Several years ago I worked with a personal trainer. One day she turned to me and said, "you don't need to be afraid of bulking up like a man since women cannot do this due to their biological make up. The female bodybuilder types are using "enhancers" to develop in this way." I knew this, having a background in the medical field, but I have found that many women have this concern. Over the years, I have found that I have had to address this with friends that were afraid of strength training for that very reason. Strength training offers so many benefits to both men and women. There is a reduction of anxiety and depression. It helps prevent osteoporosis. Strength training helps regulate blood sugar. Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, I have found that when I am actively exercising and particularly hitting strength training hard (and not so hard), that I feel so much better. I have energy and do not feel those MS-type symptoms as readily. I actually feel "normal." At this point, even though I am trying to lose weight, I am so happy to see the increase in muscle mass because I know it is so good for me. Below there is a link to an article showcasing the benefits of strength training.
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/
