Okay, real talk: who else thought lifting weights was just for gym bros? 🙋♀️ raises hand guiltily For years, I avoided the weight rack like it was my ex’s Instagram profile. I stuck to cardio, yoga, and that one Zumba phase we don’t talk about. But last year, I accidentally became a GirlWhoLifts – and holy guacamole, it’s been the glow-up I didn’t know I needed.
Let me paint you a picture: I used to think lifting weights would make me “bulky” (spoiler alert: it doesn’t). My “research” consisted of scrolling fitness influencers until 2 AM while eating popcorn. 🍿 Then my bestie dragged me to a strength-training class, and within weeks, I could carry ALL my grocery bags in one trip. Cue superhero music.
But here’s the tea ☕: Science backs this up. Studies show women who strength-train 2-3x weekly gain 3-4 lbs of muscle per year while burning 30% more calories at rest compared to cardio-only routines. My personal win? I stopped obsessing over the scale. When I swapped endless treadmill sessions for squats and kettlebell swings, my jeans fit better, my energy skyrocketed, and I discovered collarbones I didn’t know existed. 💃
The mental shift was wilder. Lifting heavy things taught me to embrace discomfort – both physically and metaphorically. That shaky-legged feeling during a tough set? It’s basically life coaching: “You’re stronger than you think.” Now when work stress hits, I’m like, “I deadlifted 150 lbs last week. Bring it, Karen from accounting.” 😤
Of course, it’s not all gym selfies and protein shakes. I’ve face-planted doing box jumps, worn mismatched socks for weeks, and once cried over a dropped dumbbell (it was that kind of day). But here’s what works for me:
– Progress > perfection: Some days I lift like She-Hulk; other days, I’m a noodle. Both count.
– Food as fuel, not foe: I eat more now than ever – just traded sad salads for salmon bowls and dark chocolate (priorities, people 🍫).
– Rest is rad: Sleeping 7-8 hours made my gains skyrocket. Take THAT, hustle culture.
The best part? This isn’t about getting “beach-ready” or fitting some mold. It’s about feeling powerful in your skin. Last month, I helped a 60-year-old neighbor lift her patio furniture. She called me “young lady,” and I’ve never felt more alive. 💥
So if you’re still reading this between TikTok scrolls, here’s my challenge: Try ONE new strength move this week. Could be bodyweight squats while brushing your teeth or hoisting a giant Trader Joe’s kombucha bottle. Tag me when you realize you’re basically Wonder Woman. 🦸♀️