Will lifting weights make me bulky?

This has the potential to be the shortest blog post in the history of short blog posts.

We’d answer, NO, and then move on to the next topic, but then that wouldn’t help you very much!

However, the answer isn’t quite that simple.

Lifting weights is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness, and many people wonder if it will make them bulky.

The short answer is that it depends on several factors, including your genetics, your diet, and the type of weightlifting you are doing.

First, let’s talk about genetics.

Some people are naturally more muscular than others, and this is largely determined by genetics.

If you have a family history of muscularity, you may be more likely to bulk up when lifting weights.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t lift weights and still achieve your fitness goals – it just means that you may need to be more careful about how you train and what you eat.

Next, let’s talk about diet.

Building muscle requires an adequate supply of protein, so if you’re not eating enough protein, you won’t be able to build much muscle, no matter how much weight you lift.

On the other hand, if you’re eating a lot of protein but not lifting weights, you may end up gaining weight in the form of fat, not muscle.

So, if you want to build muscle, you need to make sure you’re eating enough protein, but not so much that you’re gaining unwanted fat.

What will lifting weights help me with?

Increased physical independence –

as we age, we become weaker and less able to look after ourselves on our own. Being stronger helps us perform simple tasks like getting off the sofa or out of the car much easier.

Burning fat –

Lifting weights provides your metabolism with a boost. This boost helps build lean muscle. Lean muscle requires more energy. A kilo of muscle burns about 20-40 calories a day while a kilo of fat burns 10 calories. Developing your muscle tissue is going to see you burn more calories daily.

Maintaining bone density –

as we age, our bones weaken by around 1% per year after we hit 40. As bones weaken, they become more susceptible to cracking, fracturing or breaking. Lifting weights can help to maintain bone density, and in some cases can even see bone density increase, so incorporating resistance training can be crucial as we age.

Boost self-confidence –

I’ve rarely met someone who didn’t feel more confident as a result of feeling physically stronger

Finally, let’s talk about the type of weightlifting you’re doing.

If you’re doing high-intensity, low-rep exercises, you’re more likely to bulk up than if you’re doing low-intensity, high-rep exercises.

This is because high-intensity exercises are more effective at building muscle, but they also have a higher risk of injury.

So, if you’re trying to avoid bulking up, you may want to stick with low-intensity exercises and focus on increasing the number of reps you do, rather than the amount of weight you lift.

In conclusion, lifting weights can make you bulky, but only if you’re genetically predisposed to it, you’re eating too much protein, and you’re doing high-intensity, low-rep exercises.

By being mindful of these factors, you can lift weights and still achieve your fitness goals without bulking up.

How do I start lifting weights?

Find a coach who can help you develop a healthy, safe relationship with resistance training.

One who’ll sit down with you first, find out what you want to achieve, and help you construct a plan to get there.

We always start a conversation like this. To arrange your free 30min No Sweat Consultation, click here