Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights
So many woman feel like the only way to lose weight is by doing cardio, but soon find out that yes they can lose weight, but they still have the flab. Cardio is great, but that's only have of the equation.
If you're looking for optimal fitness, longevity, and that lean look, then weight training is essential. It's a misconception that lifting weights will get you bulky. Read on to find out how weight lifting is one of the best methods to burn fat.
Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons to help you reconsider:
1. BURN MORE FAT - A study that was done at Tufts University found that when overweight women lifted and pushed weights twice a week, they lost an average of 14.6 pounds of fat and gained 1.4 pounds of muscle. The women who dieted and did not lift weights only lost 9.2 pounds of fat, and had no muscle gain. When you do a program such as the Chalean Extreme Challenge or a 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge, your metabolism is elevated and you continue to burn fat even hours after the workout, unlike a regular cardio workout where you stop burning fat shortly after the workout.
2. CHANGE THE LOOK OF YOUR BODY - Weight training can slim you down and can give you curves. When you drop only 3 percent of your body fat, that can translate to a total loss of 3 inches off your hips and thighs. And no, you will not bulk up, woman don't have enough muscle building hormones to gain a lot of mass like men do. If you focus on eating clean and create a calorie deficit, you will burn fat.
3. BOOST UP METABOLISM - Did you know the less muscle you have, the slower your metabolism will be? It's true! As woman age, especially woman over 40, they lose muscle fast. When you eat healthy without resistance training, up to 25% of weight loss may be muscle loss. Weight training will preserve your lean muscles and keep your metabolism going.
Lifting Weights with P90X - Get Lean!
4. GET STRONGER AND BECOME MORE CONFIDENT - Lifting weights increases functional fitness. It makes everyday tasks much easier like carrying children, lifting grocery bags, and picking up heavy luggage while traveling. According to Mayo Clinic, when you lift weights on a regular basis, you can be 50% stronger in 6 months. Lifting weights also builds emotional strength by boosting self-esteem and confidence.
5. BUILD STRONG BONES - It's been documented that weight training among woman is highly recommended to build and maintain bone mass which will help prevent osteoporosis.
6. FIGHT DEPRESSION - Just like cardio and low impact exercises such as yoga, weight lifting can also alleviate depression. The endorphins that are released during aerobic exercises are also present during resistance training.
7. IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE - You don't have to be an elite athlete to also get the benefits of weight training. Improved muscle mass and strength will help you in all types of athletic events such as obstacle course racing, swimming, skiing, cycling or whatever physical activity that you're involved with.
8. INJURY AND ARTHRITIS REDUCTION - Lifting weights can improve joint stability, and builds stronger ligaments and tendons. Training with proper form can also help prevent injuries of daily life and can also improve physical function with people who have arthritis. A study from the University of Wales in Bangor, UK found that mildly disabled participants who lifted weights for 12 weeks increased the frequency and intensity at which they could work, with less pain and increased range of motion.
9. HEART HEALTHY - Did you know that more than 480,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year, making it the #1 killer for woman over the age of 25. Weight lifting can increase your good "HDL" cholesterol and decreases your bad "LDL" cholesterol. It also lowers your blood pressure. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that people who do 30 minutes of weight training each week have a 23% reduced risk of developing heart disease compared to the people who didn't lift weights.
10. FIGHT DIABETES - In addition to keeping your ticker strong, lifting weights can improve glucose utilization (which is the way your body processes sugar) by as much as 23%. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 16 weeks of strength training can improve glucose metabolism in a way that is comparable to taking diabetes medication. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more efficient your body is at removing glucose from the blood, which can reduce complications from diabetes and even help prevent type 2 diabetes in the first place. Pretty cool huh =).
Top Beachbody Weight Training Workouts for Women: (Discounted Challenge Links)
- P90X
- Chalean Extreme
- Les Mills Pump
- 21 Day Fix Extreme
- Body Beast
Take the Chalean Extreme Challenge!
