Women lifting heavy - with pics

prium01

bump for later

Jakess1971

I've been feeling pretty great from doing weights for the first time in many years over the past couple of weeks, having previously stayed away because I know muscle weighs more then fat and my general goal was weight loss, I'm more focused on obtaining a toned athletic look which I know weights will get me there. I stumbled across this rather impressive thread, it really does back up what lifting weights can do rather then just cardio, what's more impressive is it's women who traditionally stay off weights I think. Awesome and inspiring.

Viva_Karina

bump

Barbellgirl

Bumping for the ladies who want to start strength training but afraid of looking bulky.

F1TCH1K

Ladies, when trying to show people that lifting doesn't make you bulky, don't show photos where you flex.
It doesn't look bulky to your eye, because you're thinking lady-bodybuilder bulky. But some of the people who fear bulk are actually just afraid of the cut look, where you can see the muscles.

Show your relaxed photos that show what you look like on a daily basis.

The flexed photos are awesome in general, but not for this purpose. Sometimes they are detrimental to the effort.

All I read was blah, blah, blah! Rock on w/those muscles ladies! I lift heavy (I'm 5'2, 124lbs. deadlift 220 and squats 195, bench at 125 but I just started that in last couple of weeks, 8 unassisted pull-ups...). Do I look bulky?!?

ami5000psu

LOVE this thread!

BarbellCowgirl

Bumping.. I might post mine later.

F1TCH1K

I've been feeling pretty great from doing weights for the first time in many years over the past couple of weeks, having previously stayed away because I know muscle weighs more then fat and my general goal was weight loss, I'm more focused on obtaining a toned athletic look which I know weights will get me there. I stumbled across this rather impressive thread, it really does back up what lifting weights can do rather then just cardio, what's more impressive is it's women who traditionally stay off weights I think. Awesome and inspiring.

Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat, it's the same pound for pound but muscle is more dense so it takes up less space. Think grapefruit compared to tangerine... adding weights in is good for your health

Amanda0926

I am just starting to lift weights and really don't know where to start. I ordered New Rules for Lifting and that should come soon. I am used to doing strength with 8lb dumbbells, so this is very new to me. I also have always done lots of cardio so I have big calorie burns. Weight weight lifting the burn is small that I feel like I should be eating much less.
Anyone want to help me get started with this?
How often do you lift weights?
How often do you do cardio?

gowrirao81

This, hands down, is the most inspiring thread ever! Thank you girls for posting .. :flowerforyou:

miqisha

Congrats on all your transformation, I am in month two of my crossfit, and I can feel my body changing already. I want to be lean but not look too muscular, than is just not for me.

Good luck to you all

Lift_This_

before anything happened:






with just eating alright and cardio (walking, running and swimming):




since adding in weight training (sorry, i had just come from the gym):

joleenl

Lots of totally inspiring photos and stories. I am so happy I started lifting. I can't wait to post my pics someday.

Barbellerella

i have some in here..

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/929824-its-been-over-a-year-since-my-hot-affair-began

SoViLicious

I don't lift as heavy as some on here (which I'm working towards) but lifting heavier than I ever thought i "should" as a girl (silly right?)

Looking great!

SoViLicious

before anything happened:






with just eating alright and cardio (walking, running and swimming):




since adding in weight training (sorry, i had just come from the gym):

Killing it hon!

Factory_Reset

i have some in here..

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/929824-its-been-over-a-year-since-my-hot-affair-began

LOOK

Will not disappoint.

SteveStedge1

to the op: How about ask your friend for one example of a woman who got "bulky"? Why is the burden of proof on on you?

"Send me pictures that PROVE the moon isnt made of swiss cheese!"

Troublemonster

My wife squatted 175 for 6 today @104lbs then did box squats, calf raises, and leg curls. She has been lifting heavy with me for more than a year now.
She can bench 125, deadliest 185 for 3, and can rock out 8 pull ups and 10 dips.

NOT BULKY IN THE LEAST




The squat pic is not from today, just a good example. I also took the first two pics to show her how her shoulders are developing.

pastryari

I am just starting to lift weights and really don't know where to start. I ordered New Rules for Lifting and that should come soon. I am used to doing strength with 8lb dumbbells, so this is very new to me. I also have always done lots of cardio so I have big calorie burns. Weight weight lifting the burn is small that I feel like I should be eating much less.
Anyone want to help me get started with this?
How often do you lift weights?
How often do you do cardio?

I follow the Stronglifts 5x5 program which has me lifting 3x a week.

I sometimes run on my off days from lifting, but that's just because I enjoy it. I've been slacking the department due to trying to focus on the lifting more, though.

The NROL book should lay everything out for you and explain everything. Good luck!

claudiawat

Wow, I definitely need to start heavy lifting!

princesstoadstool82

Friggin brilliant! !!! You look amazing

Klem4

Love this thread! Getting back to the weights tomorrow, can't wait.

Scarlett_Belle

I found new heros

princesstoadstool82

Ditto... I wanna be like you guys!! Great work you all look amazing !!!

brandilc

How do you all know where to start with lifting? Do you just do your own thing or would you ask the staff in the gym?

I have an awesome group of friends on here that lift who are always willing to help me out and answer any questions I may have.

Start with a beginner program, here are some popular ones around here:

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Starting_Strength_Novice/Beginner_Programs

http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

New Rules of Lifting for Women
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

Check this out, too:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/850719-strength-training-the-basics

ETA: Video yourself or have someone checking out your form.
If you video yourself and would like feedback, you can post here:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/911984-form-critique-thread-post-your-videos-here

Thanks for the links! Very helpful.

froeschli

There I go setting myself a running goal - when its clearly time to dust off he weights again!

PrimalPixie

You're all very inspirational and motivational! Bump for later.

cspong

Bump for inspiration.

You all look amazing! I just started lifting, and I can't wait until I can start lifting heavy (Gotta get the equipment first, lol)

I hope to be on here one day!

heathercicle

She isn't around anymore, but her story is still inspiring:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/968182-i-lost-a-person-but-i-found-myself-leaky-s-story?hl=great+job+lea

This is a very motivating story! Thanks for sharing the link to it!