Before I started training with Bill Waltzek of ForwardFit, I was in the gym day in and day out pumping away mindlessly on the elliptical machine. I felt like one of those hamsters on their exercise wheel going round and round. My mind would zone off to God knows where and when I was finished, I wasn’t really feeling like I accomplished a whole lot. More importantly, I wasn’t seeing any noticeable changes in my body. In fact, the best part of the workout was what was on the t.v. Pretty sad. The gym was supposed to be a place to escape to in order to clear my mind and renew my soul. It was anything but that.
I’d occasionally glance over at the section filled with mostly men and one or two women-the weight room. I’d think, I don’t want to look like a dude or become bulky. I wouldn’t be caught dead lifting weights. No thanks, I’ll just stick to what I know is safe and it’ll be just good enough for me. So what if it’s not really getting the job done. I wouldn’t dare step foot over there. Who wants to be the only girl in that part of the gym with grunting men and their crazy testosterone raged attitudes? I was all cardio all the time until Bill introduced me to lifting. It was clear I needed to lift weights. Heavy ones.
Before that time, nothing forced me to think about which muscles I was working or what body part I wanted to focus on. Lifting weights did just that. It gave me purpose in the gym and has allowed me to build beautiful curves and shape my body.
I started doing research about lifting weights and resistance training. What most women don’t realize is that they cannot get bulky just from heavy weight lifting. The only way that a woman can build huge manly muscles is if they take steroids.
I took Bill’s kettlebell class and sometimes in the circuit training we would also lift weights. He taught me how to properly lift and about correct form. Lately though in semi-private training, we’ve been focusing on building upper and lower body. Every week I’m getting stronger and lifting heavier. I never thought I’d see the day when cardio would come second to lifting weights. I look at cardio now like a supplement to my weight training. I call my cardio days my recovery days now.
There’s something about looking in the mirror and knowing that I feel strong inside and out. Empowered is the word that comes to mind when I’m pumping iron. I love seeing the way that my arms and my legs have changed. I’m noticing more muscle tone in every part of my body. It’s amazing!
These days, I’m the only girl in the lifting section of the gym and I love it! I walk out of that gym every single day and think, there’s nothing I can’t do. So, the next time you’re thinking about possibly picking up a weight, try it. It won’t hurt! If anything, it could make you a stronger person physically and mentally.
By Amy Pelz – ForwardFit Client
Related Article – Benefits of Strength Training