Ladies, It's Time To Conquer Our Fear Of Weights
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Ladies, It's Time To Conquer Our Fear Of Weights

Let's stop letting sexism dictate how, and where we exercise.

79
Ladies, It's Time To Conquer Our Fear Of Weights
Scott Webb

Until very recently, I have been terrified of the weight section of the gym.

The super swole dudes in muscle tanks, a plethora of machines, and a false sense of judgment have always steered me away from the section, and have forced me to create a home in the cardio and floor areas of the gym.

Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing about a good HIIT workout or getting your sweat on via the treadmill. With a combination of the right exercises and nutrition choices, it's definitely possible to see positive changes in your body without ever lifting anything heavy at all.

However, when your body grows accustomed to the same types of workouts it learns to use "easy" energy reserves (like from carbs) to fuel your workout, instead of burning fat.

While it is true that all physical results take time, in my own experience I have found that once you do enough of the same type of HIIT floor workouts, you eventually hit a plateau and going to the gym can start to get boring. After switching between Kayla Itsines' "Bikini Body Guide", Cassey Ho's "Blogilates" and making up my own HIIT workouts for the past few years I have seen results, but they have been difficult to maintain without regular heavy cardio.

After following a few female bodybuilder's Instagram accounts (@taychayy being my favorite right now) just because their workouts looked interesting and different from what I normally do, I finally decided to step into the uncharted territory of the "men's" weight section of the gym.

I was initially a bit terrified, had little concept of how much weight to use, and tried to bring as little attention to myself as possible by sticking to the cable machines on the outer fringes of the floor. Gradually, I began to understand how much weight I could handle on each machine, and am growing more confident as well as physically strong.

I believe that it is time for women to stop being afraid of lifting weights and building muscle. With lifting and mindful nutrition, you can actually control how your body grows and changes, preventing the "bulky" look that so many women are afraid of. Lifting weights is actually by far the most effective way to build muscle, and the more muscle mass you have the faster your body is able to burn fat (hello, abs).

Taking those small, surprisingly scary steps into the weight section of the gym and getting through my workouts without any weird looks or humiliation made me realize that my intimidation came from self-judging and self-doubt, rather than any extrinsic source. In reality, everyone is focused on themselves while they are working out, and are likely only going to pay attention to you if they are offering a helping hand.

If you are thinking about starting to lift, I say go for it 100%. If you find a friend that knows what they're doing, force them to go with you and teach you the basics. If you don't, bring another newbie friend along and you two can figure everything out together. The results of getting lean, strong, and healthy will be so worth any initial nervousness of breaking the unspoken, sexist "barrier" of the cardio vs. weight sections of the gym.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58978
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38073
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959574
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196073
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments