In case you didn't gather it from previous blog posts, strength training has changed my body, it has changed the way I eat, and it has changed my life!
There are so many EXTREMELY beneficial reasons women should train with weights. Let's list some of them...
Reasons to Strength Train:
You will be less injury prone.
It helps runners run longer, faster, and more efficiently.
You continue to burn calories after your workout.
Strength training gives you confidence.
Strength training will change your body composition.
(More muscle and less fat? Sign me up!)
Strength training stops, prevents, and reverses muscle loss.
Strength training helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
Some recommended reading for you!
Here are the excellent articles I used to compile the list. I would definitely suggest reading them, as they explain things better than I ever could!
Women and Strength Training Myths by Joe Cannon.
5 Reasons Weight Training is Better than Cardio by Tara Senic
Also, I urge you to read Nia Shank's article: 30 Rules to Lift Like a Girl and Look Absolutely Awesome! I'm not big on "rules", but use them more as suggestions and use what works for you and your life.
Last, but not least...
Are you one of those gals that is convinced lifting heavy weights will make you "big" or "bulky"? Then please read this excellent article at Crossfit FMS: The Fear of Bulkiness and Crossfit. (I have never done Crossfit, but I do know they lift heavy weights!)
Why Do I Strength Train?
1. I like feeling physically strong.
2. It gives me confidence.
3. I like the way my muscles look.
4. It has made me a faster runner.
5. I can carry all my groceries in at once. (Hehehehe!)
Why do YOU strength train?
I like strength training because I only see benefits from it. I really hate doing it, but since I started I've warmed up to the idea just because of the results. I think it makes me run faster.
ReplyDeleteThe osteoporosis prevention thing is huge - I think if we get into that habit now, as young women, it won't be so hard to continue when we're at higher risk later. Starting to lift weights as a 70 year old woman doesn't sound fun to me.
That is awesome that strength training has you running faster. I think people are afraid of getting too muscular and it slowing them down, but it's so not true.
DeleteHey, found you from Hungry Runner Girl's blog - we basically made the same comment about blinking lights on shoes and easily distracted teachers! :) You're making me think I need to get back into strength training, although it was easier when I was a member of a gym and could just hit up a BodyPump class. I'm so lazy on my own.
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny!!! Clothes that light up and/or make noises should be BANNED from schools!
DeleteSigh...I sort of strength train, meaning I do toning workouts using free apps on my phone, but it's not heavy stuff at all. I don't have a gym membership (I'm on a very tight budget) so I can't do the heavy stuff so I have to focus on smaller weights and my own body weight. Aside from that I HATE strength training. I'm such a cardio girl. But I do what I can anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteBody weight exercises are great! I'm a huge fan. I understand the cardio thing- I was so addicted to cardio. The good part about strength training is now it forces me to take several days off from running a week. I was running too much.
DeleteI like to strength train, but I'm never sure if I should go heavy/low reps or lighter/high reps, so I always feel like I don't know what I'm doing. My sister does XFit and looks awesome, but we've always had different body types. The bottom line is that I need to get back into strength training!
ReplyDeleteI had no clue what I was doing, too. I ended up buying some sessions from a personal trainer I trusted to give me the right information and she set me on the right track. Otherwise, I would not have known where to start as I never really did it before.
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