Many women are afraid to lift weights because they don't want to get too muscular. Often they fear that they will "bulk up" and look too masculine. Instead of lifting weights, they will often spend many hours per week on a treadmill or stationary bike. By doing this, they are missing out on a chance to rev up their metabolism and burn hundreds of extra calories per day.


You see, while both weight training and cardiovascular exercise burn calories while you do them, only weight training can speed up your metabolism so your body burns more calories even when you're not exercising! Here's how it works:

When you lift weights, you not only burn calories, but you also build lean muscle. Muscle is a very metabolically active tissue. It takes calories to support the new muscle you build. Therefore, even after you are done exercising your body still burns more calories. Cardiovascular exercise does not have this added benefit.

As for the concern that you will get too big, that just doesn't happen. While some women do build muscle easier than others, it takes years of daily workouts and a 100% dedication to lifting weights and dieting to look like a female bodybuilder.

In fact, the loss of muscle mass is one of the most prominent effects of aging! This has a host of negative effects on the body, including sagging body parts, reduced energy levels, and weight gain.

Look at it this way: when did you look your best? If you are like most people, it was sometime in your late teens or early twenties. After this, your body slowly began to change. Some body parts began to sag and you put on a pound or two per year. These changes were caused by the loss of muscle. And they can all be reversed with a properly designed workout! Bottom line: pumping iron isn't just for men. It is for anyone looking to lose fat, increase energy levels and improve the way they look. As an added benefit, weight lifting will increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. So stop worrying and start lifting weights today!

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