There is a common belief that women who lift weight will become bulky. I am here to tell that isn't true. Women who are bulky take steroids and testosterone supplements. Because of the estrogen in our bodies women, instead of becoming beefcakes, develop lean bodies.

Here are some benefits to lifting weights:
1. Stronger, more efficient body
2. Lean, toned body
*** 3. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you build the more you can eat and still lose weight. This also helps the transition back to eating normally. Instead of having to eat fewer calories the rest of your life, you can eat MORE without gaining your weight back. This last point is my favorite because I love food.

So here is the challenge:
1. Strength train 2-3 times during the week.
2. Make sure to train all muscle groups.
3. Make sure to keep eating your fruits and veggies!

Here's what I do:
Legs - squats, lunges, deadlifts
Chest/back - bench press, rows, shoulder press
Arms - bicep curls, tricep extensions
Core - planks, side reaches, crossover crunches, bicycle crunches

If you don't have access to weights calisthenics work as well. Push ups would replace bench/chest press. Squats and lunges do wonders for the butt and thighs. For triceps you can use a chair and do dips.