So often, women who want to get stronger or start lifting weights are told to ‘be careful’ and make sure they don't hurt themselves. While there is always an inherent risk when engaging with any activity, the benefits far outweigh the risk when it comes to strength training. Key Takeaways If you are ready to stop letting society tell you what activity is acceptable for women, you should: Educate yourself and others on the amazing benefits of strength training Stop listening to the haters and stand confident in your bodies ability Use strength training as a way to get better at your chosen activity Stop Listening to the Unsolicited Advice Thinking that strength training is ‘scary’ or ‘dangerous’ is unfairly reinforced by society. The unsolicited opinions and advice that women receive are just one of the multiple barriers women face when starting a strength training practice.  Strength training does not have to be the scary activity that we have been told it is. Instead, it can be a way to improve at your chosen activity, level up your overall health, and give you the confidence you have been searching for. The Benefits of Strength Training While the system is set up to perpetuate this idea of women getting hurt when they try and get stronger, it couldn't be further from the truth. Strength training helps you avoid injury, prevent age-related muscle loss, improve bone density, and so much more. If you are an active person, strength training 2-3 times a week can help you excel in your chosen sport. Statistics show that weight training sports have relatively low injury compared to common team sports and can actually help prevent injury.  If you are looking for validation that you don't have to be afraid of strength training, this is the episode for you. Are you ready to stop letting society tell you what sports are ‘safe’ or acceptable for women? Share what you love most about strength training with me in the comments section of the episode page. In This Episode Addressing some of the warnings you may hear about lifting weights (4:15) Why women are discouraged from picking up weights or doing muscle-strengthening activities (8:41) Why you should work closely with someone to learn how to use equipment in the gym correctly (12:30) How weight training sports compare to common team sports when it comes to the risk of injury (17:07) How strength training helped me improve at my chosen activity (20:24) Quotes “Every time I talk about this, women share their stories over and over and over again about people who chime in with their unsolicited advice and warnings.” (3:20) “There will always be an inherent risk. However, the benefits far outweigh the risk of lifting weights.” (10:21) “I think what’s particularly challenging for me in this scenario, and other women who have been warned off of lifting weights is that a lot of adults participate in team sports, whether it is intramural or interleague or whatever it is… where people get hurt all the time.” (15:38) “The interesting thing here is when we are talking about strength training as a means to help prevent injury in other sports, rarely does it get the spotlight that it deserves.” (18:51) “When we consider the benefits, the benefits are far, far outweighed by the potential costs.” (26:27) Featured on the Show Join the Group Strength Nutrition Program Here Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Related Episodes LTYB 331: Strength Training & Your Relationship To Exercise LTYB 340: Are You Lifting Heavy Enough (and Other Common Strength Training Questions)