Weights are a Woman's BFF!

We've all heard some woman say it, "I don't want to lift weights because I'm afraid I'll get bulky."   I'm here to tell you, YOU WON'T!  Women simply do not possess the hormonal profile needed to mass up like guys do when they lift heavy weights. Women don’t possess enough testosterone.  If you're looking for a healthier, stronger and LEANER body (aka muscles), get off the treadmill and pick up dem weights.  As with all exercises, lifting requires good form, so hire a personal trainer, have a friend who knows their stuff help you or go online and read and watch instructional videos. Once you can perform the exercise with perfect form, add the appropriate weight. The last 2-3 reps of every set should be difficult. 

Here are some awesome reasons to weight train!

• You'll experience a boost in self-confidence!  Lifting heavy will show you what you're physically capable of achieving more than you thought you could.  Ripping a ton of weight off the floor during a dead lift is EMPOWERING and BADASS!
• Build muscle, burn fat.  That hour of cardio was great to burn that stored energy, but when you're done on the cardio machine you're done burning calories.  Weight training keeps your metabolism at an elevated energy use rate for about an hour after you're done.   That's called the afterburn effect and it's totally awesome. So, you'll continue to burn calories up to 24 hours AFTER your workout and the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn even at rest and while you sleep.
• You will RESHAPE your body!  You're not going to change the shape of your body with cardio, you're just going to be exactly like you are but you'll be a smaller version.  Weight training will give you a sculpted and sexy body.
• ​Your heart and bones will thank you! A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that those who lift weights are less likely have heart disease risk factors such as a large waist circumference, high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and elevated glucose levels.  Also, as women age, osteoporosis becomes a real concern, especially post-menopause.  However, resistance training can help reduce loss of bone mass.
• You'll have a killer booty, legs, abs, guns... killer EVERYTHING.  

When you're ready to change from a cardio bunny and enter the weight room to amp up your fitness and change the composition of your body from skinny to strong, try tackling compound exercises which target multiple muscle groups at once.  Dead lifts, squats, lunges, pull-ups and dips are great ones to start with! 

Need some inspiration?!  Here's a quick upper body workout!

4 rounds giant superset
10 Arnold press
10 Front raises (palms facing each other)
10 Bent arm side raises

4 rounds giant superset
10 Single arm tricep extensions
10 Plank rows
10 Narrow push-ups

4 rounds giant superset
20 Med ball slams
20 Plank walk-ups
20 Bicep curl shoulder press

Looking for a custom workout plan? I'd love to help you!
Check out my website for more details: http://www.amymarolffitness.com/fitness-plans.html

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