It's unfortunate that many women oppose even trying to lift
weights for weight loss and fitness.The benefits (toned muscles,
increased energy, and lost pounds) show in a few weeks. Lifting weights,
done correctly, is the single best way to rev up your body to burn fat.
The List of Reasons Why Women Won't Lift Weights
But women find reasons to ignore weight lifting advantages and focus on the negative instead. Some of the more common reasons are as follows:
The Options
I can think of 4 alternatives to lifting weights to develop strength. The categories listed here cross into each other, but each is a viable option.
Body Weight Resistance
You use your body to create the resistance you need. Think push ups, pull ups, and squats. You can do them at home without equipment or in a fitness club using (for example) the large exercise balls.
Kettle bell Training
These are weights of varying amounts shaped like bells with a handle and seem much more acceptable (to women) than traditional weights. Bottom line - they're weights.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands have been used in fitness circles for a long time. They do exactly what their name implies - provide resistance. It's just another way to work your muscles.
Exercise DVD Systems
Note that there are exercise DVDs that show you how to use your body weight to develop strength and endurance, perform kettle bell exercises, and employ resistance bands. In fact, one of the most popular exercise DVD systems uses body weight resistance exclusively.
By the way, I am distinguishing between exercise DVDs and exercise DVD systems. A single DVD may focus on one specific type of strength training in a single session. The systems are usually a set of DVDs you use for a long time frame (90 days for example). Many start with easy routine and eventually move into much more intense workouts. They may also combine strength with interval training.
Which One to Pick?
My recommendation is to experiment with exercise DVDs (they are fairly inexpensive) geared to the type of strength training you think you would enjoy. Be aware that you might need to get equipment to supplement the DVDs.
The List of Reasons Why Women Won't Lift Weights
But women find reasons to ignore weight lifting advantages and focus on the negative instead. Some of the more common reasons are as follows:
- I'm afraid to compete with men for weights in the weight room.
- I'll bulk up and look muscular.
- It's easier to spend hours on the treadmill or similar machines.
- The learning curve is way too steep.
- I'll get hurt.
The Options
I can think of 4 alternatives to lifting weights to develop strength. The categories listed here cross into each other, but each is a viable option.
Body Weight Resistance
You use your body to create the resistance you need. Think push ups, pull ups, and squats. You can do them at home without equipment or in a fitness club using (for example) the large exercise balls.
Kettle bell Training
These are weights of varying amounts shaped like bells with a handle and seem much more acceptable (to women) than traditional weights. Bottom line - they're weights.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands have been used in fitness circles for a long time. They do exactly what their name implies - provide resistance. It's just another way to work your muscles.
Exercise DVD Systems
Note that there are exercise DVDs that show you how to use your body weight to develop strength and endurance, perform kettle bell exercises, and employ resistance bands. In fact, one of the most popular exercise DVD systems uses body weight resistance exclusively.
By the way, I am distinguishing between exercise DVDs and exercise DVD systems. A single DVD may focus on one specific type of strength training in a single session. The systems are usually a set of DVDs you use for a long time frame (90 days for example). Many start with easy routine and eventually move into much more intense workouts. They may also combine strength with interval training.
Which One to Pick?
My recommendation is to experiment with exercise DVDs (they are fairly inexpensive) geared to the type of strength training you think you would enjoy. Be aware that you might need to get equipment to supplement the DVDs.
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