The consensus of our society seems to associate weight training with large muscles. In fact, building large muscles is extremely difficult for even most men.
While doing weight training, even with extremely heavy weight, the right hormones are necessary in order to bulk up. Women’s testosterone levels are much lower than men’s, therefore making it nearly impossible to build large muscles. In fact, since muscle is nearly 20 percent more dense than fat it takes up less room so women actually lose inches when they weight train.
In addition to the physical benefits of increased metabolism, decreased risk of osteoporosis and increased strength, weight training will help you slim down as well. Women, in fact, are more likely to tone-up from weight training rather than bulk up. Research shows that women can add up to 30% lean muscle and end up looking thinner, feeling stronger and being firmer.
Women with an intense fear of becoming large as a result of weight training are at a disadvantage when it comes to their health. The problem most women run into isn’t building too much muscle, but not building enough. This sets them up for increased risk of osteoporosis later in life, as well as a reduction in muscle mass of about 3 percent per year, which has an adverse effect on metabolism and can result in weight gain.
