Do you skip strength training, thinking it’s going to make you bulky and muscle-y? You’re not alone. Close to 80 percent of Americans workout, but avoid strength training. If you’re one of them, you’re missing out. Once you stack up the amazing health benefits women can get from lifting weights, it doesn’t make sense to avoid strength training anymore. 

Boost bone strength and bone density 

As we get older, the body draws nutrients, like calcium, out of the bones, and if we don’t do something about that, they become weak and brittle. Since a woman’s bone mass density reaches it’s peak by the age of 30, it’s important to build bone strength and density during your 20s. 

If you’re in your 30s, don’t stop strength training! It places stress on bones, and that’s a good thing because in response, the body send necessary nutrients and materials to bones, helping to keep them strong and dense. 

Build lean muscle mass

If you don’t use your muscles, you lose them. This can leave you with less mobility and strength. With weight training, you shorten and lengthen muscles, creating micro-tears which your body must repair. In the process, you build more lean muscle mass and stronger muscles.

Sculpt your dream body

Strength coach, Sue Clark says if you want to “Sculpt the physique of your personal dreams”, strength training is the way to go. 

But even apart from having an amazing physique, strength training helps women feel better about themselves. Clark has noticed that “Above and beyond the physical changes, a whole new persona emerges as people start to feel really confident in their own bodies.”