5 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

There's nothing sexier than a strong woman who can lift. One of the most beautiful things to see is a woman moving some heavy weight with grace and power. Mainstream society and culture has been slow to embrace this, and there is a serious misconception that weight lifting will make a woman "bulky" or "look like a man". Thankfully the emergence and popularity of CrossFit has fostered a community that creates and celebrates strong women. Find out the 5 reasons why women should lift weights according to Olympic Weightlifter and CrossFit coach Meshelle Mifsud.

One thing I must give credit to CrossFit for is making it acceptable to be a strong woman. I know, there is so much controversy over this issue, why would a woman want to look like a man, that’s not sexy… but I want to pass over the superficial and get to the reality. I don’t really care what you look like, if your body is healthy and you can sustain a fall with out breaking a hip, now that is sexy.

Being strong is about being confident and independent. You don’t need to count on other people to help you lift a box or rearrange your furniture, you can do it on your own, all while sipping tea with your pinky held high.

Here are just a few reason of how women benefit from lifting weights:

1) Prevents the metabolic decline that comes with age - Let’s age more sexier!

Weight lifting can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism, which begins around age 30. Keeping your metabolism elevated for as long as possible will help keep you in top shape and let you eat like a teenager.

2) Bone Strength - fragile bones are not sexy…

Weight training does more than strengthen your muscles, it also strengthens your bones. Regular weight lifting increases bone density, which reduces the risk of fracture and osteoporosis.

Studies show that adults over the age 80 who do weight-bearing programs can significantly increase bone density. Exercise truly is a lifelong activity.

KEY FOR WOMEN: Osteoporosis is MUCH MORE common in women than in men, primarily due to the hormonal cycle (and probably because women don’t weight train like they should!). In fact, women are four times more likely than men to develop and suffer from osteoporosis, and can lose up to 20% of their bone mass during the first five-seven years following menopause.

3) Releases endorphins - endorphins are sexy!

Exercise and weight-training release endorphins – neurotransmitters that prevent pain, improve mood, and enhance pleasure (the same endorphins are released when you eat spicy food, or experience pain, excitement, or orgasm). Endorphins are released during long, continuous workouts, when the intensity is moderate to high and breathing is difficult.

4) Stress reduction, mood improvement - being cranky is not sexy…

Weight lifting is one of the best ways to naturally improve mood. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and creates a sense of happiness (see endorphins above). If you’re ever depressed or stressed, weight lifting will literally make you feel 1000x better.

5) Mental alertness and energy levels - sexy energy levels

Weight lifting stimulates the mind, improves alertness, and provides an energy boost later in the day. Working out in the morning, if possible, is a great start to any day.

I know, you have heard this all before but putting it in perspective helps to justify the reasons why we do it or why we need to start doing it.

Being a strong woman is more the norm now thanks to the thousands of fit ladies that are not afraid to show off their strength. I think it has been well over a year since I’ve received a glance to the bicep followed by the phrase “I don’t want to get bulky”… GASP!!!…WTF is bulky? That’s an isle in the grocery store where you find big bags of nuts and beans… I’m STRONG and do not resemble a bag of nuts!  Don’t be afraid ladies, lifting weights is sexy both inside and out.

About the Author:

Meshelle Mifsud is co-owner and coach at Tamalpais CrossFit in San Rafael, CA. She has competed as a member of the Tamalpais CrossFit Gorillas in multiple Nor Cal Regionals, and even set a world record with her husband in the partner Dumbbell Snatch/Sprint Workout in 2012. Meshelle is also a competitive Olympic Weightlifter and she holds multiple National Olympic Weightlifting records.