Do you even lift, bro? Bro, I lift and I am a woman. Breaking the stereotype of females in the gym is difficult, especially when it comes to the heavy lifting. The stereotype of the tall, cute girl who does a body weight workout without breaking a sweat is highly overrated. I break that stereotype right out of the gate, considering that I am 5'2" and 110 pounds. When I go to the gym, I am there to get better, not to look good. Strength and endurance play a huge role in my sport and this is my story about why I love to lift weights and work out.

First off, I have to thank my trainer for all of the motivation that he gives me. My trainer believes in me and my abilities more than anyone and that support helps me get through all of the aches and pain from lifting. It was difficult for me to be confident in my weight lifting abilities, but now I know that I am getting stronger. I can tell there's a huge difference in the way that I play and I know that I am not getting tired as quickly.

I know that my trainer has helped me get motivated for lifting, but not everyone has a trainer available to them like I do. That is why I suggest finding that one friend who supports you, no matter what weight you lift. As I stated earlier, I am a tiny woman, but having support behind me is so encouraging. When you have a friend who supports you through whatever weight, you feel good about what you are accomplishing. Honestly, there is no better feeling than when you can tell that, little by little, you are getting stronger and building stamina.

Also, weight lifting has improved my outlook on my own body. Before I started lifting, I could not gain weight and I weighed under 100 pounds. I was healthy and I knew that I was healthy, but no one else believed me. I was told that I was too skinny and that I looked unhealthy. I started to believe those people, too. I could not make it all the way through a round of golf without becoming an absolute zombie walking down the fairway, but then I started lifting. I started gaining muscle mass and I felt so much better about everything. I can make it through a round of golf without getting tired as quickly, my clothes fit me better, and I love the way that I look.

By no means am I saying that it is easy to start lifting. I always tried to find an excuse to not lift. It was like I could find no motivation to do any exercise, but once I found motivation from my trainer, my team, and myself, I wanted to keep getting stronger. It has taken a while to get to where I am and I know that I am not finished yet, but I know that I can get there with determination. I want anyone out there to know that I support you and I believe in you if you take up a weight lifting or an exercise agenda! Go you!