“..but I don’t want to bulk up.” I can’t count the number of times a woman has told me that she wants to lose weight but doesn’t want to weight train for fear of bulking up or “looking like a man.” I promise you, my dear, you won’t. The women you see bulking up are more than likely doing it to compete and are on strict workout regimens and diets to achieve that physique.
When I was doing nothing but cardio I was losing weight but hating the shape that my body was becoming. I was losing my curves and I didn’t have a butt (yes I had to build mine by weight training). It wasn’t until I added weight training to my routine that I began to achieve the goal body that I wanted, curves and all.
Benefits of weight training:
Body Fat Reduction
Weight training helps your body burn more calories which will result in fat loss. While cardio is a great way to lose fat, strength training allows your body to tone up as you lean out. You will also notice your metabolism will SKYROCKET. So while you may be eating everything (healthy) and feel you are always hungry, your body is constantly needing fuel to burn as you become stronger.
Increase in Strength
This goes without saying but weight training allows you to bevoke stronger, without looking like a bodybuilder. Building and strengthening your muscles allow you to be able to push yourself harder during your workouts.
Increase In Stamina
Strength training improves your athletic ability. This means that you are able to workout for longer periods of time or push yourself a bit harder with each workout. You will notice your runs lasting longer, sprinting a little faster, and hitting a little harder. Whatever your sport of choice, you will perform much better while feeling less tired.
Reduction In Joint Pain and Risk of Injury
When your muscles are imbalanced, it’s easier to become injured during activity. Strength training strengthens your muscles and tendons, reducing the risk of injury and often reducing joint pain. If you have chronic joint pain from a previous injury or arthritis, definitely consult your doctor/physical therapist before starting a weight training regimen. An added bonus is posture improvement, noticing you aren’t slouching as much.
The benefits are endless really. A healthier heart, healthier bones, a boosts in energy and flexibility. Really, try it and see for yourself…
So you’ve tried weight training but you aren’t noticing much of a difference on the scale and are becoming discouraged?
Do you feel better? Are your clothes fitting looser? Do you find yourself performing better? Then it is definitely working and you are definitely losing weight. Ever heard someone say “muscle weighs more than fat?” That’s not true. One pound of anything is one pound. What they should say is that muscle is more dense than fat. This means that muscle mass takes up less room, giving you a smaller appearance. Think about that “5lbs of muscle vs 5lbs of fat” picture. So while you notice your belly, face, arms, legs, and face become noticeably smaller and more toned, the scale may not reflect this change.
Are you ready to start weight training now? Check out my fitness IG page and the hashtag #ashvaughnworkouts for some great strength training routines.
Now get that weight up, sis.
Danielle says
I so needed this! I had a lol moment at “I was losing my curves and I didn’t have a but!” That’s my main reason for staying away from cardio although that’s not healthy at all. Ok, let me get started!
Ashleigh says
Yep, I was literally becoming a stick and I’m like .. pause.. nope. Then I was introduced to weights and now I’ll never go back.
It´s Really Kita (@itsreallykita) says
I am looking to hire a trainer to help me get my body together. I know weights will be a part of the program. I’m already scared.
Ashleigh says
Don’t be scared! I promise once you start and get past the soreness, you will love it!
Keisha Adinkra says
Yaaas weight training is life! Same thing happened to my I run a lot and when I train for 1/2 marathons I lose a lot of body weight. Weigh training is what kept me off the to thin to win bus lol ♥
Ashleigh says
“too thin to win” hahaha I love it! I don’t run often .. if at all hahaha.. anymore but I’d love to do a marathon.. one day haaha
Jay Colby says
This article was so inspiring to motivate me to start going back to the gym.
Ashleigh says
You got it! The weights are for the fellas too! lol
Mimi Green says
I love to watch weight lifting videos with women but I’ve never tried it myself. I’m trying to get my fitness life all the way together.
Ashleigh says
You can do it! You definitely don’t have to go all out, high reps with low weights work just as well!
Precious says
Ha! GREAT READ and love the GIF! I’m a huge fan of weight training – it keeps the body right!! ☺️
Ashleigh says
I love a good GIF! And yes they do, glad you’re a fan.
Carissa (The Green Eyed Lady) says
Im working on losing weight, and I want to join a gym soon. My husband used to be an avid weight lifter so I know he will be able to help me with weights and give me pointers.
Ashleigh says
Good luck, you got it! And yes hubby can give you tips but I don’t recommend him training you, gotta keep the marriage together hahaha
Tanya “Real Wife Coach” Barnett says
My trainer stresses the importance of weights for overall sculpting. I love them.
Ashleigh says
So important! I love them as well.
Ramona says
Great post. I started taking the Les Mills Body Pump class this week at my local gym. It’s basically a group weight-lifting class. I love it. I look to increase my weights as I get stronger. Thanks for sharing your advice.
Ashleigh says
Oh that sounds fun! Good luck on your journey 🙂
feleciamonique88 says
It’s true! I hate the weights lol. But this post did provide incite because my main concern was I just wanted to tone up but not be muscular.
Ashleigh says
Yep you can definitely tone without becoming too muscular. For you the key would be low weights (sticking with the 3 & 5lb bells) and high reps!
Jonna says
I’m so glad I learned that lesson years ago as I started my first weight loss journey. I actually prefer strength training over cardio anyway, but I definitely have seen the difference it makes as the weight comes off. Going to check out you IG for motivation on my weight loss journey now!
Ashleigh says
It definitely makes all the difference! Thanks for checking out my IG, I put it all there the good, the bad, the accomplishments and the setbacks!