Ladies workout like a guy

A lot of women when we work out are afraid to lift heavy weights because we are going to get bulky.  Well that cannot happen and I'm here to let you in on a secret the guys have the weight room area figured out for the most part.  Ladies we can take a page from their book.  Below I will tell you what we can learn from how a man trains.

1. Women you will NOT get bulky.  

That is the number one fear of my female clients who were never taught how to lift weights or what lifting weights can do for your body.  

Ladies you will NOT look like the above picture contrary to what you believe.  This particular female worked hard for this body and trained to get herself this way it does not come from just lifting 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes.  You have to eat extremely healthy to get this lean and be lifting weights almost daily.  So in a nutshell this is an extremely hard physique for women to get to kudos to those who take the time and dedication to get there, as most will not even come close to that.

2. Lift your upper body ladies.  

Quite a few males lift what we call the beach muscles.  If they take their shirts off they look impressive, the biceps, the chest, abs.  Sometimes they forget the rear muscles groups but we as women will not.  Make sure when you are lifting you don't just lift lower body and work your butt.  Don't forget about the arms.  When women get older they complain about the chicken arms, or waving skin underneath their arms.  Working those triceps helps tone up the backside.  Fun fact the Triceps makes up 70% of the upper arm so work the back of the arm to tone up your arm in general. 

3. Play Games

You will always see some pick up basketball games, football games, soccer or even hockey games in the early mornings or on weekends.  Most of these leagues are adult males.  I know it gets harder for women to be involved in these leagues after kids but tell your hubby to watch the kids for an evening because its your volleyball night.  You get a workout in plus you get to mingle with friends at the same time.  It's a great stress release as well.

4. Be more focused on building muscle than in losing fat

Far to often we are concerned with how much fat am I burning when I'm lifting weights?  I should be doing cardio right now I would be burning so many more calories.  Well actually the more muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest.  So pumping iron and getting stronger will lead to more overall calorie burn in the long run.  So don't be afraid to get in that weight room with the big boys and show them what you can do!

5. I don't know what to do at the gym besides cardio

Honestly this is not just a women's issue but a men's issue as well.  I just had a conversation today with a guy who is doing the same routine he learned in high school because he doesn't know what else to do.  So if your walking into the gym without a plan you probably will throw around a few weights and call it good.  Ask a trainer for help or even hire a trainer if your completely clueless.  You will just get frustrated if you don't know what your doing and want to quit going to the gym.  The trainers are there to help you tell them what your goals are and ask what are some exercises I should be doing to help me reach those goals.  A good trainer will be able to help you out. 

     

Dream Boards

How many of you have made your dream board?  I made my first one a few years ago.  My first dream board was of my fitness goals.  I have various fitness models with amazing bodies, and quotes to keep me motivated to do my workouts during the week.  I now have 3 fitness vision boards for myself.  While I was at a nutrition conference last week they stressed the importance of a dream board of your life and what you want in the future.  I than bought the board they offered because it can be folded up and taken with me.  Yes I am that big of a dream big person that I would take mine with me.  I have not started to make mine yet but am contemplating what do I want on it?  If money was no object what would make me happy?  Where would I want to live, what would I want to do?  I really don't know I also feel a little greedy putting outlandish things on my board that really won't make me any happier.  I know money makes things easier but what would I truly want to do with my life if money was no object.  That is my question- I personally love what I do with my life now and how could I make that even better?  That is my challenge to myself as well as to you?  What would your board look like?  How would that alter your life if money was no object?  Remember to Dream Big!

Start your journey today

Now that you have set your goals what is it you want to achieve exactly.  I have set my own goal to do a fitness show of sorts.  That is my abs in the picture above.  So over the next few months I will be starting to train to do my first fitness show!  Exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.  I will update from time to time my progress, challenges and triumphs!  I want to show people anything is possible with a little hard work and determination.   

You need to look at your support system, is yours truly supporting you or taking you down.  If you have people who are negative around you they will only pull you down.  Get rid of them and bring in people who uplift you and inspire you to be a better person.  People judge you by the people you are surrounded by.  So look around are you surrounded by people who can uplift you and help you reach your fitness/life goals of yours?  If not do what you have to do to detoxify your life.  It will only make you stronger and a better person because of it.