Are you hesitant to start weight training because you’re worried you’ll get bulky? I was.

I can recall the first time I was in a weight room. I was a freshman in high school, and our P.E. teacher spent a week with us going over various exercises. The weight room at my high school was small—roughly the size of most apartment complex gyms. Still, we all crammed inside as our teacher taught us how to use the equipment and gave some people the opportunity to attempt the exercises. I wasn’t interested. I associated weight training with bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I didn’t want to get bulky.

I now know that strength training is an art form, and bodybuilding is just one method of strength training. There are many different schools of strength training. Gaining the kind of bulk I was afraid of requires eating and exercising extremely strategically.

There are also many potential benefits of strength training that go beyond physical appearance. These include performing activities of daily life more safely, reducing your risk for cancer, improving your mood, increasing bone mineral density, and improving your posture. 

If you’re not familiar with the art of strength training, it’s ok. There are many qualified fitness professionals that would be happy to set you up on a program that works for you and helps you achieve your goals—whatever they may be. 

Happy strength training, and thanks for reading. I hope you have a safe and healthy week.