What is Keeping Women from the Weight Room?

When I walk into a gym with a client, I see the same thing at every gym. The treadmills are full of women running like crazy.  All the guys are in the free weight room. Why is this the case?  If your fear is that you are going to look big & bulky like a man, you can put that fear aside.  Womens bodies do not have the testosterone levels necesarry for major muscle gains.  According to livestrong.com men have 20 times more testosterone in their bodies than women.  Don't spend hours and hours on a treadmill every week.  Pick up a set of dumbbells and watch your body transform.  Start with a lighter weight and correct form and then work your way up to heavier weights.

Here are several reasons why lifting weights can benefit you:

1. Improves everyday performance.  Greater muscle mass can make it easier to complete your everyday activities like lifting a child, taking in your groceries or moving furniture around in your home.

2. Helps maintain or lose weight.  According to the CDC, muscle burns a lot more energy than fat, so increasing your muscle mass will allow your body to burn more calories throughout the day.

3. Builds stronger bones.  Weightlifting during the teen and young adult years helps bones reach peak bone density.  Weightlifting by older women can help prevent the losses in bone density that occur as women age.

4. Reduces symptoms of disease.  Among older women, weightlifting is very effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and helps control diabetics blood glucose levels.

5. Protects against injury.  Stronger muscles mean stronger connective tissues and stable joints.  Weightlifting improves your balance and helps build muscles that protect your joints.

Source sited:  Livestrong.com