Why Are Women Lifting Heavy?

All these years I’ve managed to stay out of fitness drama and now I’m about to ruin everything with this blog post.

This blog post is about the topic of lifting heavy weights.

It is also a follow-up to a video I recently posted on YouTube on getting a flat belly AND bigger butt at the same time.

Why are women lifting heavy?

Getting a lifted butt and a flat belly is something that a lot of women aspire to (myself included).

To get this aesthetic, a lot of women are being told that they must lift heavy.

We are also aware of other benefits of lifting heavy. Such as

1. It feels amazing!
2. It makes us stronger
3. The sense of accomplishment when goals are crushed is like none other
4. Did I mention it feels good? Yeah it really does

As a result, a lot of women are lifting heavy.

I want to go on record as saying that a strong woman is the most beautiful thing in the world.

I was raised by a strong woman.

In fact, when I talk about my mom and the amount of strength she has, my voice changes.

I think it’s awesome that women are no longer afraid to gain weight.

What’s the problem with lifting heavy?

What I do not like – and will not stand for – is the internet bullying of any woman that dares to say the word, cardio.

Or the herd mentality that lifting heavy is mandatory for everyone.

Lifting heavy is not for everyone.

Here are some specific instances where lifting heavy is a terrible idea.

1. Haven’t exercised in 6+ months?
2. Totally new to exercise and just getting started?
3. Can’t squat with good form?

If any of these things apply to you, lifting heavy may have some pretty bad outcomes.

It can range from the exercises being so difficult that you find it impossible to complete your workout.

Or – worse – you can hurt your back.

I have seen girls on YouTube and Instagram get hurt because they’re trying to squat seriously heavy weights with really bad form.

Before you come for me: the people I am referring to have made videos talking about their injuries. I don’t sit around analyzing other people’s form on the internet.

What you need to know about lifting heavy

Please understand – I’m not trying to scare you away from lifting weights.

Lifting weights is a natural progression in any well designed fitness journey.

In fact, I encourage my members to get familiar with dumbbells and ankle weights when they are ready.

From there, lifting heavy is an option in the next phase of their fitness journey.

But to tell a total newbie to go from the couch to squatting 100lb is injustice.

A total newbie should not lift heavy.

A total newbie should

1. Focus on mastering good form with bodyweight exercises
2. Develop a consistent routine
3. Progress to simple, manageable forms of resistance (like dumbbells, ankle weights, and resistance bands)

It is only after these criteria are met that lifting heavy should even be a topic of conversation.

Not that long ago, a lot of women did only cardio because of societal pressure.

Now, many women are doing only weight lifting because of societal pressure.

To me, a strong woman isn’t a woman that looks a certain way.

A strong woman is a woman that is still alive.

If your heart is beating, I consider you to be a strong woman. Simple as that.