Should women lift weights in the gym? This is one of the most commonly asked questions in fitness circles and today you will find the answer. You'll also find out what supplements to take if you are a lady trying to build a lean, toned physique.
The fitness industry, much like life itself, continues to evolve and develop with every year that passes. Just think how far computers have come in the last two decades. You wouldn't go back to using a Commodore 64 now when you have an iPhone 4, right? Yet the fitness industry has undergone a similar journey during this time and there are many folks out there who still follow outdated advice.
They'll tell you that women will get big and bulky if they touch weights. They will advise you that carbohydrates are to be treated as the enemy. They'll ignore recent scientific proof in favor of following routines laid out by their favorite television celebrity. Usually, they'll also struggle to see any significant long-term results. []
Thanks to the ongoing scientific research which is carried out many of the old wives tales about fitness have been confined to the 'myths' category. Unfortunately, there are so many people who are still stuck in those old ways that the new research tends to go unnoticed by the majority.
Lifting weights is great for weight loss. That may shock you because it goes against the old wives tales you may have heard in the past, but it is indeed 100% true. If you are a female trying to achieve a leaner, toned physique then lifting weights is better still.
What about the old wives tales? Won't you end up getting huge muscles like a bodybuilding competitor?
No. If it were that easy to obtain a bodybuilding physique then most of the men you'd see walking down the street would look like The Rock or Sylvester Stallone! Lifting weights will improve your strength and tone your muscles in a way that cardiovascular exercise simply can not. If you aspire to achieve the lean look demonstrated on athletes such as Jessica Ennis at the recent London Olympics, then lifting is very important.
One of the main reasons why ladies shouldn't be concerned with the prospect of gaining a lot of muscle mass is testosterone. Testosterone levels are severely lower in females than in males and this factor alone is enough to squash any doubts lingering in the back of your mind. This also squashes the myth that ladies must do high rep sets to avoid gaining size, so feel free to pick up a weight which actually challenges you next time.
If you can work on developing a good technique with the major compound exercises, such as deadlifts, lat pulldowns and squats, you will notice excellent physical results.
Supplements are often over complicated but in truth the key is in the name. It is there to supplement a good diet and exercise program, not replace it. So keep things simple with a good whey protein product and possibly a creatine monohydrate to boost explosive strength when you train.
Now you are fully aware of what supplements to take to help you reach your goal, you can begin on your journey to a leaner, toned physique. Furthermore, the next time you hear a lady ask "Should women lift weights?" you can help them get away from all of the old, unproven myths which surround this area of fitness.
The fitness industry, much like life itself, continues to evolve and develop with every year that passes. Just think how far computers have come in the last two decades. You wouldn't go back to using a Commodore 64 now when you have an iPhone 4, right? Yet the fitness industry has undergone a similar journey during this time and there are many folks out there who still follow outdated advice.
They'll tell you that women will get big and bulky if they touch weights. They will advise you that carbohydrates are to be treated as the enemy. They'll ignore recent scientific proof in favor of following routines laid out by their favorite television celebrity. Usually, they'll also struggle to see any significant long-term results. []
Thanks to the ongoing scientific research which is carried out many of the old wives tales about fitness have been confined to the 'myths' category. Unfortunately, there are so many people who are still stuck in those old ways that the new research tends to go unnoticed by the majority.
Lifting weights is great for weight loss. That may shock you because it goes against the old wives tales you may have heard in the past, but it is indeed 100% true. If you are a female trying to achieve a leaner, toned physique then lifting weights is better still.
What about the old wives tales? Won't you end up getting huge muscles like a bodybuilding competitor?
No. If it were that easy to obtain a bodybuilding physique then most of the men you'd see walking down the street would look like The Rock or Sylvester Stallone! Lifting weights will improve your strength and tone your muscles in a way that cardiovascular exercise simply can not. If you aspire to achieve the lean look demonstrated on athletes such as Jessica Ennis at the recent London Olympics, then lifting is very important.
One of the main reasons why ladies shouldn't be concerned with the prospect of gaining a lot of muscle mass is testosterone. Testosterone levels are severely lower in females than in males and this factor alone is enough to squash any doubts lingering in the back of your mind. This also squashes the myth that ladies must do high rep sets to avoid gaining size, so feel free to pick up a weight which actually challenges you next time.
If you can work on developing a good technique with the major compound exercises, such as deadlifts, lat pulldowns and squats, you will notice excellent physical results.
Supplements are often over complicated but in truth the key is in the name. It is there to supplement a good diet and exercise program, not replace it. So keep things simple with a good whey protein product and possibly a creatine monohydrate to boost explosive strength when you train.
Now you are fully aware of what supplements to take to help you reach your goal, you can begin on your journey to a leaner, toned physique. Furthermore, the next time you hear a lady ask "Should women lift weights?" you can help them get away from all of the old, unproven myths which surround this area of fitness.
About the Author:
Author Bio: Russ Howe PTI answers the question should women lift weights in the gym today. He also shows you what supplements to take to match your target physique in his latest new material which is available online.
