6 Myths About Strength Training.

 Many people know they should be including strength training into their weekly workout regime but often do not for a variety of reasons from not wanting to bulk up to using weights is too hard.  It took me awhile to get past my misconceptions before I started including strength training because I didn't have the right weights and it was an effort at first but the longer I worked out, the easier it became.  I even went up two pounds in each weight.

Today, I'm looking at six common myths associated with strength training.  The myths that keep folks from engaging in strength training. One of the most common myths is that strength training will bulk you up and make you excessively bulky. Due to the hormonal profile of women, they are less likely to bulk up. In order to bulk up, you have to employ specific training techniques combined with proper nutrition but when you use regular strength training with a balanced diet, one can sculpt and tone the body without building too much muscle. 

The next myth is the one where people think strength training is only for young people when in fact it is good for people of any age.  Strength training helps build bone density, maintain muscle mass, improve joint stability, and help with overall fitness.  When older adults participate in strength training, it can help their overall fitness level, prevents muscle loss while improving their quality of life.

The third myth states that strength training makes one less flexible. Although certain moves may limit your range of motion, this is easily countered by including stretching exercises and exercises designed to increase mobility. Furthermore, if the strength training is combined with moves such as squats etc and the moves are done with a full range of motion, one can increase mobility too.

Another myth is that strength training can only be done with heavy weights. Although heavy weights are good for making strength gains, there are other ways to accomplish this.  One can use bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or lighter weights with more repetitions especially if one has limited access to heavy weights.

Some people believe that strength training should only be done by athletes. This is because people see athletes and sports people However, strength straining benefits everyone since it improves functional movement, helps with metabolism, help with bone health, reduce the risk of injury, and makes one's overall fitness level better.

Finally, there is the belief that strength training is only for men.  We know historically, men were the ones who did anything with weights.  It was a man who back in 1899 came up with the bench press and other men came up with many of the exercises we do today so it is easy to see where the idea came from.  In addition, one has mostly seen men in the gym, at contests for so many years which furthered the impression. In fact, women benefit from strength training.  It helps with bone density so women may not suffer from osteoporosis as they age.  

Don't let any of these myths keep you from implementing strength training in your regular workout.  You want to do one to three sessions each week with a break between each session so your muscles have a chance to recover.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.