Our top 10 benefits of weight training for women
Weight training is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body, but only an estimated 20% of women regularly lift weights. It’s not about ‘bulking up’ but more about building strength and toning your body.
Hitting the gym is by no means essential for this type of training, and it doesn’t even have to involve weights. All you need is a little space at home and props like stairs, chairs, tins and resistance bands are a great way to enhance your training. Read on for our top benefits of weight training for women.
10 reasons we recommend weight training to all women
1. Minimised risk of developing osteoporosis
Lifting weights encourages the bones to absorb more calcium and other mineral salts that keep bones strong
2. Boosts metabolism
Since there is a direct link with muscle mass and metabolic rate
3. Reduced risk of diabetes
Weight training helps maintain a healthy metabolic rate. This improves your body’s ability to keep your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure at a healthy level. It also reduces your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant since it lowers your body fat and this is a key contributor to type 2 diabetes.
4. Helps combat age related muscle loss
According to a US poll, inactive adults experience a muscle loss between 3-8 percent every decade. Through weight training, your metabolism can be maintained, minimising muscle loss.
5. Less risk of injury
Muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones are all strengthened when you weight train. The production of collagen – the primary fibre of connective tissue, is strengthened, making bones less fragile and muscles stronger.
6. Helps to protect the heart
Scientists have proved that lifting weights can protect and improve the health of the heart including heart rate variability, heart muscle strength, and endurance.
7. Relieves stress, improves sleep
Exercise helps to alleviate stress and the repetition in weight training can help to clear your mind and lower anxiety. You’ll sleep better after a physical workout whilst your body will reap the benefits of rebuilding muscle tissue as you rest.
8. Better posture
There is less weight on your joints and reduced hip and back pain. With increased bone and muscle strength, slouching is not so easy!
9. Burns more fat and calories and boosts energy
Every fibre in your muscles will be busy converting food into usable energy, which helps you to burn fat and reduces inflammation in the body. You’ll need to eat more to sustain that energy so you can say goodbye to unhealthy food restrictions!
10. Add curves to your body
Achieve the right amount of muscle in the right places, toning and giving shape to your body.
Your Osteopath can give you the go ahead if you’re new to weight training by helping to alleviate any physical issues which may hinder your ability to exercise correctly. Personalised exercises are given and we work with personal trainers where necessary.
We’ve only scratched the surface with the health benefits of weight training for women here. It’s even been scientifically proven that you’ll live longer for it too!!
Get in touch to book your Osteopathy appointment and start your weight training the right way.