MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract:
I will be writing on resistance training, specifically heavy weight training, for women. Historically, women have been taught that heavy weight training will cause them to be “bulky” rather than “toned,” and instead focus on cardiovascular exercise (healthy but not for overall strength). Due to our high-pressure society, many women feel the need to become skinny rather than strong, leading to health problems further down the road. Weight lifting, however, provides countless physical and mental health benefits for both women and men, as well as improving bodily aesthetics. My paper will consist of two main sections. First will be “convincing” women that weight training is important, especially in older age, especially for those who have been sedentary for much of their life. I will use peer-reviewed articles as well as blog and website posts from reputable fitness experts to make these points: weight lifting is healthy for the body and mind, women should train the same way as men when it comes to lifting, and women will not suddenly look like bodybuilders if they begin to lift weights. My second part will consist of instructions to get into the weight room and begin lifting - I will dispel some common myths, address the intimidation factor of the weight room, and explain a few beginner lifts. This document will serve as a guide for women who wish to weight train.

Reader profile:
A middle-aged woman who wishes to improve long-term health and bone density as well as develop a more muscular body, but is unsure where to start and, like most women, has been taught that resistance training is not appropriate for women.

Reader response:
I am in pretty good health, but I think I could prevent osteoporosis, arthritis and other bone problems by engaging in regular resistance training. I don’t understand why the magazines always say that all I need to do is a few minutes of bodyweight training a day to look and feel amazing. I guess lifting weights will actually make me stronger without making me more muscular than I want to be, because I won’t have the levels of testosterone that a man or a professional female bodybuilder does without taking anabolic steroids. Although, isn’t bodybuilding associated with body dysmorphia due to it being such an image-focused sport? Ah, I can do powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting instead. I am glad that she included instructions for me to begin weight lifting; I’ve always been too intimidated to try new exercises or machines in the weight room for fear of embarrassing or hurting myself.

Y -- good approach. Will you shift to first person in the guide section, to describe some of your challenges and successes? Will you also address some of the psychological/social troubles with lifting in a gym with a preponderance of men? Suggest a trainer? Find a gym buddy?

Also, machines are not often sized well for very short or very tall people. Free weights? Resistance bands/ropes?

Lastly, can you track down why the "Curves" studio/gym company failed? Ask me about how you can use this information.