A Beginners Guide to Bodybuilding for Women

Many women I know admit they would never bodybuild. They like running on the treadmill, regularly attend Zumba and Spin classes, and do ab exercises at the end of their workouts when they feel up to it - they are perfectly fine staying in their comfort zone, and that's fine. For many women, though, it often comes from being uncomfortable in the gym setting, or not knowing how to lift properly. Some want to try, but don’t know where to start.

For the women who fit into this category, this simple guide is for you - but in many ways, these are some of the most important things you need to know about bodybuilding and how to get started. So here it is: my beginner’s guide to bodybuilding for women.

Bodybuilding Does Not Make You Manly

The first thing you need to know is that, contrary to what people may say, bodybuilding will not make you look like a man, nor will you be “too muscly” or “gross”. One of the many benefits of lifting weights is the fact that it enables your body to burn more calories during and post workout, because your body is in the fat burning stage. It may also boost your metabolism, strengthen your muscles and tendons (which can prevent injury down the road), and even reduce the effects of anxiety and depression. Most of the women I know that switch to weightlifting instead of nonstop cardio experience fat loss, and often stay in better moods throughout the day.

Lifting weights will often help you lose unwanted body fat and slim down, not bulk up. The men and women who do “bulk” (and look “too muscly” to much of society) use a high-weight-low-rep format and eat a very large amount of protein in their diet. It is extremely hard to be one of these people, and adding weightlifting and bodybuilding to your workout alone will not get you to that point, so don’t be scared.

Find A Trainer Right For You

The second thing you need to know is that finding a trainer that is right for you can be extremely beneficial. Yes, trainers cost money, but isn’t spending that money worth it in the long run? Even if you just wanted to go in for one or two sessions, many trainers can educate you about what exercises are right for you and give you what you need to do those things on your own.

Even if it is just walking you through proper technique and giving you a plan, now you know exactly what to do, and have a better knowledge of how each exercise will affect you. Trainers can also be a vital support system on those days when workouts bring you to your breaking point and feel defeated. They often know exactly what to say to give you an extra push to keep going.

There is no shame in asking for help, and these trainers are here to help you reach your goal, one lift and pound at a time.