I enjoy lifting weights very much. There is something about building muscle and getting stronger that speaks strongly to me. I like working out side by side with guys, often doing the same exercise. I like proving to myself that women can lift weights seriously. And I'm always encouraging women to get strong. It's daunting to most women though: the myth of "bulking up" due to lifting heavy weights is deeply rooted and most women shy away from real weight lifting. This
article presents a very well-rounded and interesting discussion of the topic.
Though, understandably, many women balk at the idea of lifting heavy weights, one's own body is a heavy weight and at the very least, I think, a woman should be able to move it. You don't need expensive equipment or lots of time if you're going to be building strength using only your body. And so this has been a huge focus of mine ever since I started getting into shape. My fitness goals and routines have always included body weight exercises and I feel truly strong when I'm able to do movements that require only my body like push-ups, planks and chin-ups. In fact, last year's fitness goals included being able to do 10 regular push-ups. I can do that and more now (my maximum was 26 in a row). I can hold a plank for 2 minutes. And finally, I'm so happy to report, I can do a chin-up. The other day I did three in a row. It's still pretty challenging to do these type of body movement strength exercise and so I will keep on working at it. That's the great thing about body weight exercise: you will always remain challenged. There are thousands of different ways to move just your body that would present a challenge to you. Has a regular plank gotten too easy? Lift one foot or one arm. Push-up are a breeze? Clap in between each one. Can you do chin-ups in your sleep? Grip a sack of onions between your legs and try it now?
My point is that I need to be able to move
my body easily. Yes, I can move heavy metal weights at they gym but to me, that doesn't represent the total strength picture. Strength to me is power, that is, strength in motion (NROLFW incorporates power moves with exercises such as the
push-press and
one-armed dumbbell snatch), agility and acute control of the body.
For women who are hesitant about lifting weight, I say that it's more than enough to build strength through moving one's own body. It's what
BodyRockTV is about. It's what power yoga is about. It's what pilates is about. It's what most martial arts are about. Being strong physically is something that's often frowned upon in women. What is encouraged (in the west at least) is that women be frail and dainty and always in need of help. But strength gives longevity and health. Mentally, it can only build you up if you know that you are capable. Really capable.
Why not be capable? Why not be powerful? Why not be strong?
