A Girl Who Lifts - The Element of Strength

Prepare for one of my longest and hopefully most inspiring posts to this day:
If there's one saying I've learned to live by, it's "do what makes you happy". If you're not happy, then why are you doing it? We all have a passion for something - whether it be surfing, video gaming, or basket weaving - we all have something that makes us happy. So what makes me happy?

Lifting.

When I first started on my fitness track 2 years ago, my routines consisted mainly of hours on the elliptical and lots of HIIT training...until I realized I was not happy. Who could possibly ENJOY running or biking or walking or ellipticalling for endless amounts of time? No body. It is so boring, and as much as it may work for certain people, I am sure there is not a single person on Earth who would admit to enjoying the same cardio work everyday for months.

my mentality before lifting

That's how I discovered training - weight training. As scared as I was to step into the free weights section of my gym, I knew I couldn't stand another minute of the same movement on the elliptical. I was so tired, worn out, and sick of feeling weak. I got into the "big man" section and immediately felt like an amateur, in which case I was, but hey: everyone starts somewhere. Shortly after that, I discovered a sensation known as sore-muscle-syndrome and became addicted to the progress I was seeing in my body. Not only did I realize I had some biceps or some quads, but I also realized the excitement of being able to lift a heavier weight every couple of weeks.    
Previously, I, like many other girls, thought muscles were only for men, and that women are meant to be more lean and small. This is where I was wrong. Who SAYS women can't have muscles? Is there a rule that women can't lift weights and feel strong? No - there surely is not. Because of society's stereotypical standards, girls are afraid to step out of the "norm". Yet, who defines this norm?
I began to research different exercises and proper form (WICKED IMPORTANT), as I picked up some tips from others in the gym, like my friend Rachel who is a personal trainer, and different fitness coaches on social media.

*Quick note about Rachel Rubin, aka my biggest inspiration. This girl is one of the kindest, most humble and genuine human beings that I have come across during my 16 years of life. She's the main reason I ever became comfortable lifting in the gym, as I know she has helped both me and so many others in our community build better lives for themselves. She is honestly the most selfless person I know, with an incredible story, and she is appreciated by multitudes of people I've talked to and worked with. Thanks Rach, for always being so helpful and empowering to everyone, especially myself along my fitness journey. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be writing this right now.

Back to the story - my point here is that I was tired of feeling weak; yeah, the scale was dropping, and my clothes were starting to fit. But I was not happy. My body wasn't thanking me after an hour and a half of cardio; instead, it was failing me. Picking up those weights was one of the most life-changing decisions I have made thus far, as I know strength training is something I plan to continue to do in my future (hence, I am in the midst of studying for my personal training certification).
DO NOT GET ME WRONG - cardio is definitely important in everybody's routines. After all, our hearts are a muscle that need to be worked. It's just that hours of cardio can be not only boring, but also harmful to our bodies. It pains me to see girls who think that surviving off of 1,000 calories a day and burning off every last one on the treadmill is good for them, just because that's what the media (celebrities/models) tells them they should be doing. That's my main motivation for this topic.

Lifting weights as a girl will not make you bulky, manly, or unattractive. I have received criticism, even from some who are close to me, and as hard as it is to take, we must realize that these are OUR bodies and OUR minds - don't let someone else degrade you. As women, we deserve the right to be strong and empowered. I'm sorry if you don't agree with this, as we are all entitled to our own opinions. But muscles are not only for men, ladies. Pick up some dumbbells.

girl power

I changed my life around because I didn't like where I was headed. It hasn't been easy, but I know I have discovered my passion and found my happiness. I am stronger and happier than I have ever felt in my past, and every time I step into the gym my mood is immediately lifted (like my pun?). The gym is my safe place.
In my future, I want to inspire young girls, much like myself, to own their femininity and do what they WANT to do, not what seems right to do by society's standards.

So are you doing what makes you happy? Think about it.
-Lyndsey

For one of my favorite articles ever made on girls who lift, click here.
If you're stuck & unsure of what to add into your fitness routines, or you have any questions or comments about this topic, PLEASE feel free to get in touch with me via one of the social media links to the right. I check my email daily (lyndseycclos@gmail.com) and I absolutely love talking to people about these things!
Stay tuned for a future post on strength-training routines!