Scared of the bulk?

The one thing that puts most women off lifting weights is fear. Fear of getting bulky.  So many ladies think that if they lift anything heavier than a 5lb dumbbell they’ll end up looking like this…

Those that have been reading my blog long enough will know I’ve dispelled this myth on numerous occasions and today, I have my own photographic proof that this just isn’t going to happen without chemical intervention.

I remember, back to March 2010. Just before I started to train seriously for my half marathon, I was training at home and after I’d finished, I got my mini JAG to take a picture for me.  I’d just finished training my upper body and I wanted to see how I looked when I was pumped from training.  The picture was took and it became one of my favourite ever photos of myself…

Over the next 4 months I was training for my half marathon so my lower body training was changed to lifting lighter weights with less intensity as the DOMS was interfering with my running.  However, my upper body regime remained exactly the same.

Once the half marathon was over, my exercise regime returned to what it was – heavy lifting, no cardio – the way I prefer it.  I seriously got back into my training in January of this year.  When I say seriously, I mean training consistently and lifting progressively heavier weights.

Tuesday, I took a new picture, in pretty much the same stance as my prior picture from March last year…

And here they are side by side…

Definite improvement for sure but upon checking back over my measurements from last year, my bicep is only 1/2cm bigger than it was back in March.  Hardly “bulky” is it?

Over those 18 months, I’ve been lifting heavily, eating a surplus of calories for a good chunk of that time and I’ve still not morphed into  a female version of Arnie!

Don’t let the fear or worry of getting big and bulky put you off lifting weights. I can promise you it’s not going to happen.  Take it from me – the woman that only 2 days ago pulled a 105kg deadlift :-)

Fitness Star Splendid in Comeback

Amanda Swallow was a highly popular face on physique sites and a nationally ranked fitness competitor when she slipped away from the scene about five years ago. Now that she’s back as Amanda Hatfield, enthusiastic fans are in the midst of the rousing comeback they’d long been hoping for; meanwhile, the fitness division reclaims one of its most athletic and beautiful talents of the past several years.

She’s Baaaack!: Amazing Amanda Hatfield shines in her return to fitness.

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for the tireless 40-year-old gymnastics and cheerleading coach to begin making up for lost time, securing first place at the NPC Julie Palmer Ultimate Showdown this past June in Toledo, Ohio and qualifying to compete in Fitness Nationals at Team Universe. Amanda looked great and performed a well in New Jersey, but missed a jump and a press hold in an otherwise very entertaining, well-choreographed routine that was still good enough to claim fifth in the short class.
Next on Amanda’s comeback trail came the recent North Americans—where her new shoot takes place—and there she delivered a crisp, clean routine en route to a short class win. Known for dazzling strength moves and expert gymnastics skills, Amanda was at her best in Cleveland. Tall class and overall winner Danielle Ruban was the only competitor who stood between her and a pro card, on a night that not only cemented Amanda’s comeback, but restored her status as one of the division’s top contenders.
You can stop dreaming because it‘s finally true. Our amazing Mandy is back in the flesh and some might say she’s better than ever. Stay tuned, there’s plenty more of her to come.

Erica Davidson Lady Fitness Model

Erica Nicole Davidson was born on June 26th, 1983.
She was a fitness competitor, but moved to figure competitions.
You know it's kinda embarrassing what with me writing this blog, but I didn't realized there was a difference between Fitness competitions and Figure competitions. However, Fitness, and Figure, are two distinct forms of competition.
Anyway, the lovely Erica is also a personal fitness trainer.

She placed 2nd at the 2002 Contra Costa Fitness competition, 3rd at the 2002 California State Fitness Championships, she got a first place win at the 2003 Contra Costa Fitness competition and 2nd place at the Figure competition, she placed 7th at the 2004 Fitness Nationals.

Jung Dayeon-video Fitness

The woman who kick-started the "momjjang" (hot body) fad in Korea, Jung Da-yeon.
This young lady transformed herself through exercise, and is known as an expert on physical training and exercise now.
She has released a popular fitness book, a DVD called "Momjjang Diet" and even been in a K-drama (in Korea) called "Aquarius".
Jung played a fitness instructor.

And here are some clips from her TV show FIGUREROBICS from YouTube:

Jennifer Nicole Lee Fitness Model

The beautiful Jennifer Nicole Lee is a Fitness Expert, Lifestyle Consultant, Fitness Model, devoted wife and mother.
She is drop dead gorgeous.
And she is also an inspiration.
To improve her physical and mental health and become more active with her children, Jennifer began a fitness program and nutrition program and lost 70 pounds.
Her goal was to lose weight and enter a bikini contest.
Jennifer surpassed her goal and one year later was crowned Miss Bikini America 2005!
She's appeared on Oprah, Inside Edition and E! featured her as one of the "Top 20 hottest women of the web".