To Lift or not to Lift

bongochick45

So I think I want to start lifting. I've always flirted with the idea, but never really done anything about it. I'm afraid of getting too bulky (which as a bigger girl I know I'm already predisposed to bulk). There's also the fact that going into the weight room with a bunch of big guys who roll their eyes like "why is this chick in here" scares me. What suggestions to you guys have for someone who wants to get into lifting? Should I even get into it? Should I wait until I lose more weight first so I don't get too bulky (if that's even a thing)? Answers please!

3laine75

LIFT NOW!!

i really wished i'd started earlier - you will NOT bulk

i hate that the boys are there too :S but just ignore it - they are not interested and once you're lifting heavier than some of them you'll feel great x

MrsBobaFett

Don't be afraid of getting too bulky, that will only happen if you are eating at a surplus or have abnormal amounts of testosterone for a woman. If you are still unsure look for success stories in the forums for pictures of what women have achieved through lifting. Good luck!

m4ttcheek

I'm afraid of getting too bulky

Unless your planning on taking steroids this wont happen.

jacksonpt

First...
I always suggest people start sooner rather than later. It's much better to start now then stop at some point if you choose to than it is to wait and start somewhere down the road (for a variety of reasons).

Second...
I can't speak for everyone, but I can speak for a lot of people... no one is rolling their eyes at "some chick" lifting. I think it's great to see people lifting, regardless of gender. Just don't hog the squat rack when I need it (kidding).

Last...
There are a bunch of ways to get into it. The biggest determinant is what equipment you have access too. Do you/can you go to a gym? If so, then things like starting strength and New Rules of Lifting are great places to start. A couple sessions with a trainer to get you going and introduce you to the equipment is also worth considering.

missADS1981

I wish I started to lift heavy years ago. Sadly most women are trained to think that all we should do is lift 5lb pink dumb bells and run like hampsters on treadmills

Do you need to add cardio into your mix - yes. How much is dependent on your goals and your current weight/BFP
Lifting weights does not make anyone bulky. Lifting weights increases muscle mass and if it is hidden under layers of fat then that is the issue, not the muscles.
Lifting weights really is the only thing that changed my body shape, do it now and you will see the results

darwinwoodka

Lift. So tired of women thinking they will bulk up. You really have to work at it to do that. And we don't have the right hormones for bulking.

cwolfman13

You're not going to get "bulky"...trust me...if it was that easy, every guy on the planet would yolked. Lifting some weights a few days a week for 30-60 minutes isn't going to make you "bulky"

missADS1981

I'm afraid of getting too bulky

Unless your planning on taking steroids this wont happen.

+1

also I'd love if it was that easy to get big

jacksonpt

Lift. So tired of women thinking they will bulk up. You really have to work at it to do that. And we don't have the right hormones for bulking.

While this is true...

I'm so tired of people assuming everything thinks of the same thing when they think "bulky". I think a lean, strong woman is incredibly attractive, but not everyone wants to look like that. Some want to look like Kim Kardashian or Kate Upton. Some don't even want to be that "thin".

I also think that part of the problem is terminology. Most people don't need to worry about being to bulky (as so many people have pointed out), but should rather worry about being too lean (body fat % too low). Being lean is not the same thing as being bulky, but most people new to dieting/exercise don't realize that, at least not enough to be clear when they ask questions.

KatLifter

So I think I want to start lifting. I've always flirted with the idea, but never really done anything about it. I'm afraid of getting too bulky (which as a bigger girl I know I'm already predisposed to bulk). There's also the fact that going into the weight room with a bunch of big guys who roll their eyes like "why is this chick in here" scares me. What suggestions to you guys have for someone who wants to get into lifting? Should I even get into it? Should I wait until I lose more weight first so I don't get too bulky (if that's even a thing)? Answers please!

If this is what you want to do and it will make you happy with yourself, why do you care what others think?
Also, I highly doubt the men are judging you. And you won't get bulky.

m4ttcheek

I'm afraid of getting too bulky

Unless your planning on taking steroids this wont happen.

+1

also I'd love if it was that easy to get big

Even as a young test fueled male it's incredibly difficult

imhungry2012

Lift. It's awesome. You won't get bulky.

