Chicks Who Lift

What do you think of when you think of weightlifting? Big beefy men lifting weights the size of small cars? Arnold Schwarzenegger? Ok, I can see that? That is what Hollywood make it seem like. Its what some gyms seem to look like. But underneath all those muscles, they are everyday people doing something they love.

I started to do a lot more weight training in the last few weeks. I do it at home in my mini gym/spare bedroom with limited equipment. I have what I need to build up. I am a chick who lifts and I never thought I would say this, but I love it. Don't get me wrong, I love my cardio and my workouts with Shaun T and Autumn Calabrese, but there is something about lifting weights that makes me feel powerful, strong, and confident. There are a lot of reasons a woman should lift weights. Here are a few:

1. You burn more fat. WHAT? According to bodybuilding.com, you can keep burning fat AFTER you finish working out. Yup, you lift weights and keep getting benefits after you finish. Pretty cool, right?

2. Stronger and more confident. I already told you that. You lift something heavy, you feel more powerful and confident...you are a badass. Plus you see changes in your body. It allows you to take part in flex Friday too :)

3. Build strong bones. As women get older, we know bones can get brittle. According to the Mayo Clinic, lifting weights increases bone density and reduces risk of osteoporosis.

4. Reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Mayo Clinic also explained that this can happen. I can tell you from personal experience, my arthritis in my ankles and toes feel so much better!

5. Its fun! Ok, maybe this one is up for debate. But if you find a good workout buddy, trainer, or a good DVD to use to follow, it can be fun. I use Body Beast and Sagi is freakin awesome (and funny as hell).

Lifting weights does not mean pumping big iron. Start out with light weights and build up. You will see more of my weightlifting reports happening over time since it is part of my adventures. Hope this shows you the other side of weightlifting.

-Happy adventures!