Why You Should Consider Weightlifting

IMO… it’s way better than cardio.

by KAROLINE LEONARD ★ MAY 10, 2021

It’s no secret that many young women feel like they can’t lift. They believe cardio is the only way to shed last night’s calzone or reach their fitness goals, and think that weightlifting might make them look bulky or too muscular. All of these preconceived ideas are total myths. Whatever you think about weightlifting or if you’re wanting to change your workout, here is a list of reasons weightlifting may be the perfect fit for you. 

Weightlifting helps you burn more calories over an extended period of time.

Whether you’re going for a run or using your Peloton, you will burn more calories during a cardio workout than a gym session solely devoted to lifting weights. However, after your cardio workout stops, you stop burning calories. In comparison, weightlifting boosts your metabolism and helps you burn calories even after you’ve walked away from the weights for the day. Over time, you will burn more calories with lifting in comparison to a few short cardio sessions.

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Weightlifting tones your figure and burns away your fat.

If you're running or doing your cardio exercise of choice, you won’t have the feeling of being toned. On the other hand, weightlifting burns away your body fat while increasing your muscle mass. Don’t be alarmed when looking at the scale—muscle weighs more than fat! Keep working toward your goals and enjoy feeling healthy and strong.

If you want a butt or an hourglass figure, you should lift heavy weights.

It has been a trend recently for women to show off their “dump trucks” and “hourglass figures” (twerking contest, anyone?) These goals can be achieved through lifting heavier weights. Of course, being safe and not going too hard from the start is important. However, lifting small weights isn’t going to get you ~the phatty~. Being bootylicious comes from lifting heavy weights for longer periods of time. Specifically targeting your glutes, hamstrings, and back muscles will help you achieve your goals.

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Weightlifting can leave you less prone to injury, help fight off disease, and improve your mood.

Not only does lifting improve the strength in your muscles, it also increases the strength of your bones! This helps make you less prone to injury, and can work to cure back aches and pains. It also can lower your risk for arthritis in the future. Just like cardio workouts, lifting also improves your cardiovascular health. With its effects on our metabolism, lifting helps us process sugar easier, making our risk for diabetes lower. Finally, many women report feeling more confident with themselves, their relationship with food, and working out overall. As with any workout, our body releases neurotransmitters like endorphins that help to lift our spirits.

Weightlifting is a great option if you’re looking to move away from cardio and try something new. The ability to watch yourself become stronger over time is a total confidence boost and will help you feel less intimidated each time you go to the gym. No matter how you choose to workout, just remember to focus on yourself and do what’s best for you and your goals.

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