When wanting to lose weight a lot of women stick to cardio (yoga, running on the treadmill, using the spin bike or elliptical) and do some ab work outs. While cardio is a good way to warm up, it should not be the only exercise done for effective weight loss. Many women choose cardio over weight lifting because they think that lifting will make them bulky. I’m here to tell you that lifting weights is good for you and will make you lean not bulky. Here are some reasons why women should get into the weight room and lift.
Why Women Should Lift Weights:
1. Empowering: At first glance going into the free weight room may be frightening since there are mostly men in there. What you need to realize is that you are the minority in there which means that other women were too afraid to go in there. You’re doing something that others can’t or are too afraid to do. Go girl!
2. You burn more calories: When doing cardio, your body stops burning calories when you stop the activity and there is no calorie burn when your body is at rest. With weight lifting, your muscles keep burning calories all day long!
3. Greater fat loss: Similar to number three, if your body is burning more calories and is burning more fat off of your problem areas.
4. Confidence: Seeing your body transform day by day is amazing. When you can do bicep curls with a twenty pound dumbbell when you couldn’t lift half of that two months ago, you’ll be so proud of yourself. You’ll start to feel better with your body and improve your mental state as well. You’ll feel sexy and love the results you’re seeing!
5. Stress Relief: There is no better stress relief than lifting weights. It is a healthy alternative to stress eating which a lot of us are guilt of. So, if you have a bad day, put your headphones on, blast your favorite playlist, and hit the weights!
If you’re still not sure about how to get into the weight room, here are some tips:
1. Wear an outfit you love: Put on those capris that make your legs look fantastic and that shirt that matches your eyes. Not only will you look good you will feel good too and that’s half the battle.
2. Bring a friend with you: Having a gym buddy is fun and also useful. If you two go into the weight room together you will feel less self-conscious. You will always have someone with you. Even if you make a fool out of yourself you will have someone to laugh it off with!
3. Start off slowly: You can start off by doing one or two exercises a session. Make sure to pick exercises you are the most comfortable with. Once you get more acclimated to the weight room environment start doing more in there.
4. Sign up for weight training classes: Rowan’s Rec Center offers free weight training classes. If you are unsure of what to do or how to use a machine, sign up for one of these orientation classes at the front desk.
5. Get a personal training session: Rowan’s Rec Center offers one free personal training session per student. By signing up for this, they can help you target certain areas and help you switch up your work out.
So, ladies, let’s all get into the weight room and show those guys what we’re made of!