The truth is a lot women (not all) are "afraid" to lift weights because A they don't know how to B they are afraid to get "bulky" or C they think it will turn them in to some time of massive bodybuilder or Vin Diesel overnight. *sigh* It takes years of dedication and consistency to do so! Confession: That was me a very long time ago until the day I picked up two dumbbells and I haven't looked back since. I hear over and over again when someone asks if I lift "Oh you shouldn't lift heavy you're going to get bulky and start to look manly are you sure that's what you want?" First of all I lift for ME and only ME. I know my body's limits and I also work on my form so please don't tell me what I should and should not do with MY body.
The stigma that woman shouldn't lift needs to stop. I really don't understand why some men, boys or whatever you'd like to call them are offended when they see a girl lifting in the gym or stand in front of a girl lifting in the mirror because they don't think they are really "lifting" it happens way too often. I cannot tell you how many times I have been approached while lifting and have been told I shouldn't lift or to take it easy because its a "mans" hobby or that the men are suppose to only have the muscles etc. I just laugh every single time. The very first time I heard someone say that I should not lift is the day I stopped letting those words affect my goals. My favorite saying is guys don't like girls with muscles.. who cares if that guy you like doesn't like your muscles there is someone else out there who will so keep doing you! Excuse me are you intimidated because there are women out their who can actually hold their own and don't need a "macho" man to save her?
Ladies, lifting weights will not make you bulky or look manly I promise you. I have been lifting for over a year now and I am not "bulky" or look like a man. I am so sick and tired of society looking down on women who lift weights. When it comes to women and them working out, there's always the glaring stares and insulting words that women should always be toned but never "jacked." Why is it only men that can be jacked? The double standard nonsense needs to end.
There are so many benefits to lifting. At least for me weight lifting reduces my stress. I believe that it is also one of the best ways to naturally improve my bad moods. Ever since I starting lifting heavier and constantly I have noticed improvement of alertness and energy boost. I have also gained a lot of my confidence back that I lost a very long time ago. Lifting weights has actually made me lose more weight then doing just cardio ever has. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest.
Ladies when you start to lift weights you will look and feel like a badass. Lifting heavy makes you feel powerful. You're doing something you never thought you could do, which will do wonders to not only your body image but your mindset as well. I encourage you do so because we are women and we're FEARLESS. Don't let men in the gym intimidate you, don't let them stop you. Walk over like you own the place and get after it. Stop being afraid and concerned about what the people around you think of you. its YOUR life YOUR body YOUR image. So get after it and go lift and try out a new machine I promise that it will change you for the better. It does not matter if you are a beginner or if you have been lifting for years keep pushing through and always remember we all have to start somewhere!
