Are You Afraid of Getting Big and Bulky Muscles?
When I sit down with my clients and talk about their goals, they all want to tone up, but not get too bulky. When I tell them that we will be lifting heavy weights, they get nervous. I then reassure them that they will NOT bulk up unless they are taking steroids, eating a TON of calories or working out for hours on end! But, what lifting heavy weights will get them is sexy shoulder, awesome biceps, lean, sexy legs and nicely shaped triceps. I lift heavy and I am no where near being big and bulky and you know what…I LOVE the way lifting heavy weights makes me feel! I feel strong and sexy and that is enough motivation for me to keep increasing the weight!
Here is how I “transformed” my clients way of thinking of lifting heavy weights!
Girls can’t lift heavy weights, can they?! Of course they can!! It must have been a silly boy that started that myth… However, there are a number of women (including my two sisters) that continue to believe this! They think that lifting heavy weights will leave them looking like a bodybuilder or give them “Popeye” arms. It’s just not the case! That would require an extreme number of hours in the gym and an enormous calorie intake. For the past 14 months I have lifted progressively heavier weight on a regular basis. Now I’m not talking about benching 350… but “heavy” being curls and shoulder presses with 15lb dumbbells, seated rows with 70lbs on the stack and bench pressing 65lbs. The result? Sure, if I flex, you see muscles (beautiful muscles!) Mostly though, I just have toned arms and sexy shoulders. Don’t be afraid! Those sleeveless shirts hiding in the back of your closet will thank you.
Thanks Julie!! You look GREAT!!
Angie Schumacher is a Certified Fitness Professional who trains clients in her home and is a Women's Boot Camp Instructor in Colorado. She is the author of The Fat Blasting Boot Camp Program and has offered a one stop website to help you with all of your health and fitness needs. Please visit www.BuildingABetterU.com to find exactly what you are looking for!
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Weight training can be invaluable if you are trying to lose weight. No, you don’t have to worry about looking masculine (if you are a woman). If you are man then I would assume that you would prefer to look masculine and would welcome a new, muscle- bound body. In order for a woman to look like a body builder due to weight lifting, she would have to be taking supplements or steroids. For the average woman, lifting weights will simply tone the body. The benefits of weight training are numerous, especially if you are looking to lose weight. It can help you burn more fat, rev up your metabolism and improve your physical appearance far more then simply dropping pounds. Click on my name to link you to more information.
I actually wrote an article on a similar subject soon to be published. You are absolutely right by saying a woman will NOT get bulky by lifting heavy weights. However there happens to be a select group of women with higher than normal levels of testosterone but they are few and far between. I tell the women this: If you want to get big and bulky, get new parents or get on steroids!
JCs last blog post..The Ketogenic Diet: Part 2 Cyclical Ketogenic Diet
Hi Angie, can I just say that you have my dream job?…haha. I just got started with this fitness thing and I am hooked! I am currently a member of the TT community and I am loving it too! I wish I can quit my day job and do something like what you’re already doing.
You have a great site here. More power to you!
Anna
Annas last blog post..Why Weight is Just Another Number
Totally agree. Love lifting heavy. Just got to stretch the muscles out afterwards.
Rachel/Fit Mommys last blog post..How to thoughtfully prepare for your next big event…A note from Coach Al
Angie,
This nonsense has been perpetuated for – decades! I like you STILL get women telling me how much they bulk up with weights. Interestingly, when they finally get their diet in gear (and stop trying to “outtrain” a bad diet), they results they seek start to come.
It can be a matter of degree – more lifting, with proper rest, can result in more muscle growth, but NOT the kind of runaway gain so many women seem to fear.
Thanks for pointing this out once again!
Lani Muelrath
Lani Muelraths last blog post..Is The Protein Pedestal On Tilt?
I just love Pilates! I’m glad I switched to Pilates from weight training. My muscles are not bulky from doing Pilates exercises. I read this article on http://www.pilates-machines.net/pilates/know-the-benefits-of-pilates that tells you all about the benefits of Pilates. Visit this blog and make the switch to Pilates too.