Time and again it is said women should not lift heavy weights in the gym- we will become far too bulky, and let’s face it, a man in a dress is not attractive. In my profession, I meet at least one lady a week who will ask me to give her no more than 3kg dumbbells due to the fear of piling on muscle mass.
Ladies, this is far from what really happens. As females we possess only up to 10% testosterone- a hormone responsible for muscle building. Hence, females do not have the chemical makeup needed to gain muscle mass to the extent of looking like The Hulk.
Weight training will in fact allow for greater fat loss.
How? Think of lean muscle mass as your personal furnace. An increase in muscle mass leads to an increased resting metabolic rate, thus allowing you to torch calories even at rest.
It’s important to incorporate weight training in your fitness routine as lifting as heavy as you comfortably can helps tone those muscles leading to a stellar physique. Cardio workouts alone don’t allow for much toning and tightening and skin alone will soon start to sag.
These are just a few benefits of weight training. My advice is being fearless, ladies. Take on the iron and reap these and other amazing benefits.
Poorvi Laxman is a fitness professional and personal trainer with a passion for health and fitness.
Email her on poorvilaxman@gmail.com.
