Lifting weights can give you more than just a toned body. Here are 6 benefits it has to offer

We’re here to bust all the myths around weight lifting for women, and focus on the benefits it has to offer. Are you ready to find out?
weightlifting
Move over weight lifting! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Published: 18 Sep 2020, 13:02 pm IST
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If you’ve been working out regularly but haven’t seen transformative results, then you might want to give weight lighting a shot. Most women shy away from lifting weights, because they think they’ll bulk up in no time. But that’s not true, ladies. Instead, weight training offers several benefits, and can help you step up your weight loss game. 

Of course, it helps to strengthen your muscles, but there’s a lot more value that weight training adds to your life. Here are the 6 ways in which it can help you:

1. Increases bone density and reduces the risk of injury
Your bone density reduces as you age, making more bones more brittle and susceptible to injury. Lifting weights puts pressure on your joints, which strengthens your bones and makes it healthier. This, in turn, also helps to prevent osteoporosis at a later stage.

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research also showed that lifting weights can help improve bone mineral density in women. With stronger bone density, the risk of fractures and broken bones reduces. It also helps in building stronger connective tissues, and increases joint stability, which in turn prevents injury.

2. Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Weight training also helps in lowering bad cholesterol, and increasing good cholesterol. And that’s all you need for good heart health! People with heart ailments are often advised not to engage in cardio routines, so this comes in handy to keep you fit and fab!

benefits of lifting weights for women
Not able to do cardio because of your heart health? Try lifting weights! Image Courtesy : Shutterstock

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention confirmed that patients who lift weights can improve their heart health.

3. Burns more body fat
Unlike cardio, weight training helps you shed fat from your body, and not the muscles. After strength training, your body remains in the process of fat-burning mode, long after you’re done with your workout. This promotes lean muscle in your body, giving you a more structured and toned look.

In a study published in the journal The Physician and Sportsmedicine, women who lifted weights at least two to three times a week gained nearly 1 kg of muscle, and lost 1.5 kg of fat.

4. Improves sleep pattern
Isn’t it obvious that a good workout leads to improved sleep? Plus there’s another reason too: after you lift weights, your muscles need time to recover. So, if you’re struggling to sleep and wake up on time, you must give weight training a shot.

5. Boosts your mood
Just like any other exercise, weight training also helps to release endorphins. These hormones are neurotransmitters that are responsible for improving your mood. So, if you want to pep up your mood, don’t forget to lift weights!

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benefits of lifting weights for women
Who knew that lifting weight can make you happy as well? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Improves posture
A desk job can make you feel exhausted, and at the same time, ruins your posture. By lifting weights, you can strengthen your core and back muscles, and also open up your chest. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?

Remember: weight lifting every few days keeps several problems at bay!

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About the Author

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

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