More and more women are claiming strength as their own through participation in sports and especially in strength training programs. Such participation helps to counter the stereotypes and fosters an appreciation of strength as desirable for women. Strength Training for Female Athletes. Women and Sport, an Historical, Biological, Physiological and Sports Medical Approach. Misconceptions Recent studies counter several widely held beliefs that may limit the physiologic and psychological benefits of weight training for women.
Strength training causes women to become larger and heavier.
These changes may result in a slight increase in overall weight, since lean body mass weighs more than fat. In fact, no evidence suggests that women are more likely to be injured during strength training than men. Proper exercise instruction and technique are necessary to reduce the risk of injuries for both men and women. All strength training participants should follow a program that gradually increases the intensity and load. Women are typically encouraged to use limited resistance, such as light dumbbells, in their strength exercises.