LIFTING DOESN’T MAKE YOU BULKY

It blows my mind that women are still saying this. People are still afraid that lifting heavier weights will make them “bulky.” It’s 2026, not 1986. I hate to break it to you, but the 80s were 40 years ago. It’s time to upgrade your fitness philosophy.

Women with the muscular physiques you’re afraid of worked very hard for a very long time to build that amount of muscle. They trained intentionally, followed structured programs, worked with coaches, and ate with a specific goal in mind: adding muscle mass. I promise you it did not happen by accident.

I’ve lifted progressively heavier weights consistently for more than five years. I’ve worked with coaches. I’ve eaten enough chicken to personally threaten the poultry industry. (Seriously, those feathered fools never stood a chance.) And guess what? I still don’t look like Arnold.

And, if you’re afraid of looking “bulky,” ask yourself why. Define bulky. Who taught you that having muscle or looking strong was unattractive? A magazine? Social media? The beauty industry? Someone uncomfortable with the idea of women being physically capable, confident, and independent? Take a hard look at where that belief came from.

The real focus should be on what strength training gives you:

Better mental health.

Better sleep.

Improved brain health and hormone regulation.

Reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Increased confidence.

Healthy body composition.

Stress relief.

And most importantly: the ability to stay physically independent and continue doing the things that bring you joy well into your later years.