If you want to lose weight and get more toned, perhaps the key to success lies in lifting heavy weights. Many women shy away from lifting heavy weights because they are worried that this will make them bulky. However, that’s not the case. Heavy lifting offers a number of benefits for women, check them out below.

Fat loss

When you think of fast loss, heart pumping cardio most likely comes to mind. While cardio exercise certainly has a number of benefits, lifting heavy weights might actually be more effective for fat loss. After a heavy lifting session your body consumes more oxygen in the hours that follow; when you’re body uses more oxygen it burns more calories. Having more muscle also means that your body simply uses up more calories on a daily basis.

Stronger bones

Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis (loss of bone density) than men, as their bones are smaller and thinner. After menopause women lose oestrogen, a hormone that helps to protect bones. Heavy lifting is one of the best ways to increase bone density which can help prevent osteoporosis.

Better definition

As women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, it makes it harder to gain muscle. Lifting heavy weights is the key to getting defined, lean muscle. Again, because of lower testosterone levels, lifting heavy weights is not going to make you bulky!

Stronger you

If you want to get stronger, increasing the weight you’re lifting is the way to go, particularly if you do compound movements such as squats.

Combat the sedentary life

Muscle mass is what allows us to move. A sedentary desk-bound lifestyle leads to loss of muscle mass over time. Building muscle by lifting heavy weights can help to combat the effects of a sedentary life.

Confidence

Knowing you can throw around some serious weight, maybe even more than some of the men in your life, is a real confidence boost. You’ll feel stronger and more assured in your abilities.

Sources: Bodybuilding, Time, Healthline