Do women need to weight train differently?

[Missy]

Perhaps some of the female members can give an opinion on this.

Do you weight train in the same manner as men? same exercises, set & rep ranges etc.I've always followed that idea, muscle is muscle no matter who it is on.

However I've been thinking since many of us find it hard to shape up, let's forget about the chocolate addiction for the moment and just look at strengh/weight training.

Should we be looking at women's weight training routines and not just copy the men? Most women carry our extra weight in the lower part of our bodies should we focus more on this area while weight training? Next question then would be since many of us are weaker in the upper body - it's amazing how many people can't do push ups, should we in fact be focusing on our upper bodies more!

Confused in training.

[Dado]

Thats a very interesting question

Coming from a male, and one who doesent know much about weightlifting routines, i can probably only say that muscle is the same for both men and women, it only depends on how far you want to go. Obviously bulking up a bit adds to the power but in my opinion cardio and technique should be placed first.

[Jodi]

There is absolutely NO reason why a women can't train like a man. We train just the same way. Muscle is Muscle and Fat is Fat. There is no such thing as spot training so when a women trains lower body that does not guarantee they will have leaner legs and hips, that all comes with a proper diet. Women can squat and deadlift just as a guy can, granted, it will be lighter weight than a men do. As a matter of fact women that squat and deadlift have a much firmer and shapely lower body. Anyway, no need for me to ramble on because as I've said, there is NO reason a women can't train just like a guy.

[Missy]

Amen Jodi,

Like I said it's what I've always thought but since there are no women who train the way I do, as if by picking up a weight over 5lbs will turn them in to Lenda Murry overnight, it does cause doubts to creep in from time to time.

[Jodi]

If I could ever become Lenda Murry and still stay natural then that would be a blessing. :D

[Missy]

I think of all the big ladies she managed to keep a feminine face, and killer symmetry.

[MZN]

Look at Lucia Rijker. She fights like a man but is still 100% female :)

[Missy]

in response may I say she boxes like a 'boxer' nothing male or female about it, you either do it with skill in which case you're a boxer or those others who are an embarrassment.

[MZN]

in response may I say she boxes like a 'boxer' nothing male or female about it, you either do it with skill in which case you're a boxer or those others who are an embarrassment.

LoL, you're right I meant what you say but forgot that there are plenty men around who cannot box at all (like me for instance :) ).

[Missy]

LOL not to worry, hope I didn't sound like I was having a go at you.

[MZN]

:p I've been training Jiu Jitsu for over a month now ;)

[Missy]

You trying to impress me in your fancy gi?

[MZN]

lmao, It's not even mine ! I borrowed it from the dojo :).

My mom bought me some MT shorts when she was on holiday in Thailand. Is that impressive enough?

[Missy]

good enough. I'm still in shock over the GP final