Women and Weightlifting

elbaldwin0525

Just wanted to pose this question to get womens opinion on weightlifting? is it intimidation by the weights? the "bulky" theory" or what?

IMO, nothing is sexier than a girl that can lift some weights.

gmallan

I think that it might be a combination of a lot of things.

1. Myths promoted within the fitness industry that women should do high rep light weights to "tone" without adding bulk
2. The general desirable body shape promoted by the media, fashion industry and society generally about thin being the ideal body shape
3. Once you actually get over those two hurdles in your mind then you have to deal with the intimidation of going into a mostly male-dominated area of the gym when you're just starting out and have no real idea what you're doing.

I think these are the three main barriers to an average female wanting to lift weights and then actually getting started.

ETA: I lift heavy weights, I wish I'd started years earlier and yes it does make me feel sexy and powerful (not to mention all the other benefits). I wish more women would

JenMc14

I lift weights. I do it mainly to maintain muscle while losing fat. At some point, I may be interesting in training for a powerlifting competition. I'm not scared of muscle, but I have no desire to gain a ton. Which just means I'll never go on a lengthy, serious bulk or bodybuilder regimen. I know I won't bulk up doing what I'm doing. (Full body, mostly compound lifts, two times a week, mixing it up between 5, 8 and 10 reps ranges, anywhere from 3-5 sets. I'm focused on training for running right now.)

I think advertising and celebrity trainers saying to do 100 reps with 2 pound weights makes some women shy away. I do think being intimidated by big guys on the gym can add to that.