Story by Madison Belmondo Jones
Today we are plastered with all these images of women working for the booty gains with bands, sometimes light weights and lots of squats.
This isn’t bad, this is actually wonderful in a sense, because women are out there getting fit and moving.
But, when did gaining body muscle become so scary? One thing I constantly see is women with very similar worries. “I don’t want to get big shoulders or look too muscular”, “I want a big booty, but I don’t want giant thighs.” I would like to stop this thought process right now.
First of all, be strong for YOU. You are a badass woman, and judgement from others will do nothing but bring you down. If you want to be a bench press, push-up, pull-up champ, don’t let the worry of “big shoulders” scare you. The only reason they do is because you don’t want others judging you.
Second, rarely have I ever seen a woman and had the thought, “alright, that’s a little much.” You aren’t going to get there unless you physically want to. You have to STRIVE for that. Your body just wants to move and be a part of something other than your couch.
Third, pick up heavy weights, and find someone to help you. Don’t ever be afraid to ask someone for help if you want to start lifting. I am extremely careful with “form first, weight never- unless form is kick-ass”. Weights scare us, I get it, I was the same for a long time. But, putting up weight and gaining that muscle puts you in this new mental game you never knew existed. You ever wonder why men get so hyped scoring touchdowns or hitting home-runs? Try maxing out on a lift or getting a new PR (personal record) you’ll feel that high too.
Fourth, stop weighing yourself. This hurts me, when I work with women who have a goal weight they want to lose. Not because I think losing weight is a bad idea, but because if all you look at is the scale, then that’s all you trust. What about how you feel? Physically, mentally, emotionally. You need to love yourself from the inside out FIRST before losing weight even becomes an idea. The scale is a number, it doesn’t explain how much muscle you’ve gained over how much fat you’ve lost. It doesn’t tell you how much stronger you have become mentally and emotionally through this journey. Use the scale as a tool, but don’t use it as your judgement for how you look.
Remember, muscles on women are sexy. If someone doesn’t agree with you about that? Well, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
With love, Madison –
*Be sure to follow Madison on social media for all things health, wellness, and to take part in her group fitness virtual programs @belmondolifestyle*
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