Women in the Weight Room

by Expert Contributor Catherine Momjian of Retro Fitness Newtown Square

At one time or another, everyone has found themselves wanting to get in shape. Physical activity and structured exercise are encouraged for everyone because they’re wonderful ways to stay healthy. Many women, however, have some unique hurdles to overcome when they step into a gym to improve their physical health and appearance.

HESITANCY AND STIGMA

Often, women set the goal to get “toned” without gaining too much muscle. To achieve those results, they tend to stick to doing only cardio exercises. Cardio-based exercises are definitely an excellent way to improve endurance and speed, but women frequently try to achieve results that only weightlifting gives. This is, in part, where the hesitation to engage in weightlifting is found. It is often thought that strength and femininity are opposed. This stigma is rooted in misinformation that women will look too bulky and masculine if they lift weights. On the contrary: If you are looking to improve your range of motion, bone mass, overall appearance and even to get “toned,” weightlifting is the ideal form of training to incorporate into your routine.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES

Don’t be scared: Confidently walk into the weight room and begin to experiment! You may find that you enjoy strength training more than you might have expected. There is no need for fear of judgment at the gym. Everyone working out is there because they want to improve themselves, and you’re right along with them! Start slow and get comfortable with lower weights with proper form. Once a formerly challenging weight becomes simple for you, add more weight and keep progressing.

SUCCESS

After spending some time getting comfortable with weightlifting and figuring out what works well for your body, it’s time to create healthy habits. Consistency is key for any workout plan. With discipline and time spent in the gym, you will see visible results and many other positive benefits including improved mood and better quality sleep. Although working out once or twice won’t yield instant results, keeping track of your progress over time is a surprising way to see how far you’ve come!

Next time you’re at the gym, try the weight room out for a change and break the misconception that strength and femininity are opposed. Strength is beauty!

Expert Contributor Catherine Momjian of Retro Fitness Newtown Square

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