While more women have been stepping into the gym to lift, the “bulky body” myth still persists. Here’s why ladies should get over this fear

If there’s one thing I’m happy to report over the past few years I’ve been working out in my highly commercial gym, it’s that there are a lot more women lifting. If you’re not a gym regular, you can see an abundance of women’s gym content on social media.

I’m definitely happy to see them embrace getting stronger. It doesn’t matter if they’re lifting light weights or they’re able to carry something much heavier—I genuinely feel exercise, especially in the gym, is more than just aerobics and cardio (not that there’s anything wrong with those).

Despite the strides gym culture has made in getting more women in, the myth of the muscular female body persists, and is still an obstacle for a good number of ladies

But despite the strides gym culture has made in getting more women in, the myth of the muscular female body—you know, the one where women are discouraged from lifting weights because they might look like jacked guys—persists, and is still an obstacle for a good number of ladies.

Of course, I can always keep repeating the very real fact that girls only get big muscles when they specifically train to have them, but many have likely already heard that. Instead, I’ll outline a few notable benefits of strength training that women might feel a lot more than men, and hope that that finally gets those still sitting on the fence through the door.

Strength training increases bone density

By now you’ve probably already heard that osteoporosis presents more in women, especially as they get older and approach menopause.

Strength training—specifically, high-load resistance training—helps fix bone issues by increasing bone mineral density. That particular study was conducted on elderly women, but it generally found that it’s beneficial for women of all ages. For those already experiencing bone issues, a lighter-impact workout would already be enough of a start; no need to do anything that would put you further at risk.

It improves self-confidence and mental well-being

The unfortunate reality that women experience in the modern world right now is that they’re more likely to have self-esteem issues compared with men. Whether it’s rooted in physical appearances or mental well-being, these problems exist and have to be dealt with.

The bonuses of increased strength, a better physique (which, again, isn’t necessarily a hyper-muscular one), and post-workout endorphin boosts are no small matters to the mind. While men can also benefit from these just the same, a lot of times women aren’t usually encouraged to be active and athletic.

Lifting can cushion the physical bone and joint pain a woman can feel in their back and lower body, and deter risks of other illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity

It softens the blows of menopause

There’s a reason why women dread the onslaught of menopause—the hormonal changes in the body can prove to be too much, and getting out of it takes years.

Fortunately, steady strength and resistance training can mitigate the terrible effects of menopause. On top of the osteoporosis prevention already mentioned, lifting can cushion the physical bone and joint pain a woman can feel in their back and lower body, and deter risks of other illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

So whether you’re feeling any of these things or you’re still years away from them, it’s never a bad time to at least consider taking up strength training. As long as you don’t go about the hobby or lifestyle the wrong way (such as overdoing it physically or mentally) it’s always going to be beneficial to you—I’ve never heard of anyone with a healthy relationship with fitness regretting the decision to start. Good luck!