Sexual Benefits of Weight Training for Women

There's a reason the phrase "hitting the weights" is synonymous with going to the gym: Weight training is one of the most popular forms of exercise.

Weight training can increase muscle mass and protect joints and connective tissue. It also releases uplifting endorphins that significantly boost mental health and mood. Weight training has many benefits for women as well as men, both in everyday activities and in the bedroom.

How weight training helps the body

While testosterone is usually associated with male development, this important hormone is also present in women, typically at lower levels. But healthy levels of testosterone also contribute to a woman's physical and sexual health.

Testosterone is considered to be one of the primary libido-driving hormones, and also affects muscle and bone growth. Weight training is known to provide a healthy increase in testosterone levels, which in turn can help with libido and muscle/bone development in women. Consistent weight training is also noted to protect joints and connective tissue from the aging process, which can be especially beneficial to women, who are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis as they age.

Your body responds to regular weight training by triggering the musculoskeletal system to build muscle and bone to better support the exercise being performed; this occurs through a complex interaction between the central nervous system and endocrine system.

Body image and sex drive

Women may not see as much visible muscle growth as men as a result of weight training, but they may experience other benefits, such as joint stabilization, better mood and increased sexual function.

Research indicates that body image is a big factor influencing sexuality and self-esteem. Poor self-image may prevent some people from initiating physical intimacy or having sex with a partner. In women, this lack of physical arousal can lead to mental and physical side effects, including vaginal dryness and anxiety, which can negatively affect libido.

For many people, sexual desire decreases with age, accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass and bone density, particularly in women. By incorporating strength training into a balanced lifestyle, women can help delay many of these age-related symptoms.

Some women may fear that weight training will make their body appear more traditionally "masculine" or less attractive. This is typically not the case: Clinical studies have found a near-universal increase in self-image when consistent weight training is incorporated into a wellness routine.

By using weight training as a means toward building a healthy body and self-image, women can empower themselves to have positive sexual experiences. Through consistent training, women can also protect themselves from the aging process and build muscle, too.

Considering that sexual desire is shown to drop as individuals get older and feel less confident with their body, women may find lifting weights is a way to both boost their libido and self-confidence at the same time.