Are you afraid of building “bulk”?
The rate at which people can muscle varies, largely dependant on genetics, diet and supplementation. Following a consistent training and sleep routine, combined with a balanced diet, males will gain muscle at approximately twice the rate of females.
There is a common misconception that lifting weights will make you appear “bulky”. Lifting weights will build muscle strength and mass, however this does not create bulk. A combination of muscle mass and excess body fat may create a “bulky” appearance. This generally requires years of specific training, high-calorie consumption and supplementation.
Strength training and building muscle mass actually works to boost your metabolism (the rate at which you burn energy between workouts) which can have a leaning and toning effect on the body. Following a consistent strength training routine, combined with Pilates and a balanced diet will support lean muscle growth, while lengthening and aligning your body to achieve a strong, toned physique.
Beyond the physical benefits, lifting weights requires a repetition, concentration and focus, all of which overtime contribute to a greater sense of body awareness (feeling the muscles contract and strengthen) and empowerment (discovering the mind–body–breath connection). Concentrating and controlling your breath, in conjunction with your movements, helps to stabilise your nervous system, which can have long-term benefits on your emotional wellbeing and stress management.
“Research from the last few years suggests that active muscle cells can send signals back to the brain, through the blood-brain barrier—in the form of proteins, in fact— that indicate they are working and may induce the creation of new neurons and new memories.” – Well + Good
Strengthening your muscles and bones goes beyond your time on the mat or in the gym, you will start to perform functional movements with ease, developing a sense of achievement and empowerment. Day to day functions which may have felt challenging or impossible start to feel more achievable.
In summary, lifting weights is not the sole cause of “bulking.” This requires specific training in conjunction with a specific diet and sometimes supplementation. Following a consistent strength routine will help to build your muscle mass and strengthen your muscles and bones, which has proven to boost your metabolism and tone your muscles. However, the benefits of strength training reach beyond the physcial benefits.
The Fluidform at Home Strength program provides a comprehensive series of 20-minute Strength workouts, targeting your upper, lower and total body for a safe and effective at-home Strength workout. You will build the functional foundations to move, lift, rotate, pull and push, while building muscle mass and strength. Search Strength workouts or follow a Strength challenge, based on a balanced program of Pilates and Strength.
