I constantly am preaching to women that they need to “lift heavy weights.”

This just sounded like something I would say..

And while I choose to lift 100s of pounds if I can, “lifting heavy” doesn’t mean that you have to do the same.

“Lifting heavy” simply means that you don’t fear challenging weights – that you aren’t just picking up the 5lbs dumbbells because you are afraid that you will gain too much muscle if you pick up the 15s. It means that you choose the proper weight (a heavy, challenging weight) for an exercise so that you are TRULY working the muscle.

For example…today Candy and I did the iron cross, which is a killer shoulder move. For that exercise, “heavy” meant 8lbs. Using 8lbs set my shoulders on fire. I could barely complete all 10 reps each round!

Heavy weight is definitely relative. Probably challenging weight is a better term to describe the weight you should be using.

But I use the word “heavy” because using heavy weight is what many women fear – and they shouldn’t.

Today I just want to clarify that “lifting heavy” doesn’t mean you have to lift 100s of pounds. I don’t want people thinking that if they can’t lift 100lbs it isn’t worth the effort to try to “lift heavy.”

So ladies lift those heavy, challenging weights! I think you’ll like how you look if you do!!!!

And in case even clarifying that “heavy” means challenging doesn’t convince you, here are a few articles/studies that should!

The Claim: For Better Muscle Tone, Go Lighter and Repeat

This one is just funny…10 good reasons why women should stay away from weights

Even a bodybuilding website tells you that you can’t get huge from lifting heavy – Breaking the Myth