It is undeniable that the mentality of women is changing as far as sport is concerned and fortunately CrossFit® is experiencing an impressive boom in Italy. We women have contributed immensely to the growth of this discipline.
However, each of us, before knowing and practicing this activity, will have happened to have had one (or more) doubts about training and changes in our body. So I decided to show you the 5 most common doubts of women starting to do CrossFit.
Index
1 - Will I get too muscular?
Here is the most famous and most felt by the coaches of each box. As a rule, many women do not play certain sports because they think they will become too muscular and "bloated".
Girls ... don't worry! This It will not happen for sure, unless you train specifically for this goal. You should take supplements, increase your calorie intake and lift heavy loads, obviously working hard. So rest assured.
2- And if I can't get the right grip on the bar?
According to a study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, men have on average twice as much force di pinch (made with three fingers) compared to women. This is why this factor is definitely limiting for sissies in some exercises, such as pull-ups or toes-to-bars. We should therefore work hard on strength, so that our evolution is more effective and faster.
3 - Can I train with menstruation?
During the menstrual period and up to a week later, estrogen and progesterone levels are lower. According to some studies, it is at this stage that women have more pain tolerance and recover more quickly from physical exertion. Also, for girls who suffer from cramps or premenstrual pain, train helps relieve symptoms!
4 - Will I be able to support a loaded barbell?
As mentioned above, we women can do anything. According to Zatsiorsky and Kreamer in Science and Practice of Strength Training, women should train with heavy loads as they promote positive adaptations on the bones (prevention of osteoporosis) and in the connective tissues. It is important to understand that heavy loads increase the muscle strength and not the size.
5 - Will protein shakes hurt me?
It is obvious that a diet rich in protein It's always great, but shakes, especially post-workouts, are good for replenish nutrients which muscles need to recover and regenerate faster. We can all take them without being afraid!
Then? Do you still have any doubts? Otherwise run to the box to give the maximum and you will see that you will feel much better at the end of training! I guarantee you!