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Lifting: Fact or Fiction

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I was a chubby girl, so if I can transform this corn fed midwestern big girl body type into a lean mean model machine, so can you, and lifting weights is the way. I’m here to dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions around lifting weights, so let’s get to it!

1. You WON’T get bigger & bulkier

Lifting actually stimulates your metabolism, so the heavier you lift the leaner you get. Getting bulky has far less to do with the weight of the dumbbells and far more to do with the food that goes into your mouth.

2. Women DO belong in the weight room

Men are surprised to see us in the gym lifting weights. Enter the “Man Zone” with confidence. Lean muscle burns more calories than fat, so if you want to change your body the weight room is exactly where you need to be.

3. Lifting weights ISN’T boring

Lifting weights is like any workout. Many of them are tailored for women and made to be anything but boring. Find a trainer that “gets” you, or find a class or routine that incorporates weight lifting with other exercises. When you combine cardio, boxing and some jam-worthy tunes, you kick that boring nonsense out the window.

4. More reps, lighter weight DOESN’T make a leaner physique

If you’re looking to lose 5, 10, 20 pounds or more, 20 reps with a light weight is a waste of time. If you can perform 20 reps, it’s time to start lifting heavier weights. Remember this: the heavier you lift, the leaner you get, giving you a tighter ass, tighter abs and tighter arms.

5. Lifting properly WILL NOT get you injured

Think about weight lifting the same way you think about yoga: it’s all about form. Your best investment is to find a trainer that can inspire you to reach your goals while educating you on how to properly perform these exercises. Have a favorite group instructor? Ask to buy a training package and let them help you get the body you deserve.

6. Your genetics DON’T fully determine your body

Genetics do play a role in how your body will look. Giselle is a freak of nature.. I get it. But I was a fat kid from Wisconsin and I was able to mold my chubbiness into a body I’m proud of.  All it takes is a strong focus on pairing a consistent fitness routine with a clean diet. Working out with a bad diet won’t work, and a good diet without a good fitness routine will doesn’t work for your lasting health.

7. Weight Lifting DOES work (if you stick with it)

Real change takes time. I’ve seen too many people quit after two weeks of training saying “this doesn’t work” before they go back to yo-yo dieting. A pound of fat takes up about FOUR times as much space as muscle, so the scale may say you’re not making progress when you actually are. Lifting weights will also increase your appetite, but fueling your body with good, healthy foods is a good thing! Get rid of the negative thoughts around eating and food, and learn to eat to maintain your new, leaner physique.

8. Lifting weights IS Feminine

Strong is the new sexy. The media, our friends, our gyms; they’re all sending mixed messages. Who do you trust? I’m living proof that lifting heavy weights and eating right WORKS. I want you to embrace the strength of what it is to be a woman and tune out the media machine that says that lifting weights isn’t feminine. There is no quick fix to a better body. It’s going to come from women getting in touch with their inner badass.

FINAL NOTE TO YOU

It’s time to embrace our physical power, women! The world needs more women who don’t care what people think, and who just do what’s best for their bodies and healthy.  A sexy woman may be powerful, but a strong and sexy woman, from the inside out, is absolutely lethal.

SHOUT-OUT & Shameless Plug: I did a beautiful photo shoot for this article I wrote on CARBON38 take a look: http://www.carbon38.com/locker-room/lacey-stone-weight-lifting-myths.html

If you’d like to get $50 off your first purchase of $200 or more on www.carbon38.com enter the code LACEY50

Thank you so much Carbon38, it’s “never” that a High Fashion Fitness line would feature lifting heavy weights as a topic. You really understand that every woman is different and deserves to be heard.

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