The Myth of Muscles

I have been thinking a lot about muscle development recently in my conversations with people about their fitness goals and their perception of strength and weight training. So I thought I would dispel some myths about this vital form of training.

If you do lots of weights, you will get big and bulky. Verdict: False.

Weight training is for strength acquisition and muscle development, yes. However there are certain factors at play for hypertrophy (gaining muscular size) to be achieved. Men gain muscle mass faster than women simply because they have more testosterone. Testosterone helps muscles gain size; hence why body builders illegally take additional testosterone and other stimulants (often referred to as Human Growth Hormone HGH) to increase the ability to gain muscle size quickly and easily. Natural training would not produce enough testosterone to gain the results they want. Females do not even come close to having enough testosterone in their body to produce the muscle mass of an average male and thus will not become as big and muscular as men.

Another factor that must be considered is the type of weight training a person does. Weight training can be used, and is recommended for, all types of fitness goals. The type of training differs based on the desired outcome. For a person who is using hypertrophy training, they will focus on high volume of weight and low amount of repetitions. They will also give the muscle long rest periods in between sets of exercises. This is different to a person training for weight loss; they will use lighter weights but lots of repetitions and little rest time as to keep the heart rate up!

Thus weight training can easily be tailored to provide the results you desire; improving your fitness and figure without making you too bulky.

Weight training is only for muscle appearance. Verdict: False.

Weight training is an essential part of keeping our bodies fit and healthy (and I stress healthy). Lifting weight is paramount for the strengthening of healthy bones and joints and promotes longevity in the functioning of all parts of the body. The training also improves co-ordination and balance and in the long run will aid in the prevention of injuries and diseases that affect the muscles and bones, and example of such being a disease like Osteoperosis.

Muscle acquisition is also the key in weight loss. Muscles require a lot of energy to function thus requiring more food from the body. Those weight training need to provide the body with good nutrition on a regular basis which in turn regulates and raises the metabolism. Muscles burn more fats and use more calories; simply, the more active your muscles are, the more calories they will burn!

And let’s face it; we look pretty good when we are toned!

Ever considered weight training? A little daunted by the idea? That’s ok, come and chat with me, Ellen, about Personal Training and see how some structured weight training can benefit your life!! You can contact me on Ellen@dancedynamics.com.au or 9427 8887 (Richmond studio).