Reasons why women should lift????

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JTick
JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm counting on my MFP peeps to help me out here!

I'm all for women lifting, and I'm especially all for women lifting heavy. However, my mom comes from a prior generation where women were mostly expected to be soft and round and lift nothing heavier than a sammich. She *tries* to support my lifting, but just about had a cow when I excitedly told her yesterday that I had PR'ed my squat at 205.

I have specifically asked my doctor about women lifting, and she is all for it provided I use proper form and take things slow to build my weights up gradually (duh!). This still isn't enough to convince my mom though! I've told her how lifting is good for osteoporosis prevention, etc...nope, still not good. She continues to think that a "woman isn't meant to lift like a man".


Does anyone have some good links to scientific literature that details why a woman should lift heavy? I'm really tired of her telling me my uterus is going to plop out on the floor if I lift a barbell!
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Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    Just start agreeing with her and telling her you pee standing up. Tell her you are pretty sure you need to purchase a vagina bag for when it DOES fall out and you have to take it with you everywhere.

    There is no way she is going to read anything you give her- so stop... and don't bother. Don't waste your time.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
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    Just start agreeing with her and telling her you pee standing up. Tell her you are pretty sure you need to purchase a vagina bag for when it DOES fall out and you have to take it with you everywhere.

    There is no way she is going to read anything you give her- so stop... and don't bother. Don't waste your time.

    Actually...she would. Which is why I'm asking.

    ETA: Also, my mom and I have a pretty good relationship, and I'd like to convince her that she should start lifting too to help with some of the muscle pain and back problems she's been having from working a desk job.
  • WakkoW
    WakkoW Posts: 567 Member
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    I don't have a link, but you could do a search on bone density and strength training.
  • tryclyn
    tryclyn Posts: 2,414 Member
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    I'm guessing that she wasn't born into a farming family, huh?
  • gmthisfeller
    gmthisfeller Posts: 779 Member
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    Try reading:

    http://is.gd/Hl2Kao

    and this:

    http://is.gd/fsi7QH

    Then, buy this for your mom, then take it back :)

    http://is.gd/b8u9Kx
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
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    Show her a picture of osteoporosis like this. Remind her a broken hip or pelvis probably means a nursing home, with sponge baths and a bed pan.
    http://www.drwolgin.com/Pages/osteoporosis.aspx

    Tell her that they sell so many bathtubs with doors and armchairs with motors to lift you out and toilets with special seats with grab bars because a lot of elderly women can't squat their own body weight anymore. They sit down and can't get up.

    She doesn't even need to do barbell squats. Even just her body weight will be helpful.
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
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    If anything, your pelvic floor is getting stronger
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
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    I'm guessing that she wasn't born into a farming family, huh?

    Believe it or not, she was! Both of my parents come from farming families, and I've been in the livestock world pretty much my whole life. This has even been a topic brought up in the past when I'm stacking hay or lifting heavy things around the barn. I guess her brothers were more responsible for that kind of thing than the girls were!
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
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    Try reading:

    http://is.gd/Hl2Kao

    and this:

    http://is.gd/fsi7QH

    Then, buy this for your mom, then take it back :)

    http://is.gd/b8u9Kx

    Thanks you, I'll check those out. :)
  • 1PatientBear
    1PatientBear Posts: 2,089 Member
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    Tell her you're an adult and don't need her permission so she can either get on board or deal with it however she needs to. Then, introduce her to the magic of Google.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
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    Show her a picture of osteoporosis like this. Remind her a broken hip or pelvis probably means a nursing home, with sponge baths and a bed pan.
    http://www.drwolgin.com/Pages/osteoporosis.aspx

    Tell her that they sell so many bathtubs with doors and armchairs with motors to lift you out and toilets with special seats with grab bars because a lot of elderly women can't squat their own body weight anymore. They sit down and can't get up.

    She doesn't even need to do barbell squats. Even just her body weight will be helpful.

    Thanks! I keep telling her when she's 75 and can't get up off the floor anymore by herself she'll be jealous of my strong bones and LBM!
  • just_Jennie1
    just_Jennie1 Posts: 1,233
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    but just about had a cow when I excitedly told her yesterday that I had PR'ed my squat at 205.

    Do what I do and stop telling people about your PR's.

    Seriously.

    I got so sick and tired of hearing about how my PR's were basically crap so I just stopped talking about it to certain people. The only ones who matter are the ones who I know will give me a high five and push me harder.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
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    Tell her you're an adult and don't need her permission so she can either get on board or deal with it however she needs to. Then, introduce her to the magic of Google.

    LOL that has been my argument thus far...this is what I'm doing mom...either get on my side, or get get out of my way!
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
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    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snadKW7b3sI

    have her watch this :)
  • 1PatientBear
    1PatientBear Posts: 2,089 Member
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    Tell her you're an adult and don't need her permission so she can either get on board or deal with it however she needs to. Then, introduce her to the magic of Google.

    LOL that has been my argument thus far...this is what I'm doing mom...either get on my side, or get get out of my way!

    Good. That's the only one you need. :wink: :flowerforyou:
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
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    http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710
    http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/101/7/828.full
  • Crazy4Healthy
    Crazy4Healthy Posts: 626 Member
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    Do a google search for Ernestine Sheperd. One amazing woman and 74 years old. She lifts and just might be the inspiration your mother needs to understand.

    ETA: She is actually 76 now
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
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    Why do you need to convince her of anything?

    Doesn't sound like she is standing in your way. Just promise her you'll be careful, move on to other things and enjoy your time together.
  • timbrom
    timbrom Posts: 303 Member
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    Just posted over at Starting Strength

    http://startingstrength.com/index.php/site/article/the_women_of_strength_at_ccsc#.Upy5MMRDtVY
  • _firecracker_
    _firecracker_ Posts: 185 Member
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    My mom and I agreed not to talk about my fitness for this very reason. I showed her a pic of a chick with abs as my goal and her face said it all. I had to abandon the idea she'd be my supporter. In fact, I have very little support with IRL friends/ family. That's what I have all you hot *kitten* on mfp for! :D

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