WHY SHOULD WOMEN STRENGTH TRAIN?
The benefits of participating in a strength training program extend much further than aesthetics. Although there are endless reasons why women should strength train, this article will elaborate on five essential reasons that women should join a strength training program.
Reason #1: Improve Your Energy and Movement Throughout Your Day
When you train, there is an increased flow of oxygen to the tissues, which allows your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. This means that when heart and lung health improve, you will have greater endurance to sustain the activities throughout your day. Exhausted from getting your kids ready for school before you even start your day? Reaching for your third cup of coffee at 3 p.m. during the work day? Add 2-3 days of strength training into your weekly routine, and then observe how your energy levels change.
Reason #2: Pain Reduction
Most adults live with neck, back, shoulder, or knee pain at some point in their lives. This type of pain is often caused by weakness in the muscles, joints, and tissues. This can lead to poor execution of movement patterns, some as simple as walking or carrying groceries, which then lead to chronic pain or discomfort in the body. When you strengthen your muscles, you are also strengthening the tissues and joints. You will move well and more efficiently in your day-to-day activities while feeling out of pain when you start strength training.
Reason #3: Increase Bone Density
Did you know women are more likely to get osteoporosis or have osteoporosis-related injuries with age? 80% of all osteoporosis cases in the USA are women. Women have smaller and less dense bones than men. When you strength train, you are placing an appropriate amount of stress on the bones to repair and maintain bone tissue rather than allowing it to break down over time. Building muscle and strength will help build and maintain bone density.
Reason #4: Decrease Risk of Diseases like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and More
According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, strength training can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, metabolic efficiency, and reduce inflammatory markers in the body. This means that strength training can decrease inflammation in the body, improve circulation, and improve cardiovascular health with time and consistency.
Reason #5: Improve Mood, Reactions, and Confidence
Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands; they just don’t.” If you know, you know. If not, I’ll fill you in—exercise increases the production of endorphins, aka your feel-good hormones. When you lift heavy weights, you will feel happier and physically stronger. Physical strength may also lead to increased mental and emotional strength and confidence. When life gets hard, your physical discipline will spill over into other areas of your life, providing you with a tool to combat those tough times.
Take Back Your Power
Strength training is a powerful tool that women can use to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Beyond the aesthetics, it offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from improved bone health and metabolism to enhanced confidence and a better quality of life. Women should embrace strength training as an empowering choice that not only transforms their bodies but also enriches their lives in numerous ways. Not sure where to start? Join PFP’s new Strength Training Camp for women starting November 1st.