If you are not familiar with weight lifting, you may have heard some things that have turned you away. But don’t disregard this form of training so soon, as you could be missing out on the many benefits! Read more to find out the truth about lifting weights.
Myth #1: Weight Lifting Will Make Women Look Bulky
It is physically impossible for women to get bulky and big, because they do not have the hormonal capacity to put on significant muscle mass like men (unless they are taking steroids). Having a balanced weight training program paired with cardio and proper nutrition will help women obtain a lean and toned body.
Myth #2: Weight Lifting Is Bad For Your Joints
Weight training, when done properly, can be low impact and not stressing on your joints. Lifting weights can actually prevent injury by strengthening the muscle and ligaments surrounding your joints.
Myth #3: You Need To Be Lifting Super Heavy For It To Work
One of the main things to keep in mind for lifting, is to have proper form. You are probably not doing your muscles a favour if you are lifting super heavy, but swinging the weights and not controlling your movements. You want to engage the muscle that you are working. Choose challenging weights, but make sure that you do not sacrifice your form for the weight.
Myth #4: You Need To Be Doing Loads Of Cardio To Lose Fat/Weight
Losing fat/weight is a combination of various factors including having a proper diet, appropriate training program and adequate recovery. Doing cardio may help you lose some fat/weight, but if you want to get a toned body and build curves, doing cardio alone will not reach that goal. In order to get strong and build muscle to shape your body, it will be necessary to include some resistance training/weight lifting into your routine. Doing too much cardio alone can break down muscle, so it is important to have a balance and include both strength training and cardio into your program.
Hope this gives you a better idea of the positives of weight lifting. Contact us for any personal training inquiries, our great team of trainers at Crux Fitness Richmond would love to help you out!
