Being a fitness professional and in my 4+ years of working in the fitness industry I have heard this thing *Weight Training will Transform me into HULK* for like so many times. Fear of getting bulky is the primary reason why women are not interested in weight training.
Only a very few percentage of women have the genetic potential to experience muscle hypertrophy. Physiologically women are typically smaller in size and have less muscle tissue. Women also do not produce enough level of the hormone (anabolic hormone) as compared to men which is the primary hormone responsible for muscle growth. So, genetically it is next to impossible for them to get huge and bulky due to weight training unless they plan on taking Anabolic Steroids.
Women Should Use Light Weights and High Repetition
And here is another Strength Training Myth for Women. Women who strength train have been told by their trainers that they should use small dumbbells which should be not more than 3 pounds for endless amount of repetition and it will emphasize muscle toning as they want a toned-up physique. First of all let me clear that, as I mentioned above genetic factors are largely responsible for individual muscular responses to weight training. Sure, using light weight and high repetition will increase your muscular endurance but it won’t help you to build a toned-up physique.
It is essential to use enough amount of resistance to produce a reasonable degree of targeted muscle fatigue within the limits of the Anaerobic Energy System (less than 90 seconds) Training with very light weights that can be performed for 2 minutes or more provides very limited benefits for muscle development.
Muscle Will Turn Into Fat
Fear of Turning Muscle into Fat is also another myth of strength training for women. Most of the women never perform strength/weight training because they fear that if they will ever stop performing weight training, their muscle mass will automatically turn into fat.
Well, let me tell you that it is scientifically and physically impossible. Muscle simply can never be turn into fat and Fat can never be turn into muscle and nothing can change that. The reason you cannot simply turn Muscle into fat because these two are completely different tissues with completely different works. Muscles primary work is powering movements while fat is a stored energy and can be used when need arises.
So, if you have a goal of having a proper Lean Toned up Physique then you should never run away from Strength Training. Forget about all those useless Myths and start lifting because it is never too late to achieve your Fitness Goals. GOOD LUCK!!
Fitness Matters courses!
Interactive sessions which are easy to learn and understand.
