Weight Training {for women} 101

Ladies, let's talk about the elephant in the gym - weight training. 

It always seems so daunting. Especially when you are in the gym. I mean, come on. You're just doing your cardio on the treadmill, and you look over where the scary weight machines and free weights are. You think, well, someday I'll venture over there. But not today. Mostly because the men intimidate you, is my thought. At least, that's how I feel.

However, there is nothing to be scared about. And who cares if some of the beautiful, really buff men are staring at you while you try to figure out how that scary machine works? [HINT: There are directions on the side of the machine. You can read and look at the diagrams to learn how to use the machine. Easy peasy!]

Today I'm gonna give you FIVE (count 'em!) good reasons why you should take the leap and start lifting weights. But let's step back for a second and boost our self-esteem a bit, first. 

You are beautiful. 

You are strong.

You know (or you will teach yourself) exactly what you are doing. Even if you really don't know what you are doing, just act like you do. No one will notice!

You are confident. 

Okay. Now we can move on to those five reasons why you should begin lifting weights! 

Numero uno: Weight training boosts your metabolism. Like crazy.

According to the December 2013 issue of Women's Health magazine, "two months of resistance training twice a week increases resting metabolic rate by 7 percent." 

Well then. 

And that's only with two days of weight training! 

What this means [to me] is that if you weight train, you will naturally burn more calories when you are sitting around doing absolutely nothing. 

And that, my friends, is a wonderful thing. 

Numero dos: Weight training will help burn more calories. 

A pound of muscle burns FIVE TIMES more calories than a pound of fat. 

So if you want to lose weight, pumping iron is a KEY component to your workout!
{Just remember, it's better to do more reps with less weight than to strain yourself doing more weight with fewer reps}

Numero tres: Weight training builds muscle.

I've already stated this, but I think it's worth reiterating. Muscle is better than fat, and it sticks with you. Lose the fat, build the muscle. Plus, building muscle leads me to my fourth point...

Numero quatro: Weight training creates a sculpted body. 

Even though I haven't been lifting weights as often as I should be, I can already tell a difference in my arms from my brief lifting. I love looking in the mirror and flexing my meager arm muscles, watching as a small little "bump" appears where my biceps are located. And touching your muscles makes you feel really proud of what you've accomplished. 

It sounds cheesy, but it does. If you want to see the results of your lifting, all you have to do is look in the mirror and see the toned body you are creating. It feels great!

Numero cinco: Weight training makes you proud. 

This is really a continuation of my fourth point, but once you start to see results, you are immediately proud of what you've accomplished. Who wouldn't be excited about seeing ripped arms and a six pack staring back at you in the mirror?! {OK, maybe not right away, but it's a nice idea!}

Ladies, my point is this: START LIFTING WEIGHTS IN THE GYM. Even if you are intimidated. It's good for you. And if you still don't want to pursue this in the gym, then buy some weights and start working out at home. There are tons of great workout plans you can find online!

Good. Now get out there and kick some booty. 

What's your favorite workout?