best reasons for women to lift weights, instead of only cardio classes and running

1 to be stronger so you can lift and open things without relying on someone larger to do it for you

2 to decrease fat, by having more lean mass on your body, you will burn more calories on a daily basis, even on days you dont exercise

3 you will not get bulky, women do not have enough testosterone in their systems to get a manly physique. The women you see that are huge are most likely eating supplements to increase their testosterone level

4 so you can fall down without breaking your bones, by having more lean mass, it forces your bones to be more dense, especially as you becoming older--so you dont break a hip, or shatter your leg bones

5 improve cholesterol levels, regular workouts increase hdl and decrease ldl

6. it improves the way you process sugars, so you will be less likely to become diabetic

7. you can improve your strength at any age, it is never too late to get started

8. exercise and having a fit body improves your confidence level and your ability to be disciplined and happier, and avoid depression

9. you will be healthier, faster, stronger, have more endurance, and have more abilities to be able to play sports, travel, climb mountains, go scuba diving, or play basketball or any sport with your friends...To me this is one of the main reasons I lift weights is just so I can play sports with friends....

10 and improve performance, if you already play sports, lifting weights will make you better at those sports

most women stay on the cardio machines and the cardio classes....If you really want to be fit, and look fit, then head over to the free weights and machines and you will see and feel different very quickly. One thing I like for women is the weighted vests, you can remove and add weight depending on how strong you are, but you can use it while you walk around town, or when you go shopping, or just around the house when you are cleaning or gardening...very practical way to add resistance training to your daily activities

I dont like wrist and ankle weights, but the weighted vests are pretty cool. I dont like putting a lot of weight on joints that may not be strong enought to support the weights yet.