Why chicks need to dismiss weight lifting myths about bulking up

July 11, 2017 Ashley 0 Comments

Many’ve us have got this myth on the left side in mind:

Indeed… did you know that strength training could actually allow you to eat more – and be slimmer?

It sounds like a fairy tale. Calories in and calories out (by slaving on the elliptical or some such torture) is what they always told us wins the weight race. But what if literally dashing to that finish line isn’t the answer? What if the tortoise had it right all along? And something more slow and steady than treadmilling – like strengthening workouts – are actually what help give us that level up? Now, don’t get it twisted. Cardio’s still super crucial. But the idea simply is that it’s not sufficient – especially if you’ve reached a weight loss wall. (Ya know – where you aren’t losing anymore weight but still’ve got a way to go before swiping that body goal trophy…) We reach that plateau, many of us, and almost give up. Why? Because “obviously” it means we’ve gotta eat even less and lace up those gym kicks even more frequently. We’ve already sacrificed so much to get here. Yet, we make the effort, only to end up perma-hangry, and hating our workout and fitness routines as a result.

It’s the perfect recipe for a failed fitness regimen.

(I.AM.STAAAARVIIIING!!!)

However, pepper on some strengthening to that sweat soufflé, and you can enjoy the exact opposite.

Why?

The idea’s to work smarter – not just harder at the same thing that’s no longer sufficing on its own. And how does strengthening accomplish that? Well, when you lift or work against resistance, you’re fortifying your muscle. I’d use the term “build up”, but images of mouth breathing, G.I.-Joe-in-drag, WWE chicks would probably come to mind. (Which couldn’t be further from the truth, if you do it right.) This is a myth which, unfortunately, many of us have accrued over time. Is it possible to bulk by lifting? Absolutely. But, so long as you’re eating healthy and lifting the right reps and weight for yourself, getting “swole” is a non-issue. Just ask the right-side hottie in the top picture.

(‘cept for the swell of pride, am I right, ladies???)

So, instead, think of adding muscle as being more like replacing the volume of where your now shrunken down fat layers used to be. Even though muscle and fat don’t literally “turn into” one another, when you strength train, the muscle’s what ultimately shows, instead’ve that jelly flesh. And, that not only looks schmexier, but it’s the fitness gift that keeps on giving – for two reasons. First, it means your metabolism’s leveling up, and burning far more fat for you. (More than you would by slaving daily on a racetrack for an hour at a time.) And, second? (Now, brace yourself ’cause this’s the fun one.) It means you can eat more without it becoming blubber – because of that rapidfire metabolism maiming fat before it can even happen to you. Let me repeat that: Not only do you not have to cut back your intake like you thought you had to – but you can add stuff back – and still lose inches.

So, if you wanna quit seeing more pounds on your scale – add em to your workout instead!