Everyone knows exercise is good for you. It can help you lose fat, preserve muscle, and help keep unwanted pounds off. However, many myths abound. Strength training is for men. It makes women too muscular.
Lost muscle puts both men and women at greater risk of disability as they age.
Not to worry. Women don't have enough testosterone to naturally create big, bulky muscles. Light weights on your arms or legs can boost your exercise benefit. Carrying one or two pound hand-held weights or strapping on ankle weights while you walk or run will hinder your workout. It will slow you down giving you less benefit from aerobic exercise and it doesn't add enough weight to give you the benefits of strength training.