Women Who Lift Weights Won't Look Like Men

Women often think they have to train diffently than men in the weight room. In fact, they don't. The workouts I prescribe for women contain many of the same exercises and intensities as men.

Women are often afraid if they lift heavy they will get big muscles. So they pick up those tiny weights which frankly do them any good at all. The fact is they must lift heavy to gain lean muscle mass. Women's low testosterone levels will prevent them from putting on the size that men do so they don't need to worry about getting "big".

It's important to understand that when women pick up a weight it should be challenging. The main goal is to work the muscle until near fatigue. Choose a heavy weight and lift low repetitions for each exercise to build lean body mass.

An important factor is each individual has complete control over how far they progress. Most women only take weight training to that "toning" point but some are more hardcore. When your body looks the way you want switch to a maintenance program. At this point there's no need to stimulate new growth. Rather, continue resistance training to keep what you've worked so hard to get.

In summary, women don't need to perform different weight training routines than men. This a myth that has been perpetuating forever. Ladies, challenge yourself. Pick up a heavy set of weights and build a healthy strong body.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge health and fitness facts go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com