Weight Training For Women - Is It Safe?

Yesterday I went to the gym to do a quick workout.

I stayed there for one whole hour. Not counting the actual workout.

What took me so long? 

It was the guys.

Yes, seeing so many guys in the free weight and weight training machines room. And ONE woman, me. So I started wondering, where are the rest of the women? Looking across the room I could see the cardio area... Sure enough, there they were. Mostly women and a few guys.

Does that happen to you?

Are you the only woman among all the sweaty guys or do you avoid the weight room when you go to the gym?

Are you one of those women who think weight training would make your arms and thighs big and bulky or even safe and end up avoiding it altogether?

Oddly enough, I meet many women who believe that would happen to them if they start a weight training routine. Quite simply, that's completely incorrect.

But before I go on, let's talk a little bit about nutrition...

Let's face it; Fast foods are easy to get to, there's one in every corner... The Gym? Not so easy.

The results?

Little, or no exercise.

Add to that a demanding work and life schedule and most women find it hard to get serious about losing weight. In frustration they try crazy diets, specialized meal plans and various exercise regimes EXCEPT, resistance training.

Trouble is, even when they do lift weights, they do so without a plan, they lack clear structure that will help them accomplish their goals more effectively.

OK- back to what I was saying about WHY you shouldn't be afraid to start weight training exercises. 

Because resistance training is THE best activity you could do,  not only for weight loss BUT, and listen to this very carefully: For turning back the clock on aging.

Astonishing, isn't it?

And the best part is our female hormones prevent our muscles to grow out of proportion, unless you become a professional bodybuilder.

Seriously, put some thought into the real reasons why you hesitate to lift weights and you'll soon see that they are simply NOT valid. Time to lose the fear and start planning your weight training for women routine.

Why I think Weight training is better than aerobics Training

Too often the media and even well-intentioned health professionals speak of the effectiveness of slow and continuous cardio exercise alone for successful  fat loss. This is a common misconception. Cardio (aerobic) is good, but it simply does NOT give you the other benefits a  weight training routine does.

What resistance training does that cardio won't...

Working out with weights increases bone density and strengthens your joints not only by making them less susceptible to injuries but to prevent osteoporosis.

The best part... It increases muscle mass. Make no mistake about it: Every pound of muscle turns into a fat burning stove, so you can eat more without gaining fat.

How Cool Is That?

Fact is, most women can successfully incorporate resistance training into their aerobics routine.

Let me repeat that:

Strength training is more effective for fat loss than merely doing aerobic exercises.

6 Steps To Start A Weight Training For Women Routine...

... without feeling overwhelmed at the gym:

OK- so you are ready to hit the gym, and start burning fat ASAP but you don't want to waste time wandering aimlessly around the gym feeling like a schmuck because you don't know where to start.

This Is What You Need To Do

1. Write down the exercises you plan on doing during this particular workout-remember to alternate body parts for best results- so if you will be doing upper body, include back, arms, shoulders, etc...
2. Next, decide if you are going to use machines OR your own body for some or all of the workouts.
3. Before you leave the house make a mental map of where the machines you will be using are located (Assuming you were giving a tour of the place when you signed up)
4. Stick To Your Plan. Don't deviate or make changes as you go. Once you're at the gym, just do it. Don't hesitate and avoid distraction.
5. Focus is crucial to establish these new routines, remember you are training your brain too.
6. Carry a bottle of water with you to avoid wasting time at the water fountain.

Above all, avoid injury.

Some ways to add resistance training to your exercise routine is to do the following:

• Weight train with a high volume of work
• Incorporate short rest periods and...
• Move from moderate to heavier loads

To Your Health
Luz L

Are you passionate about health and fitness? Can't lose weight no matter how hard you try? Find out about the basic science behind appetite control and learn how to conquer your personal health and weight loss challenges! visit http://www.fitnessluz.com

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