by Debra Menager

Created on: September 16, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

Truth or myth, many women wonder whether weight lifting would make them look manly.

Truth: fears of bulky muscles are foundless. Women are not men. Our bodies react differently, unless hormone imbalance (a serious medical condition that your physician can diagnose and correct) or intentional ingestion of abnormal dosages of steroids (an unwise and unhealthy decision) alters normal female body chemistry and feminine features.

Manly testosterone, in high levels, encourages muscular bulk. Steroids with similar chemical compositions cause similar responses, sometimes to extremes. "Manly reactions" become heightened. Without diving deep into that discussion - or the dire consequences when males or females raise these levels too high for healthy body and mind - effects may spiral beyond control. Women normally do have small amounts of testosterone, but very minimal.

Sculpting, lifting, and strengthening, balanced weight workouts do wonders for a woman's body. Look at Michelle Obama. Fit and firm, her appearance is definitely feminine. Lifted, not flabby. Bared arms show she's slim and fit, yet curved.

Upper body weight workouts firm a woman's neck and back along with her arms.

Clothing looks better. Fabrics hug and cling to curves gracefully, complementing areas lifted and sculpted by exercise. Choices not dared by less fit women, dresses with plunging bare backs or lower necklines reveal more, exposing enhanced curves. Efforts offer even more.

Lose weight and gain healthy benefits.

Looking good, feeling fit and firm, healthy weight loss is obvious. Calories are efficiently used, during workouts and between. Metabolism revs up. Muscles (under feminine curves) use calories faster; less is deposited as fat.

Metabolism is a two phase process: catabolism (break down) and anabolism (build up). With increasing metabolism both phases accelerate.

Protein assists structural rebuilding (how that flab turns to firm muscle; other parts are continually replaced and rebuilt also). But don't overdo. Excess protein is excreted: too many long strands concentrated in body fluids place dangerous demands on kidneys.

Drink fluids. Flush lactic acid build-ups and wastes. Then replenish fluids and electrolytes, also replacing what's lost in sweat. (Ok, ladies: men sweat, women glow). Skin glistens as pores open. Increased healthy circulation within shines outwardly; natural blushes remain long afterwards.

Good skin, healthy hair and heart, all need fats. Joint capsules, nerves and muscles

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