Why lifting weights is the best thing women can do for their bodies

While many fitness trends for women often focus on weight loss and aesthetics, strength training is the key that unlocks far more benefits.

Speaking to 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, personal trainer Ilana van Schalkwyk explains that there is a common misconception that weightlifting makes women bulkier when it actually makes them stronger, leaner and more empowered. 

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“Historically, women have been pushed more towards cardiovascular training, and a different aesthetic look in the past, so strength wasn’t something they were truly educated on.”

She aims to empower women to approach strength training with confidence and a clear understanding of its benefits.

In recent years, women have become more educated about the benefits of strength training, which has led to a growing community of women who embrace its advantages.

“Women who lift heavy and fuel their bodies correctly can actually be strong but also look feminine and not have this really bulky look that I think most women think about when they think weight training.”

She adds, “We don’t have enough testosterone in our bodies to ever get to a place where we have a very manly silhouette.”

To listen to Van Schalkwyk, use the audio player below: