“I know I should lift weights, but I don’t want to get bulky.”
I hear the above statement (or one similar) all the time. As a CrossFit owner, I want people to be strong, functional, healthy humans. Right now, my direction in life is to help people achieve that.
I would argue that most people want those same things for themselves. But…there’s always a “but”. The ‘but’ here is but what is considered “bulky”?
When I started CrossFit I was about 170 pounds, but I looked like I was 150 (I have always looked like I weighed less than I actually do). I could do some pull ups, squats, some push ups, my cardio was good, but I didn’t really lift weights.
I thought 170 was the perfect weight for me. In fact, I was hesitant to start CrossFit because I didn’t want to “bulk up”. Once I started, it was obvious that my mostly bodyweight exercises had left a huge weakness in my overall fitness. It was like driving a car that was missing a wheel; you might get to where you’re going but it won’t be fast.
As I have continued to do CrossFit my weight and size have fluctuated. Even at my heaviest weight (225) I wouldn’t say I was bulky. Fluffy? Oh definitely. But I have never been “bulky”.
I sit between 190 and 195 now, and overall I am extremely happy with that. I would say I look athletic, and more importantly I feel athletic and have confidence in my capabilities. However, if you saw me in person I highly doubt you would say I am bulked up.
Will Lifting Weights Make You Bulky?
There is a very good chance that adding in weight training or CrossFit won’t make you bulky either. Your body composition might change, your clothes will fit better/different, you might even notice a change when you look in the mirror.
You will definitely get stronger and notice how certain physical tasks in life are easier: yardwork, playing with your kids, carrying groceries in, moving the couch, the list goes on.
To become what most would consider “bulky” a few things need to happen. Your body has to have A LOT of testosterone(more than most people, especially females produce naturally), you have to workout like it is your life, the younger you are the better, your diet has to be fine tuned to you, and you have to eat mass amounts of food. Most importantly you have to have good genetics, you can get bulky without good genes, but you are going to be investing twice as much compared to someone who has great genes.
Why To Lift Weights
You definitely should be adding in lifting weights to help you live a happier, healthier life. Let’s run through some of the key benefits of lifting weights. Just to list a few, you will:
- Burn more calories
- Feel less stressed
- Slow down your ageing process
- Prevent injuries
- Lower your risk of diabetes
- Improve your bone density
- Feel an awesome sense of accomplishment
Think of the different aspects of health and fitness as spokes that form a wheel. Each spoke should be of equal length so the wheel has no flat spots or bumps. A properly formed wheel ensures your health and fitness is well rounded and rides smooth.
Want to know how to get started with some fitness training? Click here to get started.
