Women and Weightlifting - Essay Example

Women and weightlifting Introduction The changing socio-economic activities around the world have led to a change in theway women want to appear. Having an athletic body to appear attractive in a bikini in the society today has pushed many to the limits all in the quest to be recognizable among others in the society. Also, stigmatization and health issues associated with added weight among both men and women have necessitated the need to establish a method of getting rid of extra calories. The issue of women lifting weights and muscle building has raised various concerns among individuals from different societies with varying traditions. Scientists and physicians together with health organizations have published several articles addressing the issue. Furthermore, the majority of the people have a notion that women cannot have muscles due to lack of hormones associated with the same. Muscles and metabolism Contrary to what majority think, women can have a well defined muscular body with proper training. In this case, proper training involves lifting weights and not just any weights but heavy weights. Having enough muscles ensures proper metabolism. Increasing the percentage of muscles in ones body increases the metabolism rate. Physicians refer to this as the basic metabolism rate (BMR). Defined and well-structured muscles increase the BMR thus ensuring that calories are burnt even when an individual is resting. The burning of the excess calories ensured fitness and desired body size and shape. The addition of exercise to the condition ensures that no matter the amount of calories consumed in a day, one does not add weight in an undesirable manner. Bone density One of the benefits of weightlifting can be seen at old age. At the age of 20s to 30s one does not see the need to exercise and concerns of old age stability is for the future. However, training as early as possible for women does not only lead to building of muscles but also improvement of bone density. The increase in bone density would ensure stronger bones and thus stability. Most reported cases of bone problems involve women at old age due to low bone density compared to men. Exercising by lifting weights can enable a woman be more stable at old age minimizing bone-related problems. Maintenance of good bone health involves regular training and lifting of weights that necessitates the need to lift weights and maintain fitness among women. Hormones The level of testosterone hormones among ladies is low compared to men. However, the low level of the hormone found in women varies from one woman to another. It is the hormone responsible for the buildup of muscles when one works out. The diverse levels of the hormones mean that different women can achieve variable muscle growth with the same rate and intensity of work out. It is imperative to avoid comparison when working out either for fitness or achieving muscle buildup. Furthermore, some women in an attempt to achieve more muscles tend increase their levels of hormones thus bigger and more defined muscles. Better health and fitness are critical especially in ladies than having stronger arms with tone muscles that any bodybuilder would confirm it does not come along easily. Also, it all comes down to the main intention of working out. Some women work out to achieve fitness while others do it for sports and competition. Disease prevention and control Most of the times patients suffering from different diseases are required to undergo some form of therapy. The therapy in most cases involves activities that exercise the muscles of different from the body. Furthermore, research by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that lifting weights can aid in relieving pain. The notion that women have that weight lifting is meant for men and only for increasing muscle mass is outdated. Most women experience back pain that can be controlled through the lifting of weights according to WHO. Arthritis is a disease that causes agonizing pain to an individual. Physicians and most therapists recommend weight lifting among the patients to aid in the reduction of pain. Most pain in women is associated with bone density. From the preceded discussion, it is clear that regular exercising that includes weight lifting can help improve bone density thus reduce the pain associated with weak bones in the old age. Myths associated with women lifting weights There are various myths developed around the world among the different societies regarding women and the lifting of weights. The increased number of unprofessional trainers has resulted in the birth of various myths that affect the outcome of women training by lifting weights. Achievement of a neutral point requires scrutiny of the myths. Weight lifting and bulking One of the greatest concerns of many women is bulking up. The idea that is hitting the gym especially weight lifting leads to bulking up has been a major hindrance to a lot of women hitting the gym. Most women try to compensate for working out by comfortably consuming food with a lot of calories. Weight lifting does little when it comes to burning calories and therefore consuming more after a workout does more harm than good. Information from professional trainers indicates that a good muscle buildup requires a good feeding habit and regular training. Preceded discussion clearly indicate that weight lifting that leads increased muscle mass aids in increasing the metabolism rate thus one cannot rely on lifting weights for burning calories. Muscles turning into fat Human nature has it that the mechanism of the body of a woman stores excess fat under the skin which explains cases of man oversized women compared to men. There is a myth that once a woman gains muscle mass and stops working out; then the muscle is turned into fat that leads to health complications in an individual. According to physicians, muscles and fat are totally different, and there is no way one can be turned to the other. A scenario whereby a woman feels that due to various reasons the stoppage of weightlifting would lead to a gain in weight imparts some form of fear. The fear denies one an opportunity to be healthy and avoid things such as back pain and chronic diseases in the later life of an individual. Lifting heavy weights yield better results A woman by nature has less physical power compared to a man. The belief that the more, the heavier the weight, the better the muscle development discourages most women as they realize they are experiencing difficulties even in lifting light weights. The myth is further fueled by self-proclaimed gym trainers who insist on lifting heavy weights to attain greater muscle mass. Scientist have concluded that lifting moderately light weights for more reps is as effective as effective as lifting heavy weights for few reps (Coke and Lola 9). The scientists put more emphasis on lifting weights until one is fatigued which is what brings about the muscle development. Older women should not lift weights Most of the people think that older women should be exempted from lifting weights and other strength training techniques. Contrary to such a belief, older women should participate more in strength training has it is beneficial in terms of health and fitness. Improved bone density takes place even in old age thus reducing problems associated with bones among the old women. Furthermore, the lifting of weights improves the strength of the joints as it involves the movement of the joints thus improving the joint fitness. Lifting of weights in women reduces the body resistance to insulin that is responsible for regulating blood sugar thus reducing the risk of acquiring diabetes. In addition, lifting weights among women helps improve their strength and stability, regular exercising and the movements involved helps the ladies improve their balance and involvement in life activities. The better blood circulation achieved through exercising gives one a better defense mechanism against diseases thus staying healthy and strong. Weight lifting leads to a reduction in flexibility Most of the people have in their mind that strength training that involves lifting of weights leads to increased stiffness. The stiffness leads to reduced flexibility that is a myth that scares many women from training. Information from professional trainers and physicians indicates that if weight lifting is done properly then it can lead to improved flexibility of an individual. A good example is the lifting of dumbbells. It should be done in such a way that the target muscles are stretched as much as possible. Such an activity ensures the muscle fibers are not stretched thus achieving improved flexibility. Improved flexibility especially among women would ensure the better life with one able to undertake much even at old age. The build muscles also come along with the increased power that brings about the aspect of independence in what many think only men can handle (Gleeson 54). Conclusion In conclusion, their numerous myths developed concerning women and lifting of weights. In todays world women are getting empowered in every sector why not in weightlifting too and fitness? It is crucial for a particular woman to seek information from a professional trainer or rather relevant physician for the correct information. Just as training can be beneficial, it can also be harmful if poorly executed for some time. It is, therefore, critical for one to ensure proper training and diet for better results. Works Cited Coke, Lola A. The Impact of Moderate Intensity Upper Body Resistance Training on Perceived Perfomance of Household Physical Activities, Functional Capacity and Cardiac Quality of Life Among Women Particitpating in Supervised Outpatient (phase Ii) Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs. N.p., 2010. Print. Gleeson, Peggy B., Elizabeth J. Protas, Adrian D. Leblanc, Victor S. Schneider, and Harlan J. Evans. "Effects of Weight Lifting on Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal Women." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2012): n. pag. Print. Read More