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Why women won’t get ‘bulky’ with weights

‘I want to be toned; I don’t want to look too bulky’ is a statement we hear women make time and time again.

Unfortunately, too many women believe they’re going to turn into the Hulk if they dare look at a dumbbell, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

While resistance training has health benefits for everyone, it’s particularly important for women for a number of reasons.

Let’s dispel the myth once and for all that resistance training makes women bulky and explore exactly why and how you should incorporate weights into your fitness regime.

What Does ‘Bulky’ Mean?

Part of the problem with the myth that weight training makes women bulky is that it is highly subjective; what is ‘bulky’ for one woman may not be so for another. One poll found that 41% of women thought muscles never look good on women, with only 26% saying they look good in small amounts. Participants rated Jessica Biel as most’ muscular’ or ‘bulky’ of a selection of female celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Madonna and Hilary Swank[1].

Of course, most of us would not consider Jessica Biel as bulky but see a woman with good body composition and a strong, powerful physique. While this poll was not an academic study, it demonstrates how subjective the term ‘bulky’ can be. Holding yourself against this benchmark sets an impossibly high standard that doesn’t consider health, function or your unique body type.

Read how Rahila shaped her incredible figure in 15 weeks training with resistance training.

How easy is it for women to become ‘bulky’?

Although strength training has become more popular among women in recent decades, the association between lifting weights and appearing masculine still holds some women back from participating[2],[3]. And often, women who do train hold back from lifting heavy because they are focused on increasing ‘muscle tone’ due to fears of excessive muscle hypertrophy[4],[5].

However, there are several reasons why these fears are unfounded. The results of several studies indicate that many women often do not train to sufficient relative intensities or effort to maximise strength and hypertrophy adaptations from resistance training[6].

And while the research shows that relative size gains are pretty similar in both men and women after training when intensity is matched, it takes a lot of time, effort and solid know-how to achieve significant gains[7]. Yes, there may be women in the gym whose physique you don’t want to emulate. But their physique is likely built on a lot of time, dedication and effort. Fearing you will turn into a muscle-laden Amazonian after several weeks’ training is, therefore, a bit like starting jogging and worrying you’re going to end up like Usain Bolt in a month.

The biggest risk factor for appearing ‘bulky’ is not changing your body composition. If you increase the size of your musculature without reducing your body fat stores, your surface area inevitably increases. And while changing up your training may naturally induce a degree of body recomposition, generally, what is required is a combination of resistance training alongside a calorie deficit, which normally involves fat loss.

Read how weight training three hours a week helped 46-year-old Wendy lose 28kg and transform her figure.

What are the benefits of weight training for women?

If you’re still not convinced about resistance training, here are several reasons that should give you pause for thought.

1. Improved muscle mass and strength

Not only does being stronger make day-to-day life easier, reduced muscular strength is one of the biggest predictors of mortality in older adults[8]. Age-related decreases in muscle mass are particularly important for women as menopause-related shifts in hormones significantly increase the risk of sarcopenia[9]. Resistance training is pretty much the only mode of exercise that can enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy[10].

2. Reduced risk for osteoporosis

Women are more likely to experience age-related losses in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks, which seriously impact quality of life[11]. Resistance training is widely recognised as being a powerful tool in preventing osteoporosis[12].

4. Psychological benefits

A 2013 study applied a 24-week resistance training program with middle-aged and elderly women. At the end of the study, participants reported significant improvements in self-efficacy, socialisation and health scores[13]. This finding appears to be true across age groups. A 2014 research study on postpartum women found that resistance training improved ratings of self-efficacy, depression and activity[14]. So, if you want to become a more independent, confident, kick-ass version of yourself, start lifting weights.

5. Reduced risk of metabolic disease

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that include type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension, which significantly increase the risk of all-cause mortality. The biggest risk factor for all of these diseases is poor body composition, and having a BMI of 30 and over has the highest level of risk[16]. Resistance training is one of the most important tools for maintaining a healthy body composition.

female hack squat

Sybil found a ‘fountain of youth’ with weight training which has helped reduce her blood pressure and cholesterol.

