3 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

Weightlifting is a fitness exercise with an image that is commonly associated with men. However, for many women weightlifting is a great exercise that can provide many benefits. Below are 3 reasons why lifting weights is good for you.

Reason 1

Recent research conducted in the US compared the effectiveness of aerobic exercises and lifting weights in losing fat. The study's findings revealed that weight training when applied with same amount of intensity had a greater effect on the body's metabolism rate. This resulted in more calories being burned hours after the weight training exercise was completed. The reason for this is because by lifting weights there is the dual effect of not only building your exiting muscles you are also building new muscles. Therefore, the more muscle you build the greater amount of body fat that is burned off.

Reason 2

In the fitness world there is considerable amount of focus placed on the importance of aerobic and cardiovascular exercises. These types of exercises are very important and effective at increasing your cardiovascular health. However, these types of exercises do not build up your muscles or body strength which are critical for overall health. Running and jogging can burn off the calories but it cannot build or strengthen your muscles which are key to body movement and flexibility. Recent studies have shown that women who combine cardiovascular exercises with weight lifting had more power and strength compared to women who focused only on aerobic exercises. Therefore, to achieve all round better health it is best to combine the two.

Reason 3

As well as giving your body muscles more power and strength, weightlifting plays an important role in helping to strengthen the bones. The more weights you lift increases your bone mass and therefore, making them stronger. As we get older we are more prone to serious bone conditions such as brittle bones and osteoporosis. Recent studies have revealed that as many as one out of every three women over the age of 50 are affected by the bone condition osteoporosis.

In order to protect yourself against this condition you need to increase the intensity of your weight lifting as this is more effective than using light weights with more repetitions. Begin slowly and start off with 3 to 6 reps and gradually build up the weights. The best exercise is squats and lunges. Make sure you use a support belt to protect your back.

Ensure you get clearance from your doctor first before starting a new exercise regime.

Patrick T. Mullen has been writing articles for over 3 years on subjects he cares greatly about. Having become a father for the second time, one of those subjects is baby products. Why not visit his website that includes information relating to cot bed mattress and wool crib mattress pad products and accessories.