You’ve been working out. Cardio, cardio, cardio! Even with all of that cardio, you may not be seeing the results you’ve been hoping for. What’s a girl to do? The answer is strength training.

But what if you don’t want to bulk up like the men who lift weights at the gym?

Contrary to popular belief, lifting weights and strength training won’t make you look bulky. Bulking out like a man requires testosterone. You don’t need to worry about looking “beefy.”

Strength training will help you feel and look your best. Here’s what it can do for you.

Although cardio is great at improving your heart health and overall stamina, strength training will help you look good. You’ll notice your muscle tone will be tighter; you’ll look sleek and trim. Even if you don’t want to look ripped, it’s always nice to see a little muscle definition under your skin.

Want to run faster or farther? Lift weights. As you work your muscles, it’ll strengthen them and give you abilities you didn’t know you needed in your cardio workout. Have you hit a cardio plateau? Strength training can help you crush it. You’ll also feel stronger and more capable when you’re lifting regularly.

From lifting your kids to hauling bags through the airport on your vacation, you’ll feel stronger and more confident as you strength train. You’ll feel better about your body, both in how it looks and how it performs. Strength training also gives you results more quickly than cardio so it won’t take long before you notice great results.

Lifting weights consistently can help improve your bone density and fight osteoporosis. Women who strength train often experience less pain in their joints, less bone loss, and decreased lower back pain.

When done correctly, strength training can mean less risk of injury every time you work out. As you lift weights you strengthen your muscles and bones, which means you’ll be less likely to injure yourself during your daily sweat session.

Most people who exercise find it helps improve their mood. In fact, numerous studies show the impact of cardio exercise on mood, mental sharpness, and even general quality of life. Strength training has also been shown to improve anxiety levels. So the next time you dread going to the gym, just think about how much better you’ll feel.

Strength training isn’t just for men. Women can still gain all of the benefits of strength training men do, and you don’t need to worry about bulking up. You might gain a little weight with the muscle, but you’ll also trim and tone your body in amazing ways. From confidence to stronger bones, strength training can help you lead a happier and healthier life.

You might also like

• Pump you up! Add Some Weight to Your Exercise
• The Benefits of Strength Training for Runners