When it comes to lifting weights women have an apparent fear of getting bulky and big. There is the idea that lifting heavy weights will have you looking like one of those bulky muscle women seen on American Gladiators.
So what solution do most women choose? Lift light weights for high reps… and get toned and thin? This is the biggest myth and I really don’t quite know whom to blame for this idea.
First off, getting “toned” really just means increasing muscle and decreasing fat to allow that muscle to show a bit more. And sure… lifting light weights for high reps is a decent workout program… but not for getting toned. It is best for increasing your endurance and burning calories.
Let’s dispute the first part of the post: women just don’t have the body or the hormones required to get all jacked up like a man. Those women you see on magazines or bodybuilding shows are not natural and the chances of you getting that big is very very slim.
Ok, so you want to get “toned” and you want to get slim… now what? Lift weight! Real weight, don’t be afraid to move up on the barbell rack and really push yourself. Instead of lifting light weights for 15-20 reps, aim for 6-10 reps but lift heavy enough so you can’t get past the 10th.
That is what lifting and making progress is about. Pushing yourself, and fear shouldn’t stand in the way. Women deserve to get the body they want and you need the facts to do that.
I started weight lifting 3 years ago and while I am much more toned and in shape… my weight and clothes size have decreased. Plus, my race times have improved with every race I have entered… and I only run once a week!
So improve your body, improve your health, and improve your athleticism… all with just grabbing real weights and pushing yourself! If you need help getting started don’t hesitate to get with a personal trainer and get a great program going.
Good luck! Taylor Ryan is a NASM certified personal trainer and figure competitor. She is the owner of the site www.theartofweightlifting.com.
So what solution do most women choose? Lift light weights for high reps… and get toned and thin? This is the biggest myth and I really don’t quite know whom to blame for this idea.
First off, getting “toned” really just means increasing muscle and decreasing fat to allow that muscle to show a bit more. And sure… lifting light weights for high reps is a decent workout program… but not for getting toned. It is best for increasing your endurance and burning calories.
Let’s dispute the first part of the post: women just don’t have the body or the hormones required to get all jacked up like a man. Those women you see on magazines or bodybuilding shows are not natural and the chances of you getting that big is very very slim.
Ok, so you want to get “toned” and you want to get slim… now what? Lift weight! Real weight, don’t be afraid to move up on the barbell rack and really push yourself. Instead of lifting light weights for 15-20 reps, aim for 6-10 reps but lift heavy enough so you can’t get past the 10th.
That is what lifting and making progress is about. Pushing yourself, and fear shouldn’t stand in the way. Women deserve to get the body they want and you need the facts to do that.
I started weight lifting 3 years ago and while I am much more toned and in shape… my weight and clothes size have decreased. Plus, my race times have improved with every race I have entered… and I only run once a week!
So improve your body, improve your health, and improve your athleticism… all with just grabbing real weights and pushing yourself! If you need help getting started don’t hesitate to get with a personal trainer and get a great program going.
Good luck! Taylor Ryan is a NASM certified personal trainer and figure competitor. She is the owner of the site www.theartofweightlifting.com.