To Lift or Not to Lift?

You might be more familiar with the new saying, “skinny is out, fit is in,” but what does that mean? Finally we can rejoice about the skinny image being a thing of the past! Looking and BEING fit is the new thing and it’s here to stay!

​A common goal of my clients is to “look fit.” How does one “look fit?” Well, it’s not as easy as you may think. Putting on solid muscle is no easy task and looking lean is just as hard. However, it goes a lot deeper than that. When you start a weight lifting program, not only are working on increasing lean muscle mass but the more muscle mass you have the more it will burn body fat (and keep burning calories throughout the day, unlike our OLD friend, cardio). More muscle mass will also help protect the bones (bye osteoporosis), protect our ligaments (see yah, knee pain), and in general add another shield of armor to our body. Who wouldn’t want to have a built in coat of armor? In all seriousness though, weightlifting is one of the BEST things you can do for your body.

Ladies, don’t be scared of looking like the hulk… unless you’re genetically blessed with as much testosterone as a male, you can’t possibly look like the hulk. Sorry. Having some muscle is a GOOD thing and it will make you LOOK good too. I’m not all about looks though, health is first. Whatever your goals are, make sure that lifting is your number one go to- cardio second. Cardio only works muscular endurance, not muscular strength. Start with the weights and finish off with some interval training for an effective and efficient workout.

In good health,

Cristina