3 Reasons Why Women Need To Be Lifting Weights

Going by the general population of people (read: muscular men, sweating and grunting) at the weights section of the gym, it's unfair to put the entire blame on us women for wanting to stay away. No matter how you might feel about all the huffing and puffing happening in that area, though, it's time you made your way up there. Weight lifting has more benefits for women than most know. So before you reject the idea of starting weight training, read on and learn about some of its benefits.

1. Lifting Weights Strengthens Muscles And Bones

According to research, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. Women have lower bone density than men and lose bone mass faster as they age. As women approach menopause, the levels of oestrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones, decreases sharply. Strength and weight training along with a healthy lifestyle can help decrease the chances or even prevent the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone strength along with muscle strength.

2. It Helps Improve Your Muscle Metabolic Rate

Lifting even moderate to light weights 3-4 times a week will increase your resting metabolism. This means that even while you are resting, your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate. The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will be.

3. It Helps Burn Fat Faster

While it's true that cardiovascular activity will help burn more stored fat, a body with higher muscle percentage acts more efficiently. The afterburn from strength work lasts longer than the afterburn from cardio. The "afterburn effect" refers to the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or simply, EPOC. After a high-intensity workout, your body needs to take in oxygen at a higher rate to cool down, repair, and return to its resting state. This requires the body and metabolism to work harder and at a higher rate, so it continues to burn calories.

Do you suddenly feel like you want to start lifting now? Because we definitely do.