Weight Training for Women: How NOT To Overdo
It
It’s perfectly safe and effective for women
to have a weight training routine. And I say that
because there are a lot of misconceptions amongst
women about weight training, for women. I will
be the first to concede that weight training for
women differs from weight training for men, and
that’s why it’s important to learn how
to do it the right way so that you can get the
most out of your workout.
The key to weight training—that makes it
different from cardio training—is resistance.
As long as you’re providing resistance to
your target area, you’re giving your muscles
the burn that they deserve.
That doesn’t mean you have to go to the
gym, only to leave an hour later looking like
a balloon. (All pumped up)
While it’s recommended that you frequent
a local gym or have a trainer teach you the basics,
it’s not necessary. There are plenty of weight
training guides for women out there, as well as
entire sections in sporting goods stores, dedicated
to weight training for women.
Keep in mind that today’s weight training
is much different than what you’ve seen in
the movies or on TV. Gone are the days of the
sweaty gyms and bare bones workouts.
You won’t be crushing your spine on the
floor doing crunches anymore. You can use an exercise
ball to soften the hard surfaces, roll out cushioned
mats on the floor, and even color-coordinate your
dumbbells.
As long as you start slowly, build gradually,
and give your body a chance to rest between workouts,
you’ll be well on your way to achieving that
fit, toned body that is the envy of every women—young
and old. Starting slowly doesn’t necessarily
mean that you only use the lightest weights possible.
So many women fear weight training, because they’re
afraid that they’re gong to wind up looking
like those boob-less, leathery, muscle bound ladies
you see on ESPN. Understand this: those ladies
are world-class athletes.
And just as it’s difficult for the average
man to achieve that ever-elusive Mr. Universe
physique, so to is it for the average woman to
achieve the look of a professional female bodybuilder.
The professionals have done specific, intensive
training, and used hardcore supplements to develop
their bodies. It takes a lot of work to change
your body like that; so don’t worry because
you won’t be using their routine.
Using heavy weights is going to get your body
toned and in shape faster than lightweights. That’s
the only difference. So, if you want to prolong
your weight training and you’ve got the patience
of Job, then use lightweights.
If you want to succeed and achieve the desired
result quicker, then use heavier weights. (Just
don’t take a bunch of supplements and lift
for 10 hours a day).
A good way to determine what weight is right
for you is to try out different ones. Ideally,
you want to start with a weight that you can lift
between eight and 10 times. When you can lift
that weight with no problem at all, it’s
time to move up to a higher weight.
However, you can’t go from female couch
potato to Buffy the hot body fitness model overnight.
You also have to lose the fat you’re carrying
around, so your muscles have a chance to show
off all their hard work.
|
