Will building muscle as a women keep me safe?

[CuriousWomen]

I've searched the internet far and wide for the answer of this question and nothing comes up.

I read too many stories of kidnappings, beatings, rapes, human trafficking, muggings and murders that I've basically scared myself. As women, we are biologically the weaker sex but it doesn't have to stay that way right. If we build muscle and learn to fight, we can protect ourselves, right?

Will building muscle make me stronger and will it aid in defending myself against attackers?

This is a useful thread.

I think it will do no harm to build some muscle and feel empowered. However the best thing to do for your safety is to get out of the situation. As stated up thread.

I lift heavy and run, but no way would I be able to take on an equally size man.

Also though, if you react unexpectedly and explosively (e.g. if someone grabs you from behind by the hair reverse into them screaming and shouting and pushing their knuckles down onto you head so it hurts them then twist round and start hitting them and kicking and screaming) theres a good chance they will let go in suprise and even reconsider. There is always hope. Even when outnumbered by snakes (trigger warning)

@justanotherneighinparadise

I thought this was going to be about bone density and osteoporosis and I was going to say yes!

Ha ha.. so did I at first.

@Whatisthisfuckery

OP, have you read ‘The Gift Of Fear’ by Gavin De Becker? I think that would be a very useful book for you to read.

Was about to post the same too

This book should be on the national curriculum for girls

I'm quite strong for a woman and thanks to my dad teaching me self defense from the age of 3 I have been able to defend myself when needed. I would recommend Krav Maga, they teach you self defense which you should only use if you fear for your life as you could cause real injury to the attacker. They have courses all over the UK. It's what they teach in the army.

I'd focus more on learning how to run fast. Although when my fight or flight kicks in I reckon I would give Mo Farrah and run for his money.

No, because men will still be stronger than you. But learning martial arts is a good idea, as are simple self defence tricks like walking home with your keys threaded through your fingers.
It is shit, but that is the reality.