Guest: Shweta Salvi who lives in Pune, was previously a flight attendant and is currently a weight lifter. She is also studying nutrition.

She talked about how weight lifting helped her and can help other females too. She also clears typically discussed myths about weight lifting.

Listen to the podcast here: https://anchor.fm/chirag-barjatya/episodes/Podcast-on-Women-and-Weight-Lifting-e5h1ut

 

What are the usual preconceived notions that women have before starting to lift weights?

• Women fear of looking masculine and bulky.
• Don’t usually believe that women/they have enough strength to weight lift.
• Can cause complications in pregnancy.

 

What is the exact answer to these myths circulated around?

• No, you will not look manly/masculine/bulky after lifting weights because a woman’s body is designed in such a way that they don’t have enough amount of testosterone secretions to make them look masculine.
• The strength to weight lift is not suddenly developed in anyone, whether male or female but with practice.
• When it comes to pregnancy, gym exercises and weight lifting will not create any kind of complications but will help you combat problems during and after pregnancy.
• A woman is expected to have strong muscles and power to deliver a baby normally. So weight lifting will surely help in doing so.
• Activeness in pregnancy is a huge supporter to both the mother and baby’s health.

 

What are the advantages of weight lifting?

• Firstly, it will give you inner core strength. Looking bulky doesn’t define the level of fitness or strength in you.
• When you gradually weight lift, you will be motivated to do other chores easily because your mind is set up to heavy lift.
• It will keep you active throughout the day.
• It will help in easy delivery of the baby and nutritional balance post-delivery.

 

Does one need to stop exercising during periods?

• Though it is an individual take, one should not stop exercising during periods.
• A day of rest is okay but missing exercise because it will cause a negative effect is again a myth.
• If you really think it is tough for you, don’t lift but continue with normal workout.
• A month of regular exercise will help you through pain in your next periods.

 

Advice:

• Don’t eat junk food. Try to keep a balanced diet according to your physique.
• Keep track of what you do. That will keep you motivated.
• Good health and lifestyle is the easiest way to have a sustainable life.
• Don’t get intimidated by anyone.