Myths about women and strength Training

You would think by now that I am use to hearing from other women how strength training is not right for them because they don't want to look like the Hulk. Ugh it still frustrates me. I am 5'2" I love lifting heavy weights! Current maxes on the main 3 lifts, 305 deadlift, 160 Bench press, 225 back squat. I do not look anything close to the Hulk, Not even the Hulks little sister. So why do so many women still think that once they look at a weight over maybe 10 pounds that they are going to grow man muscles?! Here are some common things I hear from women about weight lifting...

1. I'll look like a man..... No you won't. Are you all of a sudden going to lose your boobs, shave your head and wear man clothing? I doubt it. Our bodies are designed to look feminine. Adding heavier weights are not going to make you look like a man. We do not gain muscle the same as men do. Adding heavier weights can add more to our curves if done right. Have you ever seen the strong legs of a gymnast or a dancer? The curves they have are strong lean muscle.

2. I need to do high reps and low weight to get tone. Wrong again. If you want to really tone and create those sexy shapely arms, legs, or glutes then you need to put down the cute pink girly weights and start lifting heavier. I like to keep clients in the 8-12 rep range. If you can do more than 12 reps in a row then you need to grab a heavier weight.

3. Only cardio like running cuts down body fat. WHAT?! Have you never tried weights in a workout for time? Adding weights to a workout and decrease the amount of time you have to do it will increase your Power output. Increase the power, increase the energy required to do said work = you get more done quicker.

I can keep going on and on but you are getting the idea. Ladies do not be afraid of picking up heavier weights. Try something new and see how your body will love you. If you have any questions feel free to ask.