Women's Strength Training: Myths and Misconceptions

Stay Young Bureau May 4, 2023

Weights are Unsafe

One common misconception is that women should not perform weightlifting as it is dangerous. However, the fact is that women can safely weightlift with the assistance of their coach. It helps develop a lean, muscular body. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Weights Make You Bulky

Another common myth is that weightlifting can make a woman's body look bulky and masculine. The fact is that women can also gain muscle and strength equal to that of a man with less muscle size. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Gyms Help Lose Weight

A common myth is that women only visit the gym to lose weight. However, the fact is that most women, based on their age and fitness level, want to train to improve their bone density and overall health. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Do Cardio to Lose Weight

The myth is that cardio is the best training to burn fat. However, the fact is that weightlifting can also help you burn fat as your basal metabolic rate, or the number of calories burned while resting, increases. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Tone Your Muscles

Workout routines designed for women will be lightweight and have many reps. The myth is that smaller weights can 'tone' your muscles without making them big. However, the fact is that you cannot tone your muscles without gaining some muscle mass. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Turn Muscle into Fat

Fat and muscle are two different things that cannot change into one another. Weightlifting can help you build muscle and reduce fat, but it cannot transform one into the other. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

More Protein Intake

The myth is that you should load up on protein while strength training. However, the fact is that eating a balanced diet rich in all nutrients like protein, carbs, fibre, and fat is enough while strength training. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Spend Hours at the Gym

Another common myth is that women have to spend more time in the gym to get the desired results. However, the fact is that challenging and experimenting with your body can help you see the benefits. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Gym Access is a Must

You really don't need access to power lifts and heavy weights to strengthen your muscles. You can improve your muscle mass with your own body weight at home or at the park by practising squats, pull-ups, push-ups, and lunges. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Target Specific Area

Women believe that weight training can help reduce weight in specific areas. However, our bodies are not designed to lose weight in a particular area. When you lose weight, the fat in your body will also be burned in a certain order. Credit: Stay Young Bureau