Lifting Heavy Weights Makes Women Bulky!

LeenaRuns

Okay, I can't believe I'm doing this...

I'm 5'6" and started working out hardcore about a year and a half ago. I started out by running and doing some Jillian Michaels DVDs (I know she uses weights, but let's face it--they're 99% cardio-based). I started getting more serious about lifting in November of last year and started StrongLifts 5x5 end of February this year. I took the photo on the left in April of 2012 before my beach vacation. I was 113 lbs. The photo on the right is me this weekend at 120.8 lbs...still the same size 0 I was a year ago.

I'm still working on it, but right now I'm squatting 90 lbs and dead lifting over 100. Lifting DOES NOT make you bulky. Put down the Barbie weights and hit the squat rack!

xiamjackie

Awesome success Do you still do cardio while lifting?

LeenaRuns

Awesome success Do you still do cardio while lifting?

I do--I run and do MMA, but increasing my weights is my major focus right now.

lacurandera1

You look great!!! (Then and now!) Women need to see stuff like this. Somewhere along the line people started believing that lifting will turn you into a man, and they need to see that it absolutely WILL NOT! Still beautiful, still slim, and I notice you haven't started growing a beard! :laugh:

classycouture

You look FABULOUS!! So proud of you and all the hard work you put in!

tatd_820

Thank you so much for sharing! I just switched over to my TDEE -20% and have been trying to eat more and lift more. I'm really worried about it but your pics show that it is the right thing to do. You are awesome...thank you for sharing!

JessieJanie

You look amazing!

HeidiMightyRawr

Great success story, thanks for sharing!!

AllonsYtotheTardis

You look great OP!

juliekins64

Thanks for sharing, amazing!

Cntrygal81

You look fantastic Aileen - So proud of you!!!

Iron_Feline

I'd like to be bulky like you :laugh:

Nice job :flowerforyou:

agggie550

You almost opened the box of .... WTF for me ... i read the title of this thread and was like.... AWWWW hell nawwww... someone needs to be schooled that a woman can lift should lift and wont get bulk, but then you proved me wrong... so good for you, and awesome that you lift, keep up the good work.

nadz6012

this! Looking good lady, and strong!

metaphoria

Getting my punch pass for the gym this week. Bring on the she-hulk look! Squeeeeeee! I can't wait!

LeenaRuns

Thanks everyone! To answer some questions I've been getting PMed--I eat around my TDEE (average 2000-2200 cals) 25% carbs/50% fat, 25% protein (which works out to more than 1g/lb of LBM).

Coltsman4ever

Do I see a new profile pic?

tatd_820

You almost opened the box of .... WTF for me ... i read the title of this thread and was like.... AWWWW hell nawwww... someone needs to be schooled that a woman can lift should lift and wont get bulk, but then you proved me wrong... so good for you, and awesome that you lift, keep up the good work.

I thought the same at first. Glad I opened and read!

pouncepet

I'm squatting 90 lbs and dead lifting over 100

My hero

Totally must not underestimate skinny chicks. Would not have thought you had the strength you look so frail! :laugh: Bet people frek out seeing you lift for the first time convinced you will hurt yourself.

LeenaRuns

I'm squatting 90 lbs and dead lifting over 100

My hero

Totally must not underestimate skinny chicks. Would not have thought you had the strength you look so frail! :laugh: Bet people frek out seeing you lift for the first time convinced you will hurt yourself.

Before I start for the day I usually get guys coming over asking if I need their help taking the weights off/putting them on. I always politely decline.

belligerent599

I've been actively trying to get "bulky" for the last three years so I always have to lift a people's eyebrow at women who think lifting more than a 3-lb dumbbell is going to accidentally give them arms bigger than mine.