If the freeweight area is really busy (varies depending on day of the week/time/weather) I take the weights I need to a different area of the gym and do my thing...stalk the squat rack from afar until it frees up, too. If you're not using a rack/machine you dont have to do your lifting in the free weight area, just take a couple of trips to bring what you need somewhere else - JUST MAKE SURE YOU BRING IT BACK WHEN YOU ARE DONE

:drinker:

Julettashane

thanks for posting this ive had the same issue....except being afraid of getting bulky i know you wont unless you plan and eat for it.....but i do want to lift....i think ill go get me some weights because my 5lb'ers are not heavy enough......

---

i have a question is it true if you can lift/curl a weight more then like 8-10x's at one time, its time to up the weight?

ash8184

If you belong to a gym, see if they offer a "Body Pump" class - great way to get started, even though it's not lifting heavy per se (believe me, a 1-hour cardio/weights class like this will kick your butt!).

Also, pick up and read "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" - great read, totally worth the $20, and will answer a lot of your questions.

I just started lifting myself, and have changed my diet to go with it. Can't wait to see the results!

johnnlinda

I also wish I would have started lifting in my 20's. I just started 3 weeks ago at 53 yrs old and I love it! I always did Cardio with no real results. I can already feel myself getting stronger and can see a couple muscles trying to find their way to the surface. Warning, it is addictive. Good luck! I haven't bulked at all, just lost some inches. Don't worry about other ppl at the gym, just do your own thing and be respectful. Maybe their eyes will get stuck in a rolled position.

lcvaughn520

Lift. So tired of women thinking they will bulk up. You really have to work at it to do that. And we don't have the right hormones for bulking.

I'm so tired of people assuming everything thinks of the same thing when they think "bulky". I think a lean, strong woman is incredibly attractive, but not everyone wants to look like that. Some want to look like Kim Kardashian or Kate Upton. Some don't even want to be that "thin".

I agree 100% with this sentiment, but can I just say how upset Kate Upton would probably be to be lumped in with Kimmy K here?

kitka82

The only way you'll get bulky is if you are eating too much.

Lift + some cardio + caloric deficit = fat loss.

Go lift. Do it now.

MercenaryNoetic26

The guys are probably wondering how long you'll last or stick around or just curious to see what you know... or if you're hott, they're glad you ventured over there.

Get in there and lift. Who cares what's going through the "guys" minds. Do your thing. Start with the stronglifts or nrolfw.

Snatched614

BODY PUMP IS GREAT!!!! I took it when I was a member of a local gym. Don't worry about the guys... if you find you a good ole vet he will be more the HAPPY to help, im sure!

If you belong to a gym, see if they offer a "Body Pump" class - great way to get started, even though it's not lifting heavy per se (believe me, a 1-hour cardio/weights class like this will kick your butt!).

Also, pick up and read "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" - great read, totally worth the $20, and will answer a lot of your questions.

I just started lifting myself, and have changed my diet to go with it. Can't wait to see the results!

jacksonpt

Lift. So tired of women thinking they will bulk up. You really have to work at it to do that. And we don't have the right hormones for bulking.

I'm so tired of people assuming everything thinks of the same thing when they think "bulky". I think a lean, strong woman is incredibly attractive, but not everyone wants to look like that. Some want to look like Kim Kardashian or Kate Upton. Some don't even want to be that "thin".

I agree 100% with this sentiment, but can I just say how upset Kate Upton would probably be to be lumped in with Kimmy K here?

Similar shapes/body types, though... no?

iulia_maddie

Start lifting!
You are not predisposed to get bulky. You don't have the testosterone for it.

You can't build muscle while maintaining a caloric deficit (unless you are a complete beginner, and even then, it will be minimal). But, you will get to keep a higher percentage of muscle mass while losing weight. That will result in a leaner look.

richardheath

thanks for posting this ive had the same issue....except being afraid of getting bulky i know you wont unless you plan and eat for it.....but i do want to lift....i think ill go get me some weights because my 5lb'ers are not heavy enough......

---

i have a question is it true if you can lift/curl a weight more then like 8-10x's at one time, its time to up the weight?

Progressively adding weight is the way to build strength. If you can do your your full set at a given weight with good form, it is time to move up. Most (if not all) of the strength training (heavy lifting) programs use this principle - "heavy" is really just "heavy for you", and as you get stronger, you can lift more, so keep those muscles working.

Scorchy

Lift. So tired of women thinking they will bulk up. You really have to work at it to do that. And we don't have the right hormones for bulking.

