7 benefits of resistance training for women (that have nothing to do with looks)
Resistance training helps you achieve aesthetic goals, by contributing to fat loss and sculpting your body. There’s nothing wrong with chasing such goals. This is why we all get into fitness in the first place.
But weight lifting offers so many more perks that have nothing to do with toned arms and glute gains. Here are 7 major health benefits of resistance training for women. So that you can look your best and maintain your health for many, many years.
Physical health benefits of resistance training for women
Stronger bones and joints = less risk of injury
Other than building muscles, weight bearing exercises increase your bone mineral density as well as the production of collagen, a connective tissue found in your joints. Which is why resistance training is a very effective way to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, arthritis as well as your chance of getting injured.
Better posture, less back pain
Strengthening your back, shoulders and core can significantly help you improve your posture and prevent muscular imbalances which, in the long run, could lead to severe back pain.
Healthy heart
Cardio may be the main type of activity to develop your cardio vascular fitness but weights play a part too! Indeed, it’s been proven that resistance training tends to increase the level of “good” (HDL) cholesterol and decrease the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, whilst also lowering your blood pressure.
Reduced risk of diabetes
Although exercise can’t out-train a bad diet, weight training has been shown to improve glucose utilisation (the way your body processes sugar), reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Mental health benefits of resistance training for women
Fight depression
Exercise, including resistance training, is a powerful tool to help you improve your mood, fight anxiety and even depression. Why? Simply because it releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
Better sleep
Research suggests that weight training in the morning helps fall asleep faster at night, whilst lifting weights in the evening can improve the quality of your sleep.
Confidence boost
There’s something about lifting weights that makes you feel empowered, resilient, confident. It helps you realise your physical and mental strength and this carries over to every aspect of your life.
To conclude, I just wanted to remind you that you can have physical goals and still want to take care of your health. The good news is, you can do both :)
