I’m just not sure where most women get the notion that lifting weights will make them look like Arnold. Is it the media? Is it the models that tell us that we should be stick thin and anorexic? Was it our parents (ie. Mom’s) that put it in our heads?
Weights are great for everyone and have an incredible amount of benefits. Benefits include an increase in calorie expenditure daily, slower bone density loss, slow age related muscle loss, makes you less prone to lower back and other injuries, gives you confidence, and increases your HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). These are just a few of many benefits of weight lifting.
Your weight routine and genetics will determine your results, not the mere fact that you lift. Have you ever watched the Ms. Fitness competitions? Those women lift weights and I don’t think anyone would call them anything less than feminine. Some of us do carry genetics that will allow us to build muscle mass very quickly, but we still have control over whether or not we do. If you want to build nice long, lean muscles then do 3 sets of 15 reps for each exercise. If you want to body build you will do approx. 4 sets of only 3-5. See the difference? You will do much more weight if you only lift 3-5 times per set. Where as doing 15 reps per exercise will take more endurance and much lower weight.
If time is your enemy at the gym then just do some generic weights. Hit each major muscle group at least once per workout (ie. biceps, triceps, back, chest, shoulders, legs and abs), twice per week with a day of rest in between. If you need any help planning a personal routine please email me at val@busymommawellness.com .
If you ever have any fitness, health or nutrition questions you would like addressed please email me anytime.
Val Selby – Personal Trainer
www.BusyMommaWellness.com
Tags: Mom, wellness
