6 Benefits of Weight Training for Women

Weight training is trending these days. But there are still some gals out there who are hesitant to do it. One big reason is the fear of getting bulky.

That fear is totally unfounded. Women naturally have way less testosterone than men do. Testosterone is the hormone that helps guys build those big muscles and bulk up.

According to a Mayo Clinic Laboratories test, men aged 19 and up have testosterone levels ranging from 240 to 950 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). On the other hand, women in the same age range have levels between 8 and 60 ng/dL. That’s a huge difference!

So, ladies, there’s absolutely no reason for you to be scared of weight training. In fact, it’s got a crazy amount of benefits for us. Let me break it down and share some benefits of weight training for women.

Table of Contents

1. Weight Training Makes You Burn More Fat
2. Weight Training Offers Cardiovascular Benefits
3. Weight Training Enhances Your Body’s Capabilities
4. Weight Training Increases Your Longevity
5. Weight Training Increases Your Bone Density
6. Weight Training Improves Mental Health
7. Closing Remarks

Weight Training Makes You Burn More Fat

Your muscle plays a role in determining your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). That’s the number of calories your body needs to keep functioning when you’re just chilling or resting.

When you lift weights, you’re building up those muscles of yours. More muscles mean a higher metabolic rate. That means you’ll be torching more calories even when you’re not exercising.

A study by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., from the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, found that women who hit the weights 2-3 times a week for 2 months gained almost 2 pounds of muscle while shedding 3.5 pounds of fat.

Weight Training Offers Cardiovascular Benefits

Weight training can boost your cardiovascular health. It could improve the size, strength, and performance of your heart. It’s super beneficial to your heart.

There’s a study about this by Duck-Chul Lee and his colleagues from Iowa State University. They found that simply hitting the weights for less than an hour a week can slash your risk of heart attacks and strokes by 40 to 70 percent.

Two of his other studies published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings yielded related results. They found that performing resistance training for less than an hour a week can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome by 29 percent. Plus, it can lower your chances of having high cholesterol by 32 percent.

Another research by Dr. Scott Collier from the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University found that weight training can drop your blood pressure by 20 percent.

He also discovered that the effects of weight training can last for like 30 minutes after you’re done. These effects can even extend up to 24 hours in people who work out for 30 to 45 minutes, 3 times a week.

Weight Training Enhances Your Body’s Capabilities

Weight lifting is crucial for attaining a balanced physique with defined muscles. By engaging in strength training, you have the power to target specific areas of your body and sculpt them according to your preferences.

Weight training can also improve your overall posture. It strengthens your lower back, boosts your shoulder muscles, and cranks up your core strength. All lead to an upright posture that promotes overall body functionality, enabling you to perform daily tasks with ease.

Weight Training Increases Your Longevity

Having more muscle can increase longevity. So, when you hit those weights, you’re boosting your chances of living a longer life.

A study from UCLA back in 2014 looked at a bunch of people (3,659 to be exact) who were 55 or older for men and 65 or older for women. They wanted to see how muscle mass affects the risk of death. The researchers used fancy stuff like bioelectrical impedance to measure muscle mass index.

And guess what? The results were mind-blowing. The more muscle mass these individuals had, the less likely they were to die prematurely. Having more muscle could set you up to rock a long and awesome life.

Weight Training Increases Your Bone Density

Weight training pumps up your bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. Strong bones also mean better balance and fewer chances of taking a tumble. This is especially crucial for us ladies in the post-menopausal stage, where we’re prone to osteoporosis.

A review article by Jennifer E. Layne and Miriam E. Nelson from Tufts University revealed that almost two dozen studies in the past decade have shown a positive and direct link between resistance training and bone density.

When you lift those weights, you’re giving your bones the kick they need to level up. The pressure you put on your bones stimulates those bone-forming cells to create new bones. This makes your bones stronger and denser.

Weight Training Improves Mental Health

Weight training can help you reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When you hit the gym, your body releases some mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins and dopamine. They can lift your spirits, boost your interest in activities, and leave you feeling accomplished and confident.

Besides that, weight training can improve memory and memory-related tasks. It helps improve your brain’s ability to handle all those tasks life throws at you.

In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2018, Brett Gordon et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 33 clinical trials. They found that resistance training was associated with a significant decrease of depressive symptoms in adults.

Closing Remarks

There you go, the 6 benefits of weight training for women. Weight training is not just about building muscle and burning off that excess fat. It’s also about getting your cardio game on point, boosting your bone density, and increasing your lifespan. Plus, it’s a total mental health savior.

These benefits aren’t actually just for us ladies, guys can benefit too. It’s crazy not to jump on the weight training train. If you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late to get in the game.

So, let’s make weight training a part of our routine! Grab those weights, pump that iron, and watch the magic happen as you burn fat and sculpt your body. Weight training can empower you and help you conquer life’s challenges like a boss.