WEIGHT LIFTING FOR WOMEN...training tips, getting started with weights and more

It almost seems like there is no in-between when it comes to weight training for women.

Some women love lifting weights and end up in body-building contests and others avoid the weight room completely.

Yet it can be very beneficial for women to work on increasing their strength in order to get the most out of their triathlon training and racing.

All that's really required is about 30 minutes a day--3 days a week--in order to realize benefits in swimming, biking, and running.

Personally I think in the very beginning of a triathlon career, it would be wiser to leave strength training for women and men out of the equation.

It seems to make more sense to spend the time learning proper technique in the swim, bike, and run.

Perhaps in the coming years, should a woman decide to continue on with a triathlon career, a weight training program might make much more sense.

Many triathletes--men and women--often don't realize their full potential in the sport of triathlon until they include weight training as a regular part of their triathlon training program.

So if it's in the cards to extent your tri career and you have achieved your goal of crossing the Ironman finish line and now want to race for better time, turn pro, or earn a qualifying spot for Kona, then weight training might be a wise choice.

However for many people just finishing a triathlon is enough and they are not concerned with how fast they go or how long it takes and if that's the case, weight training might be best left out of the equation.

If you should decide that you want to give weight training a try, it's important to understand that lifting weights does not necessarily have to result in huge muscles. Often this line of thought turns many women off when it comes to weight training.

Lifting weights can build strength without developing huge muscles and at the same time improve flexibility and endurance. These are all important components to a successful triathlete whether a man or a woman.

Some women only last a few days in the weight room and it's a shame. They give it a try and feel out of place. Especially when all they can manage is very little weight.

First of all, a great plan is to join a weight-lifting class. An experienced fitness instructor will show you around the weight room and explain the different exercises and how to do them properly to in order to realize the most benefit and avoid injury.

Best of all, you will be among others who are just learning about weight training and perhaps you can find yourself a weight training buddy and you can learn together.

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