I've always been a firm believer that women shouldn't be afraid to lift weights. It's a part of a balanced exercise program and can actually be kind of fun. It's satisfying to me to be able to lift more as I go along. You can do as much cardio as you want, but without some sort of weight training, you'll never get toned. Some of the benefits of weight training include:
I know that the free weight area at the gym can be intimidating (BELIEVE ME, I know) but you shouldn't be afraid! All those guys are paying attention to their own weights, not you. If you REALLY don't want to go there or don't have a gym membership, you can always do some weight training at home. You can get weights (they're pretty cheap for some small ones), use random heavy-ish objects, or even use your own body weight. Here are some links to some exercises that can be done at home with little to no equipment. UPDATE: I was contacted by someone and they shared this link with me: Calisthenics Exercises: The Complete List. This site has over 200 calisthenic exercises!
If you're like me and you go to a gym, the free weight area isn't scary, I promise. Just ignore the people that are picking up weights that weigh as much as you (I'm not helping, am I?). You can also use the machines (the majority of my weight training is done on the machines). They're easier to use and adjust and I personally prefer them.
REMEMBER: Warm up first, then stretch, THEN do weights, then cool down, then STRETCH AGAIN. You don't want to hurt yourself!
<3 - CFC
- Lowering blood pressure (I'm becoming obsessed)
- Increasing metabolism (read: burn more calories)
- Burning fat!!!
- You'll have a tighter, firmer body (read: SEXY)
- Reduces the risk for some diseases
- You get physically stronger (TO BATTLE THE ZOMBIES)
- It's good for your bones
- You'll get toned and SEXY
I know that the free weight area at the gym can be intimidating (BELIEVE ME, I know) but you shouldn't be afraid! All those guys are paying attention to their own weights, not you. If you REALLY don't want to go there or don't have a gym membership, you can always do some weight training at home. You can get weights (they're pretty cheap for some small ones), use random heavy-ish objects, or even use your own body weight. Here are some links to some exercises that can be done at home with little to no equipment. UPDATE: I was contacted by someone and they shared this link with me: Calisthenics Exercises: The Complete List. This site has over 200 calisthenic exercises!
If you're like me and you go to a gym, the free weight area isn't scary, I promise. Just ignore the people that are picking up weights that weigh as much as you (I'm not helping, am I?). You can also use the machines (the majority of my weight training is done on the machines). They're easier to use and adjust and I personally prefer them.
REMEMBER: Warm up first, then stretch, THEN do weights, then cool down, then STRETCH AGAIN. You don't want to hurt yourself!
<3 - CFC
RSS Feed
