Don't Fear the Weights

Have you heard that lifting weights makes you "bulky" before?  Most of us have heard, especially females, that if you lift heavy weights you will become a hulk, or a "she-hulk".  Hopefully this article will help alleviate your fears of lifting weights and you will discover that lifting weights can actually change your life as well as your physique.

First off, the notion that females who lift weights will become "bulky" is inherently untrue. Females cannot physiologically build huge muscles because they produce estrogen, and very, very low levels of testosterone, which is one of the main hormones responsible for muscle gain.  Men are able to gain more muscle due to the fact that their bodies naturally produce greater levels of testosterone, and very low levels of estrogen.  If you are a female reading this, don't fear the weights! Like previously stated, your hormones PREVENT you from gaining any muscle beyond your genetic potential. Women you see in the gym/fitness industry with massive muscle mass have most likely been abusing some form of synthetic hormones.

Lifting weights properly with the right intensity also has been shown to improve metabolism!  By lifting weights consistently, your lean muscle mass will increase.  Since muscle is such a dense tissue, the cells use more energy than normal tissue cells to maintain their structure and function properly. So, even at rest, someone who has a greater amount of muscle mass will burn slightly more calories than someone with a smaller amount of muscle mass.  And that's just one reason to get started!

Weightlifting can also improve insulin sensitivity - causing your body to become "better" at utilizing glucose for fuel.  What does this mean for you?  Well, your body will be able to use glucose (sugar) more efficiently - giving you more energy, better workouts, a better mood, and the list goes on!  Oh, and did I mention that you will not store fat as readily because those muscles will want to devour all the glucose that they can!?

Are you already thin and in shape yet still question whether you want to lift weights?  Well, weight lifting can also improve bone density!  Young and old, everyone can appreciate maintaining and improving bone mass.  As you age, your bones become less and less dense, which is unpreventable.  However, lifting moderate to heavy weights every week can help maintain bone density and slow the effects of aging.  Among the effects of aging, is loss of cognitive and memory function.  Good news - lifting weights actually improves cognitive function, problem solving, and memory!

Now that we have uncovered the secrets of success, what's holding you back? Don't fear the weights!

Jen is a graduate from SUNY Brockport with a degree in Exercise Science.  She has always had a passion for health, wellness, and exercise.  Jen enjoys helping others as well with their exercise regimen and diet.  Throughout her college career she has helped many people get on track with their diet and exercise routines and hopes to continue that passion into forming her own health and wellness business.