Why I Love Strength Training: Empowering Women to Lift, Grow, and Thrive
Strength training has transformed my life in so many ways. From building physical strength to boosting my confidence, lifting weights has become more than just a workout routine—it’s become a source of therapy, both physical and mental. Yet, I know that for many women, the idea of strength training can be intimidating. I started lifting weights because the young man I had started dating worked at a gym. I joined up so I could see more of him, but I remember the weights section felt incredibly intimidating, filled with equipment that seemed confusing, and I was one of only a few women in there. Thankfully this has evolved and it’s a lot more common to see women in the weights area of gyms, sometimes outperforming their male counterparts.
If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about starting your strength training journey, you’re not alone. But I’m here to tell you that the benefits of lifting weights are immense, especially for women. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, lose weight, or simply feel stronger and maintain your functional independence as you age, strength training is the most effective tool to help you achieve all of these goals.
Breaking Down the Myths: Strength Training is for Everyone
One of the biggest misconceptions about strength training is that it’s only for men or for people who want to “bulk up.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Strength training is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It’s not about lifting the heaviest weights or becoming a bodybuilder—unless that’s your goal. It’s anything that involves contracting your muscles, and the benefits extend far beyond just physical appearance.
For women, in particular, strength training is incredibly important. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density, which can lead to a higher risk of injury, osteoporosis, and decreased mobility. Strength training helps combat these issues by preserving and even increasing muscle mass and bone strength. You may be at an age where you’re not concerned about aging (lucky you!) but developing good strength at an earlier age has a carryover effect further into adulthood. It also boosts metabolism, improves posture, and enhances overall physical performance.
The Mental Benefits: Confidence, Empowerment, and Stress Relief
The benefits of strength training aren’t just physical—they’re mental as well. There’s something incredibly empowering about lifting weights, especially as a woman. Each time I lift a little more, push a little harder, and especially set a new PB, I feel a surge of confidence and accomplishment. Strength training has taught me to appreciate my body for what it can do, rather than focusing solely on how it looks.
In a world where women are often pressured to be smaller, quieter, and less visible, strength training offers a different narrative. It encourages us to be strong, to take up space, and to embrace our power. The confidence I’ve gained from lifting weights has spilled over into other areas of my life, helping me tackle challenges with a sense of resilience and self-assurance that I didn’t have before.
And let’s not forget the stress-relieving benefits of strength training. I’m currently struggling to balance work, post graduate study, running a gym with my husband as well as mothering two young boys, life can feel very overwhelming at times. However, there’s something cathartic about the time in the gym, focusing on a workout, channelling your energy into lifting, throwing weights around and letting go of the stress and worries of the day. It’s a time to disconnect from the outside world and connect with yourself, your body, and your goals.
The Physical Benefits: Strength, Metabolism, and Longevity
Strength training does more than just make you stronger—it makes you healthier. One of the most significant benefits is its impact on metabolism. Unlike cardio exercises, which primarily burn calories during the activity, strength training builds muscle, which in turn increases your resting metabolic rate. This means that you’re burning more calories even when you’re not working out, making it an effective tool for weight management.
But the benefits go beyond weight loss. Strength training improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also enhances insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes. For women, who are at higher risk of osteoporosis, strength training is crucial for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures as we age.
Moreover, strength training improves balance, flexibility, and coordination, all of which contribute to better overall mobility and a reduced risk of injury. Whether you’re carrying groceries, playing with your kids, or simply moving through your day-to-day activities, strength training makes life easier and more enjoyable.
Overcoming the Intimidation Factor: Where to Start
If you’re new to strength training, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. The gym can be overwhelming, and the idea of lifting weights might seem daunting. But remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the most important thing is to take that first step.
Here are a few tips to help you get started on your strength training journey:
The Long-Term Benefits: Building a Stronger, Healthier Future
One of the things I love most about strength training is that it’s an investment in my future health and well-being. The strength I’m building now will serve me for years to come, helping me maintain independence, mobility, and vitality as I age.
For women, strength training is especially important for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. It’s not just about looking fit—it’s about feeling strong, capable, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way.
Strength training has given me a sense of empowerment that extends beyond the gym. It’s taught me that I’m stronger than I think, both physically and mentally. It’s shown me that with patience, persistence, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone, I can achieve things I never thought possible.
Embrace Your Strength
So why do I love strength training? Because it’s about so much more than just lifting weights. It’s about building a strong, healthy body that can support me through all of life’s challenges. It’s about gaining confidence, reducing stress, and improving my overall quality of life. And most importantly, it’s about embracing my strength—both inside and out.
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about starting your strength training journey, I encourage you to give it a try. Start small, be patient with yourself, and remember that progress takes time. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to lift heavy weights right away. All you have to do is start, and the rest will follow.
Strength training is a process of growth, discovery, and empowerment. And I promise, once you start, you’ll never look back.
