Weight training for a woman?

[fitnessk]

Where can I find advice on weight training routines for a woman? I am a girl and have been doing some strength training for overall health purposes. But I like it, and would like to do more. I don't want to have huge, huge muscles but still would like to do something more advanced.

[april222]

First let me assure you that under normal circumstances the female will not bulk up. That has been a myth that has kept many women away from the weights. Have you looked through the articles here under Female Training? If that doesn't help you you can always try Bodybuilding.com. One of my favourite article is titled 5 Full-time Fat blasting Weight Training workouts for Women. That article goes into basic information and has 3 different types of 5 day workouts to get you going and on your way.

[fitnessk]

Thanks, I will try looking at the links. Yes, I do not want to bulk up but just enjoy weight training and want to have well toned muscles and to have more strength.

[shaun]

Where can I find advice on weight training routines for a woman? I am a girl and have been doing some strength training for overall health purposes. But I like it, and would like to do more. I don't want to have huge, huge muscles but still would like to do something more advanced.

There is no reason why women should follow a different routine to men, the best exercises for men are the best exercises for women. Your routine should include compound movements which recruit the most muscle fibers. Exercise like bench press, deadlift, pull ups, and squats should form the bedrock of your training.
You do not need to worry about being huge. Women have low testosterone levels, you will not get huge unless you artificially raise testosterone.

[brandontnguyen]

Just don't be afraid of bulking up. Little do women know, but fit women are extremely more attractive than a women that isn't fit. Not only does her body look great, but she can also participate in activities that other women wouldn't be able to.

[shaun]

Just don't be afraid of bulking up. Little do women know, but fit women are extremely more attractive than a women that isn't fit. Not only does her body look great, but she can also participate in activities that other women wouldn't be able to.

Women should not be afraid of bulking up because they can't bulk up, unless they are using drugs to raise their low testosterone levels. Women can build muscle but their muscle building potential is very limited.

[magickat]

Just don't be afraid of bulking up. Little do women know, but fit women are extremely more attractive than a women that isn't fit. Not only does her body look great, but she can also participate in activities that other women wouldn't be able to.

In your view! Obviously there are many benefits to fitness but that doesn't mean less fit women are unattractive. And re your last comment, unfit does not equal incapacitated!

[fitnessk]

I think when the poster said a more fit woman could participate in other activities, they might have meant bodybuilding competitions and such. Obviously, a woman can be fit without being overly muscular though.

[Stefano13]

Hi there,
first, please don't worry about bulking up. As a female you don't have the hormones for that. Gaining muscle takes some major work for women.A full body routine 3 days a week is a good thing. Have you thought about consulting with a personal trainer? They would be able to help you best. Having a program catered to your goals, needs, abilities, etc is always a good thing.

[shaun]

There is a misconception that women should use high reps and lots of isolation exercises. I see no reason why women should train different to men, using heavy weights and compound movements. Obviously this is comparative, women are generally not as strong, but the principle applies.