If you are a lady trying to achieve a leaner, toned physique in the gym there is probably one question you have been dying to ask a trainer - Should women lift weights? Today you will get your answer. We will also reveal what supplements to take to maximize your results in your local gym.

Every year technology moves forward, gadgets become more advanced and life becomes easier due to the new knowledge which is unearthed. The world of exercise and fitness is no different. In fact, thanks to scientific research we have been able to find new training methods and supplements, as well as laying some of the oldest gym myths to rest permanently. Yet despite these advancements, there are tons of exercise enthusiasts who still believe outdated information.

They still believe that ladies who lift weights are going to get a bodybuilding physique. They also believe that endless cardiovascular exercise is the key to weight loss. You'll also hear them talking about how they can't seem lose weight no matter what they do in the gym. []

Thanks to the ongoing scientific research which is carried out many of the old wives tales about fitness have been confined to the 'myths' category. Unfortunately, there are so many people who are still stuck in those old ways that the new research tends to go unnoticed by the majority.

Lifting weights is great for weight loss. That may shock you because it goes against the old wives tales you may have heard in the past, but it is indeed 100% true. If you are a female trying to achieve a leaner, toned physique then lifting weights is better still.

What about the old wives tales? Won't you end up getting huge muscles like a bodybuilding competitor?

Actually, you don't even need to be concerned about this issue. You see, obtaining a bodybuilding physique is a lifestyle that requires a 24 hour dedication every day. You cannot do it by simply picking up some weights and you cannot do it by accident. Otherwise, all your male friends would look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lifting is a crucial aspect of your training regimen if you desire to achieve the lean, ripped look shown by many of the female athletes at the 2012 Olympic Games.

One of the main reasons why females do not need to worry about packing on serious muscle mass is the relatively small amounts of testosterone contained within their bodies. This also lays to waste the myth that ladies must adhere to 20 or more reps per set. If you want to become stronger and leaner then you ideally should be lifting weights which push you to your limits, rather than being afraid of them.

Try to stick to compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses and lat pulldowns for the first couple of months. This will allow you to significantly increase your strength, while keeping your weight sessions relatively short as you ease yourself into your new lifting lifestyle.

Supplements are often over complicated but in truth the key is in the name. It is there to supplement a good diet and exercise program, not replace it. So keep things simple with a good whey protein product and possibly a creatine monohydrate to boost explosive strength when you train.

Now you are fully aware of what supplements to take to help you reach your goal, you can begin on your journey to a leaner, toned physique. Furthermore, the next time you hear a lady ask "Should women lift weights?" you can help them get away from all of the old, unproven myths which surround this area of fitness.