Finding inspiration and running with it

...or in this case, lifting with it! Read on to see what the heck I mean by THAT!

Up until recently, I was one of those gals who thought that lifting heavy weights in the gym was a recipe for bulkiness and the kind of body that isn't the least bit feminine. I was afraid that by lifting, I'd immediately develop the kind of broad, muscular back that lends itself to walking around with one's arms an unfortunate distance from the side of one's body! I was also afraid of what the excess testosterone would do to my features, and more importantly, my chest, which is already quite small. Needless to say, all these worries were completely unfounded, and were based entirely on rumors and what society had lead me to believe was and was not a sexy physique on a woman.

Boy, was I naive and misguided! Since developing a more sincere passion for fitness and health, I've realized that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. I've learned firsthand what a consistent distant running regiment does to one's body, and I've enjoyed the results. However, I've also read a lot about the health benefits of strength training, and realized that it is his type of training that really makes me feel my best. Strength and conditioning has taken my leaned-out body and helped develop a more toned mid-section, upper arms, quads and hamstrings. To say it simply, strength training has made me realize this:

I mean, how can you argue with that?! The point I'm trying to make here is ladies: don't be afraid of weights! Start adding low weights into your regiment to sculpt and tone, while building those muscle fibers that help you burn more fat. With a more muscular body, your cardio sessions will be much more effective, and the dded strength will help guard you against injury. Just ask my friend, Dr. Jordan Metzl! If you're still not convinced, Google "Why women should lift weights," which pulls up tons of articles from reliable sources like Bodybuilding.com, Women's Health magazine, and Fitsugar.com, touting the benefits of weight training for women. 

So, jump off that elliptical trainer and into the weight room. And don't worry about being the only woman in there; everyone else is too focused on themselves and their workout to care about what you're doing! Take the first step, and I guarantee, you'll love the results!

Happy lifting!

Hilary