I'd like to think that most people reading this are aware of the many benefits of resistance training for women and that as a female, you won't end up looking like those muscular guys in the gym making so much noise every time that lift a weight.
The benefits of resistance training for women are well researched:
- increase in resting metabolic rate
- potential reduction in body fat as a result of an increase in calorie expenditure
- improved physical performance and movement control
- increase in bone mineral density
- prevention and management of type 2 diabetes by decreasing visceral fat
- easing discomfort associaed with arthritis and fibromyalgia
This list is restricted, as there are many anecdotal references that have been made by women in relation to how they feel, like period pains and childbirth for example, that can't be quantifiably proven.
What certainly isn't true is that lifting weights will make you big. Now, I will caveat this by saying that taking up resistance training whilst eating in a caloric surplus will cause you to gain muscle but also fat, which will make you look bigger. If your goal is to lose weight, you can use resistance training as a means of helping you burn more calories than you're consuming, in the same way you might run on the treadmill to burn calories.
The feeling of being stronger and looking more defined should help you stay committed to attending the gym, as getting stronger is fun and addictive for most people.
If you don't feel confident about using the resistance equipment or free weights area, speak to a personal trainer in your gym and ask if they offer a complimentary PT session. That way, the PT will have time to explain everything to you and you'll have time to practice using the equipment multiple times to ensure you're confident using it next time.