Myth: Weights Make Women Bulky
We all want to keep fit and healthy whilst honing lean muscle, not bulking up. But more and more women are opting for a spot in the free weights area. What do they know that we don't?
Lifting weights burns fat, so it improves muscle tone, and a weight-related workout keeps burning calories and fat in the hours after training, more so than traditional cardio training. It also enhances the resting metabolic rate, meaning that training time can be significantly reduced, but with greater physical effect.
Of course, cardio training is still vitally important for heart, lungs and general physical wellbeing. We all need to work our cardiovascular and muscular-skeletal system!
Here at Gen P, we love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), where resistance training, like body weight or weight-lifting exercises are combined with a cardio-based workout in a circuit, for maximum results.
HIIT works in intervals, so you might do a minute on and a minute off. This type of exercise, of a medium weight with high repetitions, will not only promote strength but also muscular endurance. It will limit the amount of muscle growth but encourage your existing muscle to work harder and more efficiently.
So, next time you're in the gym, don't bypass the weights. Ask a trainer about HIIT and let it revolutionise your workout!
Benefits of Lifting Weights versus Cardio:
- Training time can be significantly reduced
- Burn more calories and fat in the hours after training
- Greater muscular tone and an enhanced resting metabolic rate increases the total daily energy expenditure
