No, you won't "bulk up"

So, you want to look “toned”?

Who doesn’t, right? When faced with the reality of lifting heavy things to get a certain physique, many women would rather run for the hills.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s time to do yourself a favor and relish your strength training time at the gym.

Muscles don't become hard or soft; they either shrink or grow in size. To put it differently, muscles don't magically "firm up" or "tone." What happens is that they change in size, which in turn alters your overall appearance.

Let's delve into the scientific aspect of this phenomenon. When you engage in weightlifting with a certain level of intensity, your muscles react by undergoing microscopic tears, which then lead to the rebuilding process. This doesn't mean you'll develop a muscular physique overnight. On the contrary, achieving significant results requires a substantial amount of time, dedication and strategy.

However, with a well-structured plan and consistent commitment, you can make significant progress. For this reason, I suggest incorporating at least four days of strength training per week (two focusing on upper body and two on lower body) to enhance muscle mass and achieve a healthy body composition.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that the rate and extent of muscle response to this training stimulus vary greatly among individuals. Factors such as genetics play a pivotal role in determining the degree of muscle growth. As a result, not everyone will experience the same outcomes. This is why two people following the same exercise routine won’t look the same.

In short, don't underestimate the benefits of resistance training. Your fitness objectives are attainable once you grasp the fundamental principles of exercise science. Even better, collaborating with a certified personal trainer like myself can help you formulate a tailored plan that yields realistic and achievable results.

Interested in learning more about how strength training can help you acheive your goals? Book a free consultation.