I hear it all the time. "I don't want to lift too much weights, I am going to look like a man." "I prefer doing cardio." If this sounds like you, it could not be any further from the truth, primarily because of two hormones, testosterone and estrogen. Both hormones are produced naturally in the ovaries. Testosterone has several functions, but lets focus on one task, which is assisting the body in muscular development. Estrogen also has several functions such as regulating menstrual cycle. But estrogen can also contribute to stubborn fat deposits primarily in the breasts, hips and thigh regions (the dreaded saddle bags).
Now here is the kicker, women have about 1/7 the amount of testosterone that men do, so the female body cannot naturally develop large man-like muscles, have a deep voice, etc. But as it relates to estrogen, women produce way more than men. So what does this mean? Unless you are loading up on testosterone, and estrogen blockers, the chance of looking like a linebacker may not be so realistic.
With all that said, why should women lift weights? Well, when you lift weights your muscles naturally become more dense. When your muscles become more dense, your bones produce more Collagen. What is Collagen and why is that a good thing? Collagen is a fibrous protein which provides the bones with strength and flexibility. By the way during that time of the month when you have your lady business, your body looses some Collagen. So essentially training your body to produce more Collagen is important simply because you will have a denser and stronger bone structure. Strong bones in turn help to prevent osteoporosis s(thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time). You've seen her, the elderly woman who walks with a hunch; you guess it, primarily caused by osteoporosis.
Not enough to get you starting to lifting more weights? Well how about this. Ever notice that woman in the gym with the nice broad shoulders, and strong pretty arms and legs? You know her, the one you hate because she spends half the time you do working out, but you could only wish to have her body. How does she do it? SHE LIFTS WEIGHTS!! Which as I mentioned helps to develop your muscles. By the way its true, the more developed muscle mass you have, the more effectively the body burns calories even at rest. Essentially, muscle is a metabolic tissue and can burn calories for up to 15 hours following weight training.
Of course you can loose weight by doing a whole bunch of cardio. But guess what? You have no muscle mass. So one twinkie puts that weight right back on, while the fit lady you quietly envy, has had three twinkies, and not gain a single pound. Unfair isn't it.
So every once in a while I say to women, step out of that Zumba class, get of that spin bike, and to quote a good friend of mine, "train insane or remain the same.'
