Will Weightlifting Make Me Bulky?

Will Weightlifting Make Me Bulky? Not If You Do It Right

So you’ve decided to get in shape and you’re looking for ways to transform your body into a healthier you. Weight training seems like a good bet, but you don't want to bulk up like Arnold Schwarzenegger and start ripping your shirts, so you resign yourself to slogging it out on a treadmill for hours at a time. But wait! It is an excellent way to pack on muscle, but with the right techniques and exercise program, you can get a slim and toned body faster with more health benefits by using weight training.

Why Lift Weights At All?

If you have to follow special programs and learn new exercises, why bother with it? Well, you may have heard that weight training burns more fat over time than just cardio exercises; meaning a slimmer you, faster. Muscles burn calories so the more muscles you have, the more you burn. Weight lifting makes your body stronger which goes a long way toward preventing injury and provides a myriad of other health benefits.

So, How Do I Achieve All of This?

Weightlifting seems simple to the uninitiated. Pick up weights, put the weights down and repeat, right? Fortunately for professional trainers, it isn't quite that easy as different regimens and techniques will get different results. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to avoid getting too big when lifting weights.

1.      Go Big

This strategy may seem counterintuitive at first, but lifting heavier weights with fewer reputations (reps) will help you build strength without the bulk. Your muscles will become stronger and denser without inflating in size.

2.      Do Explosive Exercises

Explosive exercises are quick bursts of effort like plyometrics or kettlebells. These incorporate wider ranges of motion and work large muscle groups.

3.      Get Plenty of Rest

Give your muscles at least a whole day off to recover. Your workouts will feel better, and you won't gain bulk at an alarming rate.

4.      Don’t Forget About Cardio

Just because you are starting weight training, doesn’t mean you should ditch the cardio. A workout plan that is balanced with weightlifting and cardio exercises will best help you get slim, toned and defined.

Do It for You

It’s important to keep in mind through all of this that the most important part of getting healthy is how you feel and not necessarily how you look. It’s OK to avoid becoming certain body types when exercising, but your primary goals should be feeling good about yourself and being healthy.