Strength Training and High School Girls. High school girls and strength training is a delicate topic. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation and myths that surround high school girls and strength training. Learn more.
The Myth of Bulky Muscles: Why Girls Should Embrace Strength Training
Girls are often discouraged from strength training due to myths that it will make them bulky or masculine. These myths are pervasive, but the truth is that strength training can be incredibly empowering for girls and women of all ages.
Debunking the myths
- Lifting weights will make you look “Bulky”
The idea that lifting weights will make women bulky is a common myth in the fitness industry. This myth is based on the misconception that lifting weights will cause women to develop large, bulging muscles like bodybuilders. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
- Lifting weights will make you look like a bodybuilder or physique competitor
Girls and women naturally have less muscle mass than men due to differences in hormones and genetics. Additionally, building significant muscle mass requires a specific type of training and nutrition regimen that most women are not interested in pursuing. In fact, many women who strength train end up with a leaner, more toned physique, rather than bulging muscles.
- Lifting weights will make you slower
Girls and women just the same as men can greatly benefit from lifting weights to increase their speed. For short sprints 40 yards and under, increasing a person’s strength to weight ratio will help decrease their times. Making them Faster!
- Lifting weights will limit how high you can jump
Similarly to sprinting, increasing your strength will help you lift your body off the ground. So no matter if we are discussing the vertical jump or a horizontal jump like the broad jump or long jump, getting stronger will lead to better results athletically.
The Benefits of Strength Training for High School Girls
Now that we’ve debunked the myth of bulky muscles and being a slower less explosive athlete, let’s talk about the many benefits of strength training for high school girls:
1. Increased Muscle Tone
Strength training can help women and girls develop lean, toned muscles that look great and provide functional benefits in everyday life. Strong muscles can help with everything from performance to injury prevention.
2. Improved Bone Health
Strength training can help women improve their bone density, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
3. Better Metabolic Health
Strength training can help women improve their metabolism, which can lead to better weight management and improved overall health. As Americans continue to add weight and get more obese this is of great importance!
4. Increased Confidence and Empowerment
Lifting weights can be incredibly empowering for women. It can help women feel more confident and capable in their bodies, and can help them overcome limiting beliefs about what they’re capable of achieving.
How to Get Started with A Strength Program
If you are a high school girl looking for guidance in strength training, look no further than our OC Sports Performance program. As of writing this – April 2023 – we are about 70% female athletes training here. This means you will have other like minded high school girls looking to build a solid foundation of strength training.
Not local to Bend, Oregon but want to get started with a strength program? Find a professional in the field that will coach you! Go faster and further with the help of a successful coach.
High school Girls should be lifting weights and getting stronger! Injury rates continue to increase in part due to the lack of educated training.
Interested in getting started? Book a Free Consult and get started today!
