Women and Weight Training: Debunking the Myth that Strength Training Will Cause a Woman to Get Bulky

One of the biggest misconceptions I have come across as a Personal Trainer, is hearing female clients saying they don't want to lift weights because they don't want to get bulky.

Here's the Reality: Strength training will not give a woman bulky, masculine muscles! Unless she is supplementing with testosterone and consuming far more calories than she is burning off. Basically, if you don't eat like Arnie, then you aren't going to look like him!

Women’s bodies naturally produce a little testosterone, but only about 10% of what a man’s body produces, and not in the quantities required to get that big. It is therefore not possible for women to increase muscle mass at nearly the same rate unless they supplement with steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

Instead, strength training tones and strengthens muscles and raises your metabolism. You may see increased definition in your muscles, but no added bulk.

Not only that, but studies have shown that training with heavier weights may actually help you lose weight. Strength training also increases bone density and prevents muscle loss in postmenopausal women.

Start lifting weights now and you could have a positive impact on your health and mobility for the future!

(Acknowledgement stricitymed.org)