If I Lift Heavy Weights Will I Lose My Femininity?

Written by Shoshana Pritzker Tuesday, 18 May 2010 17:29

Q

Megan,

I keep getting encouraged by my volleyball coach to lift weights. I consider myself pretty average but unfortunately I realize that now-a-days pretty average also means a little overweight. I’m somewhat self conscious but overall I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I know that lifting weights can help me lose the extra weight but I’m concerned that I’ll bulk up and you won’t even be able to tell I’ve lost it. What kind of sets and stuff should I do to stay looking like a woman?

Sincerely,

Teri


A

Teri,

Your question is extremely common and I’m excited to get the chance to confront the myth that it concerns.

Ask any bodybuilder—male or female—or even the closest guy you find in the gym, and they will tell you that putting on muscle is not an easy process. It requires intense training in the gym and in the kitchen so that your body gets the proper stimulus and nutrients to promote muscle growth. A lot of women think by lifting weights just two or three days a week they’ll “start looking manly.” I’ve even heard girls on nationally-ranked swim teams say things like, “I never lift weights because I don’t want to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.” And it isn’t necessarily an excuse, they honestly think that they’ll quickly get bulky and be less attractive.

Rest assured though, training with weights will only enhance your beauty, not detract from it. It is healthy and effective. I imagine that your volleyball practices provide you with some good cardiovascular exercise, and I encourage you to give weight training a try. Most of the members of the US national team lift weights and I think there are a lot of beautiful women on our squad, and none are “too bulky.”

Once you get a program together that combines quality weight training and a quality nutrition program, I guarantee you’ll look in the mirror and be happier than you ever have been. Have fun!

Megan

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