No, It doesn’t mean you’ll turn into the Hulk.
Although there’s been a shift in the way we exercise and resistance training is considered a staple by many in their training regime, many women are still deterred from pumping iron by this misconception.
We’re not saying you should stop doing cardio, because any exercise is great. But we’re strong advocates that the best exercise routine should be a mix of cardio, weights, HIIT and yoga.
You won’t resemble a bodybuilder after a hard session of pumping iron, but you will experience plenty of fantastic benefits:
1. Boosts Bone Density
When our bones are put under stress from extra resistance they grow in weight and strength to facilitate this extra force. This is especially important considering that the oestrogen loss caused by menopause result in a dramatic decline in bone density.
2. You’ll Get Stronger
It feels great to be able to lift heavier in the gym and it’s a real motivator to keep on exercising, you can make strength gains in as little and a week!
3. You’ll Tone Up
Obviously, weight training means you’ll build muscle. Your body will be firmer, with more definition. It helps beat sarcopenia (natural age-related muscle loss) which occurs at a rate of 3-5% per year after 40.
4. Improves Calorie Expenditure
With a higher muscle mass you’ll be burning more calories than you were before simply by existing, as your resting metabolism increases with muscle mass.
5. Say Goodbye To Stress
Like all forms of exercise, resistance training releases endorphins which make you feel good and combats stress. But there’s something satisfying about physically exerting yourself to lift heavy weights, it’s a great way to relieve stress and vent frustration.
The strenuous movements also bring you into the present, taking your mind away from the loop of the day’s irritations, future obligations, and past worries.
Weight training has heaps of benefits and it’s never too late to get into!
If you’re unsure where to start with resistance training, check out our full body workout for beginners to get started.
What are your thoughts and experiences on weight training? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll send you a free resistance band!