5. Neural adaptations

Heavy resistance training triggers neural adaptations that occur as your body becomes more efficient at performing the movements[15]. Being more agile and stronger at day-to-day movements not only reduces your risk of injury, it also makes life a whole lot easier.

6. Improved aesthetics

Many women cite that they want to become more ‘toned’ rather than grow muscle. In clinical terms, muscle ‘tone’ refers to the continuous and passive contraction of a muscle. So, if you’re alive and moving, you’ve already nailed this! What many women mean by ‘toned’ is having a bit less body fat and more definition, which involves improving your body composition. Alongside adequate protein intake, resistance training is pretty much one of the only ways we can achieve this[17]. Weight training is also particularly effective at improving the appearance of lower body fat through its positive effects on hormonal balance[18].

Female weight loss before and after

Read how Roshani dropped five dress sizes and 28kg to transform her figure for her sister’s wedding.

7. Improved adaptations to stress

Acute stress is a severe but short-term stressor which enhances our ability to perform under conditions involving threats, challenges or opportunities[19]. Resistance training is a great example of this mechanism in action. Strength training interventions have been found to improve self-reported life stress, coping strategies, cardiovascular reactivity and recovery from stress[20]. Weight training therefore has benefits that cross over into all aspects of life, not only health and fitness.

8. Improved hormonal health

PCOS, a hormonal imbalance that often causes infertility, affects 6-20% of women and around 44% of obese women[21]. Sufferers are also at a three-fold risk of developing thyroid disease (especially Hashimoto’s)[22]. Resistance training is a crucial mechanism that can assist with weight loss, improve fertility and improve symptoms of insulin resistance, one of the hallmarks of PCOS[23],[24],[25],[26].

Kelly took control of her PCOS symptoms training with weights and losing 15kg.

What’s the answer?

1. Set a clear goal based on what YOU want

‘Bulky’ will look different on everyone, and your body is unique. Therefore it’s important to set a goal based on becoming the best version of yourself.

All of these women achieved an outstanding transformation through resistance training but you’d be hard pushed to say any of them look ‘bulky’ in their final image.

Female weight loss before and after

Zrinka’s 53kg fat loss: From feeling ‘worthless’ to body confident and beautiful.

2. Work with a trainer

Research studies have found that women who trained with a personal trainer self-selected greater loads and worked at a higher RPE than women who trained alone[27]. A trainer can also help you set clear goals, whether your focus is body composition, performance or health.

3. Use moderate-heavy loads

Plenty of evidence suggests that women can use moderate to heavy loads to promote strength and hypertrophic adaptations without inducing a bulky appearance[28]. And remember that change takes time – no one ever woke up too jacked by accident!

4. Improve your body composition

Remember that one pound of lean body mass takes up around 20% less space than a pound of fat, so reducing your body fat stores is the easiest way to minimise the risk of looking ‘bulky’. For most women, losing around 0.5-1% per week of total body weight is a relatively good balance between good progress and adherence.

Veena lost an incredible 33kg training with weights for the first time in her life.

The take-home message

‘Bulky’ is relative, and no one has the right to pressure you to conform to any particular shape or size. That being said, improving your body composition through resistance training has multiple health benefits for women. Lifting heavy helps you shape the body you already have to create a strong, sexy, bad-ass version of you. And if you’re not sure where to start, join the thousands of other women who have walked through the doors at U.P. and built the body of their dreams without becoming bulky.

Key takeaways

Fears of becoming ‘bulky’ or creating a masculine physique hold some women back from resistance training.

‘Bulky’ is a subjective term, so it’s far more beneficial to focus on your unique health, physique and performance goals.

Many women hold back from pushing themselves in the gym due to fears of looking masculine. However, moderate to heavy loads help promote strength and hypertrophy without making you look bulky.

The best way to avoid looking bulky is to decrease your body fat stores through a calorie deficit, combined with resistance training.

Resistance training is a particularly potent health tool for women, as it helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, age-related muscle loss and improve fertility.

Beyond its health benefits, weight training can help you become a more confident, independent, bad-ass version of yourself.

Listen as long-time weight training devotee Gemma Atkinson addressed this myth head-on with U.P. personal trainer Elliott Upton.

