Origin
The history of female strength athletes can largely be traced to the
late nineteenth century. Some scholars have looked further back to
the early and mid 1800s. Surveying the history of female strong
women who, in effect, were the pioneers for female strength
athletes, it is clear that the period 1890 to 1918 was dominated by
three names: Katie Sandwina, Vulcana and Minerva.
Katie Sandwina, whose name was of course inspired by Eugen Sandow, briefly became
the talk of New York in the early 1900s owing to her feats of
strength. At that time Sandwina, who came from Germany, could press
200 pounds overhead with ease, lift her husband in the air with one
hand and support a variety of heavy objects on her back. My favorite
story about Sandwina is that she supposedly gained her last name
after defeating Eugen Sandow in a lifting contest in New York. Sadly
there’s no evidence to support this theory but it is enjoyable
nonetheless.
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Benefits
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Improved fat loss
When lifting weights, you build lean muscle. The more muscle you have, the quicker your metabolism will work. This means that weight training will help to boost your metabolism, and in turn, burn more calories, meaning a reduction in body fat and improve weight loss. For each pound of muscle you gain, you’ll burn 30 to 50 more calories per day! -
Enhance your mood and reduce stress
Exercise releases endorphins which improve your mood, prevent pain, and fight depression. -
Gain strength without bulking
Unlike men, women typically don’t gain size from strength training. This is due to levels of testosterone women have compared to men. Typically, young women have around 10% of the testosterone of men. Because of this, women will develop muscle tone and definition without the size. -
Reduce your risk of injury, back pain and arthritis
Weight training not only strengthens muscles but also increases bone density. This reduces the risk of fractures and broken bones. It also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability which, as a result, helps prevent injury. Weight lighting can also increase spinal bone density and create a strong and healthy spine. This, coupled with an adequate amount of dietary calcium, can be a women’s best defence against osteoporosis. -
Improve your athletic performance
Having a stronger body can also help with other sports by improving power, speed, agility and endurance. Weight training will help the body adapt to situations it will face during sport and also, throughout everyday life. -
Reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes
Weight training can help to improve cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, and in turn this will help to lower blood pressure. Using weight training as part of your routine will also improve the way the body processes sugar, which may reduce the risk of diabetes.
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Make the lifestyle change Today!
Strength training for women has so many benefits that are officially
not just for the boys anymore! Women who practice regular resistance
training can attest to the amazing benefits that accompany it—mind,
body, and overall health!
Take your first step towards a healther lifestyle and
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