How many times have you been to gym at the Rec Center? If you’re anything like me, you’ve lost track
of the countless hours spent on the elliptical, and you’ve mastered just about every piece of cardio
equipment in the place. Let me ask you another question, how many times have you gone to lower level
and lifted weights with the guys? Again, if you’re anything like me, the answer to that question would be zero. (If you’re one of the brave ones that have been down there, snaps for you!)
Why is this? Why are we afraid to go down there? Well, I can think of a few no-good reasons. First, it is
intimidating and my self-confidence pretty much flat lines when I’m in there. I know when I lift with my 5lbs. and 10lbs. I feel completely insignificant to the beast doing shoulder presses with the 75lbs. sitting next to me. Also, there is the misconception that if you lift weights there is a possibility that you are going to turn into Iris Kyle – the female version of the old school Arnold Schwarzenegger. Alas, there is a way that
we all can conquer these fears, and it’s called “Women in the Weight Room.”
“Women in the Weight Room” is one of the drop-in fitness classes at the Rec Center being offered during the fall semester. It’s taught on Mondays from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. by Megan, and meets in the elusive weight room. The entire purpose of this class – besides getting a total body workout that will make you sweat and feel stronger – is to help us get over this ridiculous fear of the weight room. I’ve been twice and I’m already getting over my fear of being in the weight room! Megan also teaches a class on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. called “Weightlifting 101” which is exactly like “Women in the Weight Room” except guys are allowed (but have yet to attend).
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In a typical class there are around 5 – 8 girls, each with different strengths and experiences with
weightlifting. This class is geared towards beginners, but it’s just as great for experienced lifters. After
forming our group circle and warming up, we each pick a set of weights appropriate for our level (2lbs.
– 12.5lbs. usually). Following the instructions of the class instructor we start to get down to business
while having fun, chatting, and making new friends. The instructor is very sweet, funny, patient, and
knowledgeable. There isn’t a question about muscles, weightlifting, or exercise that she hasn’t been
able to answer.
While lifting, Megan, the class instructor, explained that it’s better to use weights that you are
comfortable with and allow you to keep proper form. This is something to keep in mind about that guy
using the 75lb. weights – he’s probably not doing it right anyways. Never compare yourself to anyone
else; you’re in there for you, to improve your health and physique. Being in a group together does invoke a bit of staring, but I think their thoughts are more along the lines of, “Good for them.”
Finally, about turning into a female bodybuilder, it takes a lot more than lifting 12lb. weights three times a week. The ways our bodies and hormones are don’t really allow us to bulk up naturally. It takes hours of
lifting, protein supplements, and about zero cardio to turn you into Miss Olympia – so don’t worry! A little weightlifting here and there can only help you.
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Benefits of Weightlifting
1. Burn calories all the time! Studies have shown that while resting, muscle burns more calories than fat
because muscles are more metabolically active.
2. Tone. Tone. Tone. Tone.
3. Weightlifting reduces risks of heart attack, diabetes, osteoporosis, injury, and arthritis.
4. While you burn fewer calories while weightlifting as opposed to running, the after burn is greater,
allowing your body to burn more fat calories even after you’ve finished working out.
5. You will gain strength without bulking up.
Adding a weightlifting regimen to your life poses several possible benefits. If you’re ready to get started
with weightlifting or to tackle the weight room, I highly recommend checking out one of these classes.
You get two free drop-in class passes per semester, so why not?
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in
the face…. You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Sources:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-training-tips
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/franco7.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/104997-benefits-weight-lifting-women/
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/women/a/aa051601a.htm
http://womenshistory.about.com/cs/quotes/a/qu_e_roosevelt.htm
Images:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/492132
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Healthy_Living_g284-Weight_Lifti…