How Discover Strength is breaking down myths and helping grow women’s participation in strength training.
Strength training is no longer a male-dominated space. In recent years, more women have been embracing resistance-based workouts, driven by a combination of scientific research, cultural shifts, and the influence of social media.
“A confluence of factors are driving an increase in women’s participation in strength training,” said Luke Carlson, the CEO of Discover Strength. “Firstly, the scientific research has demonstrated the benefits for all adults but especially women around prevention of osteoporosis, combating the age related loss of muscle (sarcopenia), health pregnancy, and healthy aging. This research has slowly been disseminated to the general population. Social media and fitness influencers have also impacted contributed to the surge in increase around strength training.”
Despite the rise in participation, long-held myths about women and weightlifting continue to persist. Discover Strength, however, is challenging these misconceptions with hard science.
“Even well intended pundits perpetuate myths around strength training for women,” said Carlson. “Fortunately, we have a significant and growing body of scientific research that help us combat these myths.”
Among the most prevalent myths is the idea that women should lift lighter weights with higher reps to build endurance or tone muscles. “The reality is light, moderate or heavy weights have the same impact on muscle tone, muscle size, muscle endurance and muscle strength,” explained Carlson. “The amount of weight and reps doesn’t influence a woman’s response.”
Another widely believed fallacy is that women need to lift heavy weights to improve bone mineral density. Meta-analytical studies are clear; light, moderate or heavy weights are equally effective in improving bone mineral density.”
Hormonal myths also persist, including the notion that menopause-related muscle loss is driven by estrogen decline. “Women lose muscle with age but a reduction in estrogen is not the culprit,” said Carlson. And when it comes to the menstrual cycle? Women can strength train and produce the same results during their follicular or luteal phase.
When it comes to customizing programs, Discover Strength emphasizes that women’s training needs are not drastically different from men’s — a belief rooted in scientific evidence rather than trend-driven assumptions.
“This is likely the most significant myth in fitness,” explained Carlson. “The research from the world’s leading scientists — not pundits or podcasters — is very clear. Women should strength train in a similar if not identical manner to men. Some of the benefits are different — like healthy pregnancy and prevention of osteoporosis, —but the literature is overwhelmingly clear that women and men should take a very similar approach to strength training. Of course, we still want to modulate variables like intensity, load and frequency based on the individual.”
But it’s not just physical gains that women experience. The mental and emotional benefits of strength training are equally compelling.
“Of course, recent meta-analytical studies indicate that resistance training is an effective means for reducing depressive symptoms, ward off cognitive decline and acutely enhance mood.”
Discover Strength sets itself apart from the noise of the fitness industry by relying on peer-reviewed evidence rather than popular opinion.
“We use an evidence based approach,” said Carlson. “Instead of listening to podcasters, influencers and adopting whatever is currently popular, we simply look at the preponderance of scientific research. Interestingly, research suggests that very few health club professionals, educators or medical professionals are knowledge around the scientific research connected to strength training. Yes, strength training is popular, however, its proponents are largely uniformed about the benefits and evidence based recommendations.”
Looking ahead, Discover Strength is committed to being a leader in women’s strength training by advocating for education and evidence-based practices.
“We exist to bridge the gap between the scientific research and how women actually workout,” said Carlson. “We want to confront the myths and misinformation and help women engage in the most important health promotion activity known to humans: strength training.”
As more women step into the weight room, Discover Strength continues to provide a reliable, research-driven path forward — one that prioritizes long-term health, resilience and empowerment through strength.
