Is Strength Training For Everyone?
I don’t want to get TOO BIG and MUSCULAR!!!
Have you ever heard this from someone?
Yep, we have and I am about to tell you why Strength training is for everyone not just Athletes.
The other day, I was training with my partner. She’s incredibly fit—a total powerhouse when it comes to anything cardio or endurance-related. She smashes long runs, HIIT workouts, and circuit classes with ease. But when it comes to strength training, she’s always been a bit hesitant.
In the past she has always seen strength training as something she doesn’t need for her goals, but as time went on she now realises how important strength is for both training and her life in general outside of the gym.
In the past shes been guilty of saying “I don’t want to do too heavy weights I don’t want to get too big. Something we hear a lot from women especially. They think it’s reserved for bodybuilders or elite athletes, something they don’t need because they’re already “fit enough.”
But here’s the thing: strength isn’t just about looking muscular. It’s about empowering your body to handle whatever life throws at you—inside and outside the gym.
The Benefits of Strength Training (Especially for Women)
Strength training offers so much more than just building muscle mass. It can transform the way you move, feel, and even think about fitness.
1. Improved Everyday Functionality
Strength training makes daily life easier. Whether it’s lifting your kids, or tackling that awkward piece of furniture, being stronger means these tasks become effortless. Functional strength translates directly to real-world benefits.
2. Stronger Bones and Joints
Lifting weights helps improve bone density, which is especially important for women as they age and face an increased risk of osteoporosis. It also strengthens the muscles around your joints, reducing the chance of injury.
3. Boosted Metabolism
Building muscle boosts your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you’re just lounging on the couch. This can be a game-changer for anyone looking to manage their weight or improve their overall fitness.
4. Mental Health and Confidence
There’s something powerful about lifting heavy. Strength training has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost self-confidence. Plus, hitting new personal records in the gym is incredibly empowering.
5. Breaking the “Bulky” Myth
It’s worth saying again: strength training won’t make you bulky unless you’re eating and training specifically for that goal. Women don’t have the testosterone levels necessary to build muscle in the same way men do. Instead, strength training sculpts lean, toned muscles and enhances athletic performance.
Back to the Story...
Fast-forward to a couple of months later to when my partner use to not see strength as a priority, during sessions were fitness can only take her so far for example with the likes of sessions to do with ERGs were strength and power is used she struggles to maintain that pace and if we throw in some strength movements like a barbel we see her struggle even more.
Today she enjoys getting strong and she feels the benefits within herself and performances in and outside of the gym.
Strength Training: A Game-Changer for Everyone
The truth is, strength training isn’t about becoming a bodybuilder or an athlete—it’s about becoming a stronger, healthier version of yourself. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, looking to stay active as you age, or just want to be better equipped for life’s challenges, strength training is the key.
So, if you’ve been avoiding the weights or stuck in the mindset that it’s “not for you,” take this as your sign to start. Pick up that barbell, grab those dumbbells, or even start with bodyweight exercises. You won’t just see the benefits—you’ll feel them in every aspect of your life.