There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around women’s fitness, so it’s simple to get lost in all the misinformation and lose out on the training outcomes you desire. The truth is that women are strong and capable enough to achieve great things through consistent exercise. Let’s find out the reality behind these beliefs and definitively dispel the prevalent falsehoods, updating our fitness routine for the better!
No Bulk Only Strength
Fitness Coach Aslita Mal explains that the most common misconception among women is that lifting weights is for men, and not for them. Many of them also have this preconceived notion that lifting weights will make them bulky and give them a manly physique. It’s a myth that needs to be debunked because there is no truth to it. Women typically don’t gain large muscles like men due to lower testosterone levels. the only thing they gain is strength!
Lifting weights benefits women in several ways, even in a short amount of time, since it:
• Boosts metabolism
• Strengthens bones
• Improves confidence and mood
• Enhances daily functioning
Why You Should Try Strength Training
Every woman should begin strength training. As we grow older, we need muscle mass to help us with our daily activities. These include basics such as sitting on the floor and walking. A lot of older women find it hard even to get up after sitting down on the floor; that’s definitely a struggle you don’t want as you grow older. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which leads to weakness and decreased mobility. Having a good amount of muscle mass will help you conduct these basic activities with ease. Strength-training helps preserve and even build muscle, keeping you strong, fit and independent.
It is beneficial during the menopausal stage too. Exercise, including resistance training, helps regulate hormones, reduce hot flashes, and improve mood swings during menopause.
Carbs Are Not The Only Enemy
Aslita mentions that being in this field and training women, she has often seen them give up on good food or foods that they love such as rice, rotis and dairy. Carbs are an important and primary source of energy. Eliminating it from your daily nutrition palette can cause an imbalance.
Carbs help in:
• Supporting brain function
• Muscle recovery & performance
• Digestion & gut health
• Hormonal balance
You just need to understand portion control and you are good to go!
• Keep a check on your daily calories
• If your intake is surplus, it will lead to weight gain
• If there is a deficit in calorie intake, you will lose weight
The Scale Isn’t The True Marker Of Results
Personally, as a trainer, Aslita doesn’t encourage her clients to use the weighing scale more than once a month. Fitness and exercise is not always about losing weight. It’s mainly about health and lifestyle transition in the long run, while weight loss is just a by-product!
A few reasons why you shouldn’t keep checking your weight:
• Weight fluctuates daily
• Muscle weighs more than fat
• It leads to an unhealthy obsession
• The weighing scale doesn’t measure health
As women, we need to understand that our body keeps changing daily - be it just water weight, inflammation or hormonal changes. The essence of the matter is overall health.