is just assumed that getting big is such an easy task. Kind of makes me laugh. As you know most of the men in the gym are trying to get big one way or another, without success (topic for another article). So why do women think they will get so big by lifting weights?

Bulking up...

Women are not equipped to build big muscles like a man. One of reasons of this is the low levels of the hormone "testosterone". Women have like 1/10 the amount that men do, and this hormone is a significant factor for muscle growth. So when a women strength trains it will not create the same result as it does a man. One of the problems that we face as we age is that we begin to lose are muscle mass, which is part of the reason we gain weight over time. However strength training tells the body that muscle is important - and slows down the process of aging. Women loss muscle mass at a higher rate than men, due to the low levels of testosterone. The bottom line is losing muscle means a lower metabolic rate, which impacts overall calories burned daily. So lets get lifting ladies.

The benefits...

Now with all that said weight training has significant benefits for women looking to lose weight. What most women exercisers don't understand is that muscle is what drives your metabolism. The more muscle you have on your body the more calories are required to maintain that muscle. Muscle is active tissue. Having more muscle on your body will raise your metabolic rate, allowing for you to burn more calories at rest (when your not in the gym). So if the goal is to lose weight, and losing weight is achieved by burning more calories then you consume - then weight training must be part of your weight loss program. So by incorporating 2-3 strength training sessions and cardio into your weekly workout routine will give you the best results.

If you are not currently strength training and are not sure where to begin see a qualified personal trainer for some guidance.

Be well.

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