I’ll bet when I say the words “Strength Training” a picture like this comes to most people’s minds:
My question is why not a picture like this?
I know that many women feel a little weird about heading over to “that part of the gym”. By “that part” I mean the free weight area.
I want to help change that.
You see, I think there are reasons that strength training for women is actually more important than it is for men!
Today I want to talk about four of them.
Strength. We have a saying at our gym is that we never want to be the person who has to say “Yes” when the cashier at Safeway asks if we need help out. If we want to live independant lives we have to be physically strong to some extent. I don’t mean we have to be able to lift 500 pounds, but when I hear our female members tell me they could carry a bag of soil to their backyard by themselves when previously they had to wait for help, it really makes me smile.
Healthy bones. One of the biggest issues women face is osteoporosis. This is a condition where the bones become fragile and weak. You can see how that would be a problem. Well, strength training is the best way to combat this. Just as you don’t want to be the person who needs help out of Safeway, you also really don’t want to be the person who can’t get up from the floor after a fall.
Focus on you! One of the biggest issues women face is time. Women, and Mothers in particular, tend to put themselves last. Strength training for women can be a great way to, not only get some physical benefits, but emotional benefits, as well. Taking some productive time for yourself will make you a better mom, wife and friend and believe me when I tell you, if your significant other is worth anything they want that for you, too.
Self-Appreciation. I don’t have to go into how images in the media can be damaging to women. We all know that. It’s a very deep-seated issue. Well, I’ve seen strength training help many women feel so much better about themselves. When women realize that they are more than just a number on a scale or a pants size they can really start to see how amazing they are without having to conform to someone else’s standards. I know from personal experience that when you are able to do things in the gym you know you couldn’t do before, it is an incredible and empowering feeling.
These are just a few reasons and, of course, there are many more reasons that matter to each individual. As I said before, I think it is just so important for women to feel empowered and confident in their bodies and I’ve seen strength training help with this time and again.
Mitch Rothbardt, CPT, PN Level 2 Lean Eating Coach, FMS Castro Valley Fitness 2861 Grove Way in Castro Valley Mitch@CastroValleyFitness.com 510-755-9191
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