Lifting weights can pose mild to serious dangers for men and women. For example, both sexes are susceptible to overstraining and should be wary of potential machine malfunctions. With that said, males and females are more prone to specific weight lifting dangers that more commonly affect their own sex. As with any strenuous workouts, consult your doctor before engaging in heavy lifting. If necessary, lift weights only under professional supervision.
Broken Bones
A common danger of weight lifting for women is the potential for broken bones. Broken bones are especially common in women over age 40 who have osteoporosis or otherwise weak bone structure. Breaks can happen from overstraining the body, by dropping weights on a piece of machinery or by falling. According to BuiltFit.com, a spotter should be present for heavy lifting.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should refrain from medium to heavy lifting, says the American College of Sports Medicine. That includes bench presses, free weights and basic machine use. Engaging in such exercise compromises the mother's and fetus' health.
Femoral Hernia
Women who regularly engage in moderate to heavy weight lifting are prone to femoral hernias. Those with femoral hernias have a small piece of intestine that protrudes through a weakening in the abdominal wall above the thigh. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, femoral hernias occur more commonly in women than men.
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