By Coach Debbie

I joined a gym about 4 years ago.  And with my new membership, a personal trainer showed me how to use the machines.  I clearly remember telling him, “Don’t add a lot of weights because I don’t want to get big.”  He said, “Don’t worry, you’re a girl and you won’t get big.”  “Oh yes, yes, I will.  I have big legs already and they’ll easily get bigger.”  So he shrugged his shoulders and had me lifting the same amount of pounds a frail old woman would.  I paced myself through my circuits, day in and day out.  And my body stayed the same.  But I’m working out!!!  W hy do I look the same?   Sound familiar?

Are you lifting pink 3 pound hand weights so you can “tone up” and look feminine?

Try this instead.  Use 10 pound weights so you can tone up and look feminine. You will NOT become a man.

Fat is clumpy and big.  Muscle is smooth and tight.  To have less “clump” and more “tight” you need to lift heavy weights.  It may be awkward at first.  You will struggle.  Sweat will replace makeup.  BUT, like Shakira sings, your hips don’t lie.  The results are worth the effort.

Try this 10 minute upper body workout with HEAVY weights (resting as needed):

1.  12 bicep curls (using 8-15 pounds in each hand)

2.  12 front raises (using 8-10 pounds in each hand)

3.  12 side raises (using 8-10 pounds in each hand)

4.  12 punches toward ground (using 8-12 pounds in each hand)

* REPEAT until 10 minutes is up

Like this workout?  Guess what?  We’ve got more for you over at the Sisterhood!    Check it out!