I've been going to the "Y" for 2 months now, I think. I have worked out at gyms before, never really noticed anything strange. I mean, you always see strange things at the gym, but I didn't pay attention to how the genders worked out. I went on Thursday after work to lift weights and do some cardio on the elliptical machine. It was then that I had noticed something I had never realized before. ALL the women at the gym were in the cardio area (treadmills, bike, elliptical, stairmaster) or they were in spinning class. I was the only female in the weights area. Now that I was thinking about it, I'm always the only female there. Yeah, I'll see women on some of the machines and ab devices, but it's rare. My mom works on those when she can, so I'm excluding you from this thought, m'kay? Love you.
So, why don't more women pick up free weights, plates on barbells and do some REAL push ups? Those aren't just men exercises. They're just exercises. I understand that intimidation could easily be the factor. Well, that and the fear of a woman getting 'all jacked up'. I too get intimidated, but I have to get over it if I'm going to workout like I want to. I usually stick to the cardio area on Mondays and Tuesdays because the weights area is so packed, I am too impatient to wait. But later in the week I am over there 75% of my time. I love cardio, it's so good for you, so definitely do it! But don't let the men intimidate you. Get in there and do this for yourself. That's what I have to tell myself. I'm not there to impress anyone. (The only person I want to impress is my husband, anyway.) Me being there isn't going to make someone think I'm weird. I'm there because I want to be in better shape. There are studies out stating that lifting weights regularly DO aid in stronger bones in women. That's pretty good motivation, I think. I'm short already, I don't want to be even shorter as I get older. I'm sure it's inevitable to some extent, but I'd like to halt it as much as possible, you know?
I know that for myself, I just feel better after lifting weights. It's like I get an ego-trip or something. After doing a set of push ups I want to flex my arms and Ggrrrrr!!!!!! But I don't. That would be weird.
But, going to the gym is a great way to meet people and make friends. It's definitely an "exercise" in social skills. At first I went in a little on the defensive, not making eye contact, avoiding conversations, but now I want to enjoy it more so I talk to people in between sets and it's more fun that way. It also helps me relax when I'm initially intimidated. I would recommend lifting weights to any woman, unless her doctor said, "no". It's good for the heart, it's good for the bones, it's good for your muscles and overall physique, and it's good to just make new friends.
Right now I'm going through the New Rules of Lifting for Woman program. It's a good book, I recommend it. There's a wonderfully illustrated section in the back of exercises and it's puts the reader on a lifting schedule, moving in phases. I'm starting phase 2. You do a phase for 4 weeks, increasing your weight to be lifted each week. I think there's 6 phases total. It also includes cardio if you want faster results, which I would feel odd going to the gym, lifting weights and going home. I mostly feel like I need to do something else.
Now hear this, I'm not downing any woman, or man, for that matter who sticks to the treadmills or bike. Some people simply prefer that. Maybe building muscle or losing weight isn't a goal for you. I'm really putting this thought out there for those who have thought about lifting, or would like to, but are too afraid too. After researching some benefits, you're going to want to. The hard part is getting past some initial intimidation. At least, that was (and still is) my issue sometimes. I think all people should involve themselves in some type of activity (socially is possible) on a regular basis. I think it helps clear our minds and shed some stress. I'm thinking about joining a tennis league. My sister has inspired me to do it. She really has a great time doing it, and I know she's been able to meet some people doing it too.
That's just my thought for the moment. Maybe you disagree, that's fine. Trust me, I'm not always right. You may leave a comment, but please make it nice, I'm a little sensitive.
I don't know...maybe these cardio people know something I don't....
