How many women actually workout with weights

Loco_Beast · May 2016

Not claiming to be a guru or anything, but I have done my research. I have females in my gym ask me for advice a lot, and I think that's only because they see me in the gym and I actually workout the whole time I'm there, I'm not sitting on a piece of equipment texting or whatever. General opinion I hear is that they are afraid if they workout they will start to look "bulky" or "manly". This is so far from true, guess I'm just curious to how many women on here actually train with weights. Thanks, and good luck to all on your goals.

dutchandkiwi · May 2016

I do, and I plan to get more into weights over time. I love it! Though for me it is not heavy lifting, but the more I use weights the more I am getting into it..
There are a number of women here that do heavy lifting though.

Loco_Beast · May 2016

That's great dutchandkiwi, keep it up. There aren't that many females that do a lot of heavy weights that I know of (powerlifting). Most do a moderate weight, with higher reps. (10-15) Keep moving forward and let us know how you're progressing.

ngolden3320 · May 2016

I am just getting started with weights. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

RoxieDawn · May 2016

I work out with weights 5 days a week. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought I would get bulky. Actually the opposite, we just don't gain mass like men!

Loco_Beast · May 2016

ngolden3320 wrote: »

I am just getting started with weights. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not a personal trainer, but my advice would to be start slow and work your way up, it's a marathon not a sprint. But also don't get comfortable, constantly push yourself. Good luck and keep us posted. Also if you have a specific question, fire away. If I can't answer it I'm sure there is someone on here who will have an answer.

Loco_Beast · May 2016

RoxieDawn wrote: »

I work out with weights 5 days a week. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought I would get bulky. Actually the opposite.

That's great, maybe you could advise some of the women with questions. I think some women see the Pro female bodybuilders (meaning the ones who do look manly or bulky), and think that is possible, not knowing what those women do to get where they are.

oh_happy_day · May 2016

I do - 5 days a week and have done for years. Still not bulky...shock!

Weights have done more for my figure than any other exercise. All of my female friends who are into exercise/gym train with weights and my gym is packed with women training with weights regularly.

singingflutelady · May 2016

I lift heavy. Just switching from a 3x a week full body intermediate program to a 5 day a week UL split intermediate program. I'm not bulky

Heartlight441 · May 2016

I have started a home lifting program with weights. I'm lifting as heavy as I can to finish to 8 reps each set. While it may not be heavy to some, for me it's a challenge. I LOVE lifting more than cardio and plan to do this the rest of my life. (I also belong to a gym but home is most convenient at this time). I'm not worried I'll get bulky but rather believe lifting is what will transform my shape, along with my diet.

Arathels · May 2016

I powerlift with two huge guys.. I lift heavy and I work hard.. Tell me, how manly am I?

smileymaxine · May 2016

Erm yes, with power lifting dreams !!

I don't know if it is lack of information or just fear that stops some people but absolutely love heavy lifting. But I wouldn't go ask some guy who was in the middle of a workout for advice , I work with my trainer then get on with me own thing. Also I text between my sets but hey 180 secs is a long time

ScoobaChick · May 2016

I DL my BW and my next goal is to get to the big plates. I'm not sure that it's even possible for women to get "bulky" without the intense body building training regimen associated with professional competition level body building.

Lifting heavy though will help build bone mass and that will be invaluable for most of us down the road. I always tell my hubby that I Zumba for now (to have fun) and that I lift for later (to counter the bone and muscle loss associated with aging).

cafisher0404 · May 2016

I want to start! It's intimidating for someone new (at least to me personally). My gym keeps all their free weights under an "advanced training" area, so for a newbie, it is very scary to walk over there any try (the machine weights are what I have been doing so far). I also constantly worry that I'm going to get my form wrong or mess up in some way. I'm trying to get over that fear and just do it.

ScoobaChick · May 2016

If you are thinking about lifting try to get a copy of Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove's New Rules of lifting for women. I walked around with it for 18 months before I gathered up the courage to pick up something other than Barbie weights at the gym but I am so glad I did. They have newer programs but the information section in the book is invaluable if you have never lifted heavy and are considering it.

BTW I completed NROL4W 3 years ago at 43. I am now doing their newer STRONG program and love it!

quiksylver296 · May 2016

I've been working Stronglifts since November. Just starting to think about moving to an intermediate program. I am the least "bulky" I've ever been.

Current lifts - 1RM

Squats - 250 lbs
Bench - 145 lbs
Deads - 245 lbs

That was back in March. I'm sure I'll blow that out of the water next time I try 1RM.

weightliftingbarbie · May 2016

I lift and I love it!!

HStheBusyBee · May 2016

I do under duress but I'm honestly not a massive fan. I personally feel like it highlights how bloody feeble I am and I never know if my form is right!