Busting Myths About Strength Training For Women

You may have heard multiple warnings about strength training when you started your fitness journey.

For me, my family members were concerned that I would hurt myself and look like a man, which would lead to no man wanting me. This can be frustrating and cause a lot of doubt if what I was doing is healthy or even good for me! These myths can be harmful because they can scare women out of all the benefits of weight lifting like improving joint health and bone density (preventing osteoporosis which many women face). 

So let's get into these myths that need to die!

Myth #1: Lifting weights makes you bulky.

Fact #1: Women do not typically have enough testosterone to gain muscle mass like men. For a woman to gain muscle she needs to be in a calorie surplus for an extended time. This can cause someone to look bulky until they cut down to show the muscle underneath. If a woman is not bulking, doing it for general health and becoming stronger, she will not become bulky unless she uses steroids. 

Myth #2: Women should only use light weight to avoid looking bulky.

Fact #2: The use of heavier weights and lower reps can be more effective for building strength and muscle tone. Women(anyone) should train with a wide variety of weights and reps to achieve their goals. Using light weights is a different way to use the muscle and cause hypertrophy. But to look like the women you might look up to or build that booty lift some heavy weights.

Myth #3: Lifting weights is dangerous.

Fact #3: Lifting weights is safe when performing movement patterns with the proper technique and form. 

Myth #4: Strength training makes you less flexible.

Fact #4: Proper strength training through the full range of motions can increase flexibility and improve overall mobility. This is because you are essentially stretching with a weight. 

Myth #5: Strength training is only for young women.

Fact #5: Strength training is beneficial for women of all ages because it maintains muscle mass, improves balance, and prevents age-related muscle loss and osteoporosis. Working out in general can also help prevent cardiovascular diseases. 

I hope this helps some of you feel more comfortable lifting weights! Comment below any myths you grew up hearing and we can bust them together!