BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LIFTING FOR WOMEN

(By UniActive Fitness Trainer Ella Saunders)

Women all over the world are discovering the health benefits of weightlifting. Despite the misconceptions that lifting weights will lead to bulkiness or compromises femininity, strength training has emerged as a game changer that not only enhances physical health but also empowers women on a deeper level. 

Here are just some benefits:

Helps with effective weight management and supports overall health

As women age, the metabolic rate tends to slow down, leading to challenges in weight management. Strength training helps counteract this by building lean muscle mass, which, in turn, increases the number of calories burned at rest. This contributes to more effective weight management and supports overall health.

Studies have also found that strength training helps improve the body’s ability to use insulin and process glucose. The increase in muscle mass, increases the base metabolic rate which causes you to burn calories at a faster rate. This can help with weight management & as it helps with blood sugar control.

Helps improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures

Strength training, including any weight-bearing exercises, helps improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. As women engage in resistance training, their bones adapt to the increased load, resulting in stronger and more resilient skeletal structures.

Helps to creates a sense of empowerment and confidence in women

Who doesn’t want to feel confident? Strength training goes beyond physical benefits; it creates a sense of empowerment and confidence in women. It disrupts the stereotypes associated with women and strength that heavy lifting is only for the men, which is just not true. As women train and begin to see improvements in strength and endurance this can translate towards increased confidence in various aspects of life.

Helps improve cognitive function and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression

If you are a stress head then strength training may also provide you with a healthy stress outlet. Physical activity releases endorphins which are the body’s natural mood enhancers. Strength training has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and we all benefit from that. 

Helps enhance functional fitness

Strength training enhances functional fitness, making everyday activities easier and reducing the risk of injury. Many women have to do so much everyday, whether it’s working hard, lifting children, carrying groceries, or even maintaining proper posture. The strength gained through resistance training contributes to a more functional and active lifestyle. Postnatal strength training is also beneficial for women as restores strength, conditions the abdominal muscles and helps to increase energy levels. 

Helps to improve heart health

As we all know the health of our heart is an important aspect of overall well-being. Strength training complements cardiovascular exercise by reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and enhancing heart function. The combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise creates a well-rounded approach to heart health.

If gaining confidence, strength, better health and positive self image is for you then join some of our strength classes at Uniactive. Ladies, let’s lift more than just weights – let’s elevate ourselves, break through barriers, and redefine what it means to be strong, both inside and out. 

Uniactive offers many different strength classes and UniActive gym memberships include a free fitness consultation with a Uniactive trainer to kickstart your strength journey today. Contact us today 42 21 4700.

So let’s lift girls!