Reasons why women should lift????

JTick

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!

JoRocka

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

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

I don't have a link, but you could do a search on bone density and strength training.

tryclyn

I'm guessing that she wasn't born into a farming family, huh?

gmthisfeller

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

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

If anything, your pelvic floor is getting stronger

JTick

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snadKW7b3sI

have her watch this

1PatientBear

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. :flowerforyou:

mustgetmuscles1

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

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

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

Just posted over at Starting Strength

http://startingstrength.com/index.php/site/article/the_women_of_strength_at_ccsc#.Upy5MMRDtVY

_firecracker_

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!

KCoolBeanz

Just tell her you do it because you enjoy it and it makes you happy. That should be enough :flowerforyou:

sheenarama

It helps with preventing Osteoporosis.

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-for-osteoporosis

JTick

Just posted over at Starting Strength

http://startingstrength.com/index.php/site/article/the_women_of_strength_at_ccsc#.Upy5MMRDtVY

Fabulous, thank you!

JTick

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/101/7/828.full

Awesome, thanks!

JTick

My mom isn't going to STOP me from lifting, no matter what she says. There's no worry there. But, I really would like for her to understand WHY I do it, and how accomplished it makes me feel. Especially since I had to leave my main hobby for several different reasons, and this is my new hobby. If I ever went to a powerlifting competition, I'd want her to understand what was going on so that she could be there and support me. She doesn't need to necessarily agree, but I would love for her to get to the point where she's really happy for me and able to cheer me on.

IDK, I guess deep down most everyone wants their parent's approval.

NovaStar82

My mother's first comment when I told her I was starting with weights?
'Well you won't get TOO muscular, will you?'

I mean - I've got a long ways to go before my fat gives way to definition, but seriously...?
No amount of trying to discuss it with her would make her see that it's actually one of the best things to do when losing weight so I've stopped trying, in the hope that my results will speak for themselves.

(On a side note, my mum's idea of a reasonable amount of exercise is walking the neighbour's dog once or twice a week and 'cutting down' on food just involves smaller meal portions - nothing about cutting out the snacks and treats she allows herself in between... :noway: )

JoRocka

My mom isn't going to STOP me from lifting, no matter what she says. There's no worry there. But, I really would like for her to understand WHY I do it, and how accomplished it makes me feel. Especially since I had to leave my main hobby for several different reasons, and this is my new hobby. If I ever went to a powerlifting competition, I'd want her to understand what was going on so that she could be there and support me. She doesn't need to necessarily agree, but I would love for her to get to the point where she's really happy for me and able to cheer me on.

IDK, I guess deep down most everyone wants their parent's approval.

tell her to google that *kitten* and be done with it.

Information is beyond free at this point- you'd choke on it if it was a fluid- we are drowning in it.

I hate people who cant' be bothered to google the simplist of things. Seriously. It really REALLY makes me angry. why- I don't know- but it does.

That being said- she doesn't need to UNDERSTAND what you are doing- she can show up and cheer you on regardless- my mom supports me in a lot of things I do- I am a dancer- a trainer a rider an engineer. She doesn't understand half that stuff- but she supports me anyway.

My BF doesn't get my dancing- like at all. He told me the other day when I was so upset I wasn't doing well- he goes- some people just aren't meant to do things... some people cant' play musical instruments. (part of my dance involves playing instruments as well) and it was so frustrating- because i want him to be the one to tell me " you can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it" but he is to pragmatic- so I said thanks and that was that. Shrug- he does the best he can but it'll never be his thing.

just send her to google- show her pictures of strong women of ALL types and call it a day. Seriously. You have enough crap to deal with as far as getting work done- why waste time trying to convince someone of something they don't care about.

msf74

IDK, I guess deep down most everyone wants their parent's approval.

Which is completely understandable.

However, you have clearance from your Doctor which makes me wonder if that isn't good enough to convince her what a random bunch of links from punters on the internet will do in changing her mind.

I don't think you can really convince someone who isn't open to being convinced. If anything trying to do so pushes them even further the other way. The older they get the more set in their ways they become and the even harder it is!

Do your thing. Be safe. Get results. If anything your success may do more to change her mind than anything else.

ItsCasey

My mom is supportive overall, but she doesn't understand lifting either. She doesn't get why it's so important to me. But here's the thing: she's not obligated to understand it or to like it just because I do. All I need her to do is not nag me about it. If I ever competed, sure, I'd want her to be there to support me, and she would be. She doesn't have to be a powerlifting expert to enjoy watching her daughter do something that makes her happy.

mockchoc

We DO NOT need our mums approval. My mum is 70 tomorrow. She is over the moon I don't want flabby arms and getting to the gym with a PT for the first time ever. That PT is not ready for me...