Strength Training is for Women Too! Benefits You Can Get

Lisa Franchi February 26, 2016

Tweet

When it comes to women’s fitness, strength training is one of those that are often overlooked. Getting into shape is every woman’s dream. Many think that the easiest way to get there is to do aerobics. But weight loss is more effective when accompanied with strength training. And no, strength training isn’t just for the boys. It’s for the ladies too! 

This form of exercise can feel intimidating at first. But as your body adjusts, particularly your muscles, strength training becomes a fun and really challenging workout that you will love. And you will love it even more as you start experiencing the following benefits! 

Increased Flexibility 

If you’re looking to boost your flexibility, try strength training. It is a common misconception is that strength training can make you inflexible over time. But that again - is a myth. Research has shown, over again, that resistance training workouts can help improve flexibility. 

Lower Stress Levels 

Sure, you will feel pain after your first strength training session. But that has good effect on your body. And one notable benefit is better sleep. One study suggests that most people who do strength training have an average of seven hours of sleep per night. And since you are working out and pumping your blood throughout your system, the oxygen in your body gets circulated well, resulting to lower stress and better mood. 

Positive Body Image 

It’s a well-established fact: people who work out look good. Strength training is something you should add to your regular workout routine if you’re after a toned and sexy figure. Resistance training is an effective exercise to build muscles, which leads to a firm body and faster weight loss. Not only does it make you look good, but strength training also makes you feel good. You’d feel a sense of accomplishment after realizing that you are able to do exercise routines that you thought only men can. It really makes you feel empowered. They call it ‘girl power’! 

More Happiness 

When you exercise, your brain produces endorphins which make you feel more optimistic and happy. You probably notice the difference in your mood when you exercise and when you don’t. Lack of physical activity makes you feel lethargic. On the other hand, working out makes you feel so much energised! 

Better Sex 

Yes - you read it right. Strength training can also make you perform better in bed. Of course when you feel good (which is caused by the release of endorphins in your brain), you are also more likely to be in ‘the mood’. Another thing - strength training boosts your endurance for that long, intimate night. 

Calorie After-burn

What’s so amazing about strength training is that it makes you burn calories even when your body is at rest. Yes. That’s because this form of exercise targets your muscles. And repair of muscles takes many calories. One pound of muscle burns somewhere between 6 and 13 calories a day. 

Finally, don’t think that strength training will give you bulges in your arms and legs. Since women are naturally low in testosterone, you won’t get that ‘bodybuilder’s’ physique unless you overdo the exercise and take supplements. By incorporating strength training in your fitness regime, you will get all the benefits cited above, and you will never regret.