Weightlifting and strength training has always been associated with men. But more and more females are becoming aware of the advantages weightlifting has for their health. According to a recent poll, more than 15 million women frequently exercise weights. Studies show that 54% of gym members and 76% of group fitness class attendees are female. 

However, many women are still unclear about where to begin. This master guide for beginner weight lifting for women is to assist ladies looking to get stronger and more confident in the gym.

What is Weight Training for Women

Weight training for women uses resistance to build and tone muscles. Weight training for women is an effective way to achieve fitness and body composition goals. Beginner strength training, on the other hand, concentrates on compound exercises. These are exercises that activate several muscle groups until you have gained enough strength to isolate muscles and train them to their limits.

6 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weight

From weight reduction to improved heart health and so much more, here are eight strength training advantages every lady should be aware of.

1. Builds muscle mass and strength

Even though cardio is very important for heart health, strength training stands out when it comes to building muscles. Weight training helps women build lean muscle mass, which increases strength and overall fitness.

2. Stronger joint

Resistance training builds endurance and strengthens joints whiles reducing the risk of injury. For example, squats and lunges make joints stronger while mimicking functional movement patterns, says  Megan Roup, CPT, celebrity trainer and founder of dance-inspired workout The Sculpt Society

3. Improves bone density

Weight training can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density. The pulling and pushing of strength exercises exert stress on bones, causing bone-forming cells to activate. As a consequence, the bone is stronger and denser.

4. Boosts metabolism 

Weightlifting increases metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, and lowers stress and anxiety, leading to better metabolic health.

5. Enhances overall health

Building muscle may boost cardiovascular health, lower the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, and boost mental health and well-being.

6. Empowers women 

By pushing their limitations and achieving their fitness objectives, weight training may help women feel more powerful and empowered.

How To Start Weight Training Exercise As A Beginner

If you’re a beginner woman looking to start weight training, here are some steps to help you get started:

• Set clear goals: Determine your goals for weight training, whether they are to develop muscle, lose weight, or improve general fitness.

• Start with bodyweight exercises: Start by building strength and improving technique with exercises that employ your own body weight, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges.

• Learn proper technique: To acquire appropriate form and technique for each exercise, see a personal trainer or an experienced weight lifter.

• Gradually increase weight: Once you’ve learned good technique, progressively add weight to keep your muscles challenged and progressing.

• Choose appropriate weight and reps: Begin with lesser weights and higher repetitions, then progressively increase weight and lower reps as you gain strength.

• Incorporate variety: To minimize boredom and overuse problems, include a range of exercises that train various muscle groups.

• Allow for rest and recovery: Allow your body time to rest and heal between exercises to minimize injury and promote muscular development.

Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.

Beginner Weight Workout Exercises for Women

Here’s a beginner weight training workout for women

1. Goblet Squat

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hold a dumbbell or kettlebell at your chest, and then squat back down. To get back up, drive your heels to the floor. Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.

2. Dumbbell Chest Press

Hold a dumbbell in each hand at chest level while lying on a bench or the floor. Push the weights up and away from your chest. The weights should now be at your chest level. Perform three sets of 10–12 repetitions.

3. Bent Over Dumbbell Rows

Hinge forward at the hips while holding a dumbbell in each hand, then raise the weights to your sides. Return the weights to their initial position by lowering them. Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.

4. Dumbbell Overhead Press

Holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, raise the weights above while standing with your feet hip-width apart. Reposition the weights so that they are at shoulder level. Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.

5. Dumbbell Deadlift 

Standing with your feet hip-width apart, hunch forward at the hips, and drop the weights down to the floor while holding a dumbbell in each hand. To get back up, drive your heels to the floor. Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.

Keep in mind, to begin with, lesser weights and raise them gradually as you gain strength. Between each session, take 30 to 60 seconds to relax. Additionally, remember to stretch after your exercise and warm up before it.

Beginner Weight Training Equipment for Women 

If you’re a beginner woman looking to start weight training, here are some basic equipment options you might consider:

• Dumbbells: Dumbbells are adaptable and useful for a variety of activities. They are simple to keep at home and available in a range of weights.

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• Kettlebells: Dumbbells are comparable to kettlebells, however, kettlebells have a distinctive design that allows for a variety of training variants.

• Resistance Bands: Resistance bands may be used for a range of activities and are lightweight and portable. They are a wonderful choice for travel or exercises at home and are available in a variety of resistance levels.