While this is true...

I'm so tired of people assuming everything thinks of the same thing when they think "bulky". I think a lean, strong woman is incredibly attractive, but not everyone wants to look like that. Some want to look like Kim Kardashian or Kate Upton. Some don't even want to be that "thin".

I also think that part of the problem is terminology. Most people don't need to worry about being to bulky (as so many people have pointed out), but should rather worry about being too lean (body fat % too low). Being lean is not the same thing as being bulky, but most people new to dieting/exercise don't realize that, at least not enough to be clear when they ask questions.

This is very true that bulky means different things to different people and not everyone is going for the same look. Whenever I see women on here who lift post their pictures to show how they aren't bulky, I think, "Nope, you're not bulky, but that's still not at all the look I'm going for with my body. Not for me." I like a subtly toned, still very soft, look and pilates, yoga, and dance cardio seem to be getting me exactly what I want. It's just personal preference.

_SusieQ_

I would wager I am bigger than you or at least close to your size. I started lifting in October, took a break around holidays, then started again. I love it. It makes me feel strong and badass.

When I first started I did worry about invading the "man cave" in the gym. I read, researched, watched youtube videos, found a plan, wrote it down and just went in and did it. It's intimidating at first, but after a while you get a rush from it, and everything else fades away.

There is a great group on here for Stronglifts, Check out some links below. And don't be afraid, just give it a try.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/887158-faq-read-the-summary-then-me

Julettashane

thanks for posting this ive had the same issue....except being afraid of getting bulky i know you wont unless you plan and eat for it.....but i do want to lift....i think ill go get me some weights because my 5lb'ers are not heavy enough......

---

i have a question is it true if you can lift/curl a weight more then like 8-10x's at one time, its time to up the weight?

Progressively adding weight is the way to build strength. If you can do your your full set at a given weight with good form, it is time to move up. Most (if not all) of the strength training (heavy lifting) programs use this principle - "heavy" is really just "heavy for you", and as you get stronger, you can lift more, so keep those muscles working.

thank you......i guess it is time to up.....i have curled my 5lb weights up to 20x's in 1 rep and did 3 reps they are not doing anything i feel like

Mother_Superior

Definitely start strength training. Like many have said, getting "bulky" really isn't going to be an issue, and it's always better to start sooner rather than later. If you want to start with weights, New Rules of Lifting, Starting Strength, and Stronglifts are all great places to start. If you want to start with body weight exercises, you can also check out "You Are Your Own Gym".

Don't worry about what others may or may not be thinking. Let their issues with the world be theirs. You need to worry about doing this for yourself first.

Find some people on here (a lot of whom have already posted) that are knowledgeable and ask how they got there. Bonus points if they started from a similar set of circumstances as you. Put in the time, research, and work, and you'll get to where you want to be. Good luck with it!

bongochick45

Whoa, thanks for all the great advice. Honestly I don't know what I want my body to look like, but I know I don't want to be thin. Maybe more like a Serena Williams you know? I'll stop being chicken and go over by the weights. I have an LA Fitness membership, but I don't really go anymore b/c my fav zumba instructor left and I don't have a lot of time to go to the classes because I work 2 jobs. So I've just been doing cardio at home late at night. But I do think I'd go to the gym more often if I was lifting and didn't feel like I had to fit into someone else's schedule.

jacksonpt

Whoa, thanks for all the great advice. Honestly I don't know what I want my body to look like, but I know I don't want to be thin. Maybe more like a Serena Williams you know? I'll stop being chicken and go over by the weights. I have an LA Fitness membership, but I don't really go anymore b/c my fav zumba instructor left and I don't have a lot of time to go to the classes because I work 2 jobs. So I've just been doing cardio at home late at night. But I do think I'd go to the gym more often if I was lifting and didn't feel like I had to fit into someone else's schedule.

Being thin is about diet... Cut back on cals now to lose whatever weight you want, then slowly increase them back to slow then stop the weight loss.

If you want to look like Serena, you'll definitely want to lift, and lift A LOT.

rsharper97

I started lifting last night at my local gym and I have to say, the guys in the free weight area were so helpful and nice. They were able to help me find the weights/machines I needed and even got me set up on the squat rack. It can be intimidating going to the free weight area the first time but believe me, you will be glad you did!

TravisBikes

Why are we still talking.

Go lift something up. And put it down.