Women And Weight Training: Debunking The Myths
Women And Weight Training: Debunking The Myths
by Will Brink
Here we are, the year 2011, and it's stunning to me that myths surrounding weight training and women still exist, and worse yet, it's the same myths I was hearing a few decades ago! It seems I can dispel these myths 'til I'm blue in the face, and yet, they persist! In addition to the myths, it seems many women are simply unaware of the many benefits weight training - also called resistance training or strength training - can impart. Some of those benefits are sex specific in fact, that is, they are specific to women.
The following review below from the "THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTS MEDICINE" May issue covers the major myths, which are:
Myth 1: Strength training causes women to become larger and heavier.
Myth 2: Women should use different training methods than men.
Myth 3: Women should avoid high-intensity or high-load training.
For commentary on those myths above, see the review below. In addition to covering the myths, the review does a fine job of listing the benefits for women, which are :
1. Enhanced bone modeling to increase bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
2. Stronger connective tissues to increase joint stability and help prevent injury
3. Increased functional strength for sports and daily activity
4. Increased lean body mass and decreased nonfunctional body fat
5. Higher metabolic rate because of an increase in muscle and a decrease in fat
6. Improved self-esteem and confidence
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