Female Lifters - Burying the Bulky Myth
LIFTING HEAVY WILL MAKE YOU BULKY
-MYTH— Testosterone: Women lack the proper amount of testosterone, which is a hormone that separates man from woman. Testosterone is one of the hormones responsible for anabolism (constructive metabolism; the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances from simpler ones) in the body. It is testosterone that is responsible for masculine traits such as excess hair (especially facial), deepening of voice, and the increasing of muscle mass). Yes, females produce testosterone, as it is needed for body function and hormonal balance; however, women have much lower levels of it in their blood stream. A typical female’s testosterone level (in the bloodstream) ranges from 0.7-3.6 pg/dl (picograms per deciliter), as opposed to a man’s level which ranges from 0.95-4.3. pg/dl. Since the female body lacks abundant amounts of testosterone, the muscle will not gain a large amount of mass, but it will still develop. The muscle becomes visible when the surrounding fat is burned.
— Strength: HEAVY WEIGHTS LEAD TO STRENGTH. NOT SIZE. Muscle size is often the main aspect that comes to mind when people asses strength; but in reality, there are many other factors that contain much more importance when determining strength. One of the most critical aspects of muscular power is the central nervous system (which is responsible for transmitting impulses to the muscles). The heavier one trains, the greater the central nervous system response; due to the fact that the stress places on the central nervous system is directly proportional to the amount one is attempting to lift.
— Supplements: The bulky females you see on the cover of body building magazines are pumped full of supplements. They are adding in the factors that separate man from woman, thus giving themselves manlike characteristics.
— Calories: The act of bulking is calorie dependant. In order to bulk, calories in need to exceed calories out. As long as anyone is eating less than they burning, there is no way they can bulk.
“And, according to Zatsiorsky and Kreamer in Science and Practice of Strength Training, women need to train with heavy weights not only to strengthen the muscles but also to cause positive adaptations in the bones and connective tissues.” – elitefts
So, please. If you’re going to ask a woman why they lift heavy and plan to follow that with “you’re going to get bulky,” please think it out before you open your mouth. It’ll save her from wanting to rip your head off, and it will save you from looking like a dumbass.
And females, if you’re afraid of lifting heavy for the fear of getting bulky, here is your proof that you will not bulk.
Sources:
http://www.elitefts.com
http://www.bodybuilding.com
http://www.livestrong.com
fitnessget strongthis is why I need to join a gym
3 months ago
57 notes
