No more gatekeeping...this is the fountain of youth

Today, lets talk about being strong over skinny. Many women are afraid to lift heavy because they think it will bulk them up. And the truth is, you are very unlikely to bulk up like man…its just not possible without mmmm…some pharmaceutical help. Women simply don’t have enough testosterone to make them bulk up like like that.

Also, so what if you get “big”. Women are often taught to be smaller, too take up less space. We have so much more to offer in the world other than the mass we take up. I want to take up space, be seen and be strong. Finally, at 36 years old, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been….and also the happiest. I’m not starving myself for a certain body fat percentage. I’m hitting new PRs closer to 50 than 15 because I focus on being strong and healthy, rather than “skinny”.

Back to the myth that lifting weights will make women bulky is pervasive and sick. This misconception stems from a misunderstanding of how women’s bodies respond to strength training and the propaganda that goes with it. I’m here to tell you that after reading this, you will WANT to start lifting heavy.

First, Understand Female Physiology

Hormonal Differences: Women naturally have a much lower level of testosterone compared to men. Testosterone is a key hormone in muscle building. The significantly lower levels in women mean that gaining muscle mass at the rate men do is biologically less likely.

Muscle Building Capacity: Women typically have a different muscle fiber composition and distribution compared to men. These differences contribute to women generally developing muscle at a slower rate and to a lesser extent than men when they engage in the same strength training.

Muscle and Fat Distribution: Women and men store fat and build muscle differently due to hormonal influences. Women naturally have a higher body fat percentage and their muscles develop in a way that is typically leaner than men's.

Genetic and Individual Factors: Like men, women’s muscle growth also depends on individual factors like genetics, diet, and the type of strength training regimen. Not all women respond to weightlifting in the same way.

The Benefits of Muscle Mass

Combats Age-Related Muscle Loss: As we age, both men and women lose muscle mass – a condition known as sarcopenia. For women, this natural decline begins as early as their 30s. Strength training is crucial in slowing down this process.

The Fountain of Youth: Maintaining muscle mass is essential for overall health. It boosts metabolism, supports bone density, and improves balance and coordination, which are vital for an active and independent life in older age. Here is a cool article about slowing aging with training.

Improve Body Composition: Strength training helps in increasing lean muscle mass while reducing body fat. This shift in body composition is beneficial for metabolic health and can help in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Strength and Endurance: Weightlifting enhances muscular strength and endurance, making daily tasks easier and improving overall quality of life.

Bone Health: Regular strength training increases bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, particularly important for women as they age.

Boosted Metabolism and Fat Loss: Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, even at rest. By building muscle, women can increase their basal metabolic rate, aiding in long-term weight management and fat loss.

Enhanced Mental Health: Exercise, including weightlifting, releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Double Check: Just In Case You Are Still Worried

Myth #1: Lifting Heavy Weights Results in a Bulky Physique: False: Women typically gain definition and tone from lifting weights, not excessive bulk.

Myth #2: Cardio is Better for Fat Loss: Reality check. While cardio is important, combining it with strength training leads to more effective fat loss and muscle definition.

Myth #3: If You Stop Lifting, Muscle Turns into Fat: Nope. Muscle and fat are two different tissues. If you stop training, muscle size may decrease, but it doesn't transform into fat.

Lifting weights offers a bunch of health benefits for women and does not result in a bulky physique thanks to our biological and hormonal differences. It's a key component of a balanced fitness program and contributes to a stronger, healthier body and mind. By understanding the science behind muscle growth and embracing strength training, women can break free from the cardio machines out of fear of what society has told them is acceptable. Get out there and #LiveWrongGetStrong

Daily Mindset

We Share Our Best Stuff On The Socials…