References

[1] Peele, L. (2009). Defining Bulky, Once and For All. https://www.leighpeele.com/bulky-muscles-and-training-females-the-definition [accessed 08.10.2021].

[2] Kruger, J., et al. (2006). Trends in strength training United States, 1998–2004. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 55, pp. 769-772.

[3] O’Dougherty, M., et al. (2012). Young women’s physical activity from one year to the next: What changes? What stays the same? Translational Behavioral Medicine, 2. pp. 129-136.

[4] Ratamess, N.A., et al. (2008). Self-selected resistance training intensity in healthy women: The influence of a personal trainer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22, pp. 103–111.

[5] Ratamess, N.A., et al. (2008). Self-selected resistance training intensity in healthy women: The influence of a personal trainer.

[6] Focht, B.C., (2007). Perceived exertion and training load during self-selected and imposed-intensity resistance exercise in untrained women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21, pp. 183-187.

[7] Hubal, M.J., et al. (2005). Variability in muscle size and strength gain after unilateral resistance training. Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise, 37 (6), pp. 964-972.

[8] Volaklis, K.A., (2015). Muscular strength as a strong predictor of mortality: A narrative review. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 26, pp. 303-310.

[9] Messier, V., et al. (2011). Menopause and sarcopenia: A potential role for sex hormones. Maturitas. 68 (4), pp. 331-6.

[10] Cholewa, J., et al. (2018). Training on Muscle Growth, Body Composition, and Performance in Collegiate Women, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32 (6), pp. 1511-1524.

[11] Alswat K. A. (2017). Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis. Journal Of Clinical Medicine Research, 9 (5).

[12] Hong, A. R., Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Endocrinology And Metabolism. 33 (4).

[13] Dionigi, R., 2007. Resistance training and older adults’ beliefs about psychological benefits: the importance of self-efficacy and social interaction. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 29 (6), pp.723-746.

[14] LeCheminant, J.D., et al. (2014). Effect of resistance training on body composition, self-efficacy, depression, and activity in postpartum women. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports, 24 (2). pp.414-421.

[15] Bemben, M G; Murphy, R E., (2001). Age related neural adaptation following short term resistance training in women, Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 41, (3), pp. 291-9.

[16] Kobo, O., et al. (2019). Normal body mass index (BMI) can rule out metabolic syndrome: An Israeli cohort study. Medicine, 98 (9), e14712.

[17] McDonald, L., (2017). The Women’s Book. Lyle McDonald Publishing, pg. 187.

[18] Staron, R.S., et. al. (1991). Strength and skeletal muscle adaptations in heavy-resistance-trained women after detraining and retraining. Journal of Applied Physiology, 70 (2), pp. 631-40.

[19] Dhabhar, F. S., (2018). The short-term stress response – Mother nature’s mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Frontiers In Neuroendocrinology, 49, pp. 175-192.

[20] Chovanec, L., Gröpel, P., (2020). Effects of 8-week endurance and resistance training programmes on cardiovascular stress responses, life stress and coping. Journal of Sports Science. 38 (15), pp. 1699-1707.

[21] McDonald, L., (2017). The Women’s Book. Lyle McDonald Publishing, pg. 24

[22] Harrison, C.L., et. al. (2012). The impact of intensified exercise training on insulin resistance and fitness in overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Endocrinology, 76 (3), pp. 351-7.

[23] Hakimi, O., Cameron, L. C. (2017). Effect of Exercise on Ovulation: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine, 47(8).

[24] McDonald, L. (2017). The Women’s Book. Lyle McDonald Publishing, pg. 348.

[25] Ford, J.H. (2014). Diet and Nutrition In Fertility in Hollins-Martin, C., et al. (eds.) Handbook of Diet and Nutrition in the Menstrual Cycle, Periconception and Fertility, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, NL.

[26] Friedman, J. E., et al. (1991). Regulation of glycogen resynthesis following exercise. Dietary considerations, Sports Medicine, 11 (4).

[27] Ratamess, N.A., et al. (2008). Self-selected resistance training intensity in healthy women: The influence of a personal trainer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22, pp. 103-111.

[28] Cholewa, J., et al. (2018). Training on Muscle Growth, Body Composition, and Performance in Collegiate Women, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32 (6), pp. 1511-1524.

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