5 Myths About Girls and Weight-Lifting

by Katie Allen, Senior Fitness Director

1. Young girls shouldn’t lift weights because it will stunt their growth.

No studies have actually shown that weight lifting will stunt growth.

In fact, when done properly lifting weights has a number of positive health benefits such as increasing bone density which is important for reaching your maximum height.

Programs should be properly monitored and progressed in order to ensure safety

2. Girls shouldn’t lift weights because it will make them big & bulky like a man.

This is simply not true. Girls do not have the same hormone make-up that causes guys to develop large muscles
Lifting weights will cause you to develop more LEAN MUSCLE and get STRONGER – not necessarily bigger

3. Lifting weights won’t help me LOSE WEIGHT.

Actually lifting weights will help you do better than that – lifting weights will help you LOSE BODY FAT!! ☺
Strength training helps your body develop lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass you have the higher your metabolism will be and the more “toned” you will look.

4. If I lift weights I can EAT WHATEVER I WANT

Working out should be done in conjunction with a healthy diet!
To properly fuel your muscles good nutrition is absolutely essential.
You can’t out work a bad diet!!!

5. I need fancy equipment to strength train.

You don’t need a gym membership or fancy machines to get stronger.
There are so many exercises that you can do using just your body that will make you stronger and more fit.

Katie Allen is a Senior Fitness Director at American Family Fitness in Richmond, VA. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2004 and went on to receive her Master’s in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. Katie has over a decade of experience in personal training, sports performance training and fitness management. She has a passion for teaching and mentoring personal trainers that are new to the industry and even leads a certification course for the National College of Exercise Professionals. Katie specializes in weight loss, pre and post-natal training and sports performance training, particularly for female athletes.

Article contributed by Geraldine Chapman

Geraldine Chapman is the Director of Information Marketing & Social Media at American Family Fitness in Richmond, VA. She’s been in the fitness industry professionally since 1997 as a personal trainer, group fitness manager, and fitness instructor. She has trained and certified in multiple fitness programs over the years. Her favorites to teach are barre, Active®, Blast®, and Power®. Geraldine graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in Communication Arts & Design. She is also a Certified High-Performance Coach and Applied Neuro Strategist. She is passionate about researching autoimmune diseases and how lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, and mindset play a vital role in the prevention and management of autoimmune issues. When not working, you can find Geraldine with a camera in hand, enjoying quality time with her family and riding her motorcycle around town.