• Weighted Medicine Ball: Squats, lunges, and Russian twists are just a few workouts you may do with weighted medicine balls.

• Barbells: Although barbells are normally used for more difficult exercises, novices may also utilize them with smaller weights.

• Weight Benches: For workouts like the bench press and the sitting shoulder press, a weight bench might be useful.

Understand that you don’t need all of these pieces of equipment to get started. Begin with the fundamentals and progressively add equipment as required or as your training progresses.

10 Myths About Weight Training For Women

There are several myths and misunderstandings regarding women’s weight training that may prevent some women from adopting strength training into their fitness regimens. Here are ten common weight-training misconceptions for women:

Myth 1: Women who lift weights become obese or too muscular.

Fact: Women have lower testosterone levels than males, making it impossible to attain a bulky, muscular image without the usage of performance-enhancing pharmaceuticals. Weight training may help women acquire a slim, toned figure.

Myth 2: Only guys should lift weights.

Fact: Weight training is healthy for both men and women, and it may help women gain strength, boost bone density, and improve their general health and fitness.

Myth 3: Weightlifting is harmful to women.

Fact: When done correctly with appropriate form and technique, weight training is typically safe for women. Weight training, in fact, may assist to lower the chance of injury by strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Myth 4: Women should lift lesser weights and do more repetitions.

Fact: Women may benefit from utilizing heavier weights and lower repetitions to enhance strength and muscular growth.

Myth 5: Stretch marks are caused by weight exercise.

Fact: Stretch marks may emerge for a number of causes, but weight training is not one of them. Weight lifting, in fact, may assist to reduce the look of stretch marks by boosting muscle tone and decreasing body fat.

Myth 6: Cardio is more helpful for weight reduction than weight training.

Fact: Both cardio and weight training may help you lose weight, but weight training is especially good for growing lean muscle mass, which can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.

Myth 7: Women should only practice cardio to have a “feminine” body.

Fact: Weight training may help women create a more “feminine” body by adding curves and definitions in the proper areas.

Myth 8: Women should only exercise their lower bodies.

Fact: In order to acquire a healthy and proportionate physique, women should combine upper and lower body workouts into their weight training programs.

Myth 9: Only young women should do weight training.

Fact: Weight training may benefit women of all ages by improving bone density, joint health, and general fitness.

Myth 10: Women should avoid heavy lifting during their menstrual cycles.

Fact: Women may continue to weight train during menstruation, and heavy lifting is typically safe when done correctly.

Lifting weights isn’t only for males. Lifting weights does not make women bulky or put them at danger of harm. Women may succeed at weight lifting and get significant physical and mental advantages from strength training, such as a leaner, more muscular physique and improved self-esteem.

Strength and resistance training also has important advantages for bone health, such as increasing bone density, which may aid in the prevention of illnesses such as osteoporosis.

Conclusion

To summarize, weight training is an effective technique for women to reach their fitness and body composition objectives. Not only does it increase muscular growth and strength. But it also provides several health advantages, including improved joint and bone health, increased metabolism, and improved overall well-being. 

Women may learn good techniques and progressively increase weight by following the routine indicated in this beginner’s master guide. This will keep their muscles challenged and growing. So, whether you want to reduce weight, gain muscle, or improve your general fitness, give weight training a go and see for yourself.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a good weight training routine for women?

Women’s training should include Squats, lunges, deadlifts, presses, and rows are weight-training movements that work for all the main muscular groups. For each exercise, try to do two to three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. Women should also integrate bodyweight exercises like planks, push-ups, and crunches into their regimen in addition to mild resistance bands.

2. What are the best beginner weights for women?

The ideal female starting weights may vary based on the person. For strength training, it is often advised to start with lesser weights (about 3–5 pounds) and progressively increase the weight as you become more comfortable and see results. For cardio machines, beginning at 1–2 miles per hour is a decent idea.

3. Is 30 too old to start weight training?

30 is not too old to begin weight training. Indeed, now is a perfect time to begin, since you will still get the health advantages of regular exercise and strength training.

4. How many days a week should a female weight train?

It is advised that ladies exercise two to three days each week. However, it is important to integrate a variety of activities into your fitness regimen and to take one day off to relax and recuperate.

5. How long does it take for a woman to see results from weight training?

Weight training results are generally seen after 4–8 weeks. Consistency is essential, so committing to regular exercises and an adequate diet can help you achieve your objectives quicker.