Why women should lift weights and build muscle

First let's address what most women secretly fear about weight lifting:  bulking up.  Lifting weights does NOT turn you into Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Women do not have the same hormones as men and bulking up is almost impossible, unless that is your goal.  Ask any female body builder how hard they train for those muscles.  It is extremely difficult to do and should not be a concern.    Weights are actually a woman's best friend and here is why: 

1. Strength training helps build bone density and promotes joint health.
2. Helps control blood pressure and cholesterol.
3. Boosts mood and relieves stress.
4. Provides positive results for people suffering from osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.
5. Helps you move better.  Muscle and bone become stronger helping you to do daily activities easier and with less pain.
6. Muscle burns calories. Women start to lose muscle after the age of 30 which contributes to a slower metabolism.  Replacing lost muscle results in a higher metabolism and a higher daily calorie burn.
7. Strength training can change the shape of your body. Muscle is lean and takes up less space than fat, creating a lean, firm physique.
8. Helps reduce risk of injury:  Building a stronger body, especially your core improves balance and reduces risk of falls.

As you can see there are so many positive benefits that you can gain mo matter your age or experience.  So go pick up those weights and start building those strong, beautiful muscles.  You will be so happy you did!