Yes this is a running blog but you all know how much I love to strength train and lift heavy things. And for good reasons! Strength training for women and women over 50 has become increasingly popular. Here are few fantastic reasons to weight train in your 50’s and beyond.
Why Women Over 50 Should Prioritize Strength Training
While women of any age can certainly benefit from strength training, the importance of continuing to lift as we age can have profound effects before and after menopause. Let’s explore why women over 50 should embrace the numerous benefits of strength training.
As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases affecting strength and metabolism. Weight training can help to counteract this process enabling you to maintain and even increase muscle mass.
Bone health and Osteoporosis becomes a concern for many women as they age. Weightlifting, with its ability to promote bone density becomes a powerful ally in this fight to protect against Osteoporosis. Studies show strength training positively influences bone mineral density, reducing the risk of fractures.
Beyond physical benefits, strength training can have a huge impact on mental and social well being. Lifting heavy things can provide women with a sense of strength and confidence and they watch their abilities grow. It’s pretty empowering to crush a strength training workout. Group exercise classes offer another opportunity to strengthen social bonds which in turn has mental health benefits.
“Among its many mental health benefits, resistance training such as weightlifting is shown to lower depression, anxiety, and fatigue and improve self-esteem, sleep quality, and cognitive functions”.(source)
Finally, regular strength training changes the appearance of your body. Feeling and looking better in your clothes is a powerful motivator, confidence booster a way to see your efforts pay off.
Strength training in women over 50 is so much more than building muscles. It’s about cultivating mental and physical strength and increasing quality of life as we age.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Fully agree with all of this! That’s exactly the reason why I started Crossfit.
I especially like that you highlighted the mental benefits as well – feeling strong strengthens my inner stability, too!
Feeling strong is everything! I was wondering if you still did crossfit
Yes, there are so many great reasons to strength train, especially as you get older! I definitely plan to continue for as long as I can.
That’s a strong plan!
Ok. I agree. You’ve convinced me. I’m off to the gym. lol.
fantastic! It’s never too late hope you had a great workout
Great post! I started taking strength training seriously in my early 40’s and am glad I did. I still really enjoy it, and I love all of the benefits you mentioned. I found it helps my anxiety just as much as running does. It feels so good when you get to move up in weights too!
It sure does feel good! 👍
You’re preaching to the choir here! I used to HATE strength training but now I’ve fully embraced it. All your points are great, and you’ve even convinced Darlene! : )
ha on Darlene! I love it more than I ever thought I would
Preach, sister 🙂
I am so glad I got bitten by the strength bug several years ago! Totally agree with everything you highlighted!
It is really a game changer for me too!
I’m not quite 50, but I am fighting through menopause. Boo. That being said, as much as I hate strength training and weight lifting, I do feel so much stronger and empowered. Yes, I have to force myself to do it from time to time, but I don’t regret any of it.
no regrets at all! I am glad to see you embracing it more-you will be glad you did
Yes to all of this! Strength training is so very important and all women, especially those over 50. Spread the word!
absolutely! Best thing we can do as we age
Yes to every strength training benefit you mentioned. Strength training is also very important for runners to help combat muscle imbalances, prevent injuries, improve muscle activation, and help overall performance.
Absolutely all the reasons why I love it