The benefits of resistance training for Women- With Coach Mikayla.

Finally, the women’s weightlifting revolution is building momentum!

More and more women are picking up barbells and dumbbells, increasing their strength and power, and creating amazing communities because of it. But even with its increasing popularity, there is still the common belief floating around that ‘weightlifting will make me bulky and masculine’. There are many potential reasons for females to avoid the squat rack and jump on a trusty stepper for every workout instead, and don’t get me wrong, there is most certainly time and place for cardio! The problem is that for most women, achieving their physique goals is unattainable when doing only cardio.

Here are some of the many amazing benefits of resistance training for women!

-Improved metabolism: One of the reasons why many women turn to cardio is that it’s often promoted as the best way to boost metabolism. However, resistance training is actually king here, creating lasting changes when implemented regularly! So, even if your goal is purely fat loss, avoiding resistance training gives you a major strategic disadvantage. By incorporating strength training into your routine, you’ll be able to consume more calories and feel more comfortable while still reducing body fat percentage efficiently, as opposed to having to constantly reduce intake and increase cardio.

-Balanced physique: Strength training is the answer here! Strategically building lean muscle can help completely change your proportions. Something that cardio alone most certainly won’t do.

-Reduced risk of injuries: A balanced strength training regime can drastically reduce the risk of injuries. By applying dynamic loads to the joints, resistance training triggers physiological changes in bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. In turn, bones get stronger, and joints become more aligned, which reduces the risk of injuries when performing complex movements. In addition, while muscles and tendons become stronger with strength training, the ligaments become more pliable and flexible, so you’re much less likely to experience a bad tear or strain.

Increased strength: I’ve said it before and I will say it again, you will NOT become “bulky” as a result of strength training, unless it is your specific goal of course. Instead, strength training is capable of giving you amazing sense of achievement and help break limitations. Many women believe that they won’t ever be able to perform certain exercises, such as unassisted pull ups or push ups, however, this is simply not true!Setting and smashing strength goals, however ambitious, can also have a major positive impact on self-confidence and overall mental health.

-Better overall health: Regular resistance training is incredibly beneficial for overall health! According to research, strength training has numerous health benefits, including:

• Helping regulate blood sugar levels

• Improving insulin sensitivity

• Enhancing cardiovascular health

• Helping manage high blood pressure

• Promoting healthy bone development

• Reducing chronic pain

Strength training is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve so many fitness goals while also improving health, both physical and mental. So, if you’re someone who’s been limiting yourself to cardio equipment in the past, challenge yourself and step into the weight room next time you’re at the gym, the experience will be life changing!