Let's Talk Lifting

Morning and happy Friday, my lovely friends.

Today, I'm doing things a lil different and talking about lifting. Summer is here and everyone wants to look their best, so we're watching our diets and adding in that extra cardio class or run. But, what I find most women don't know is that lifting is JUST as beneficial, if not more to getting that svelte, seksi body. So, I thought I'd share five of my favorite lifting exercises, to help y'all achieve your best body possible. I'm not a trainer by any means, but have found these exercises have really made a difference for me. I've included links for form cues, but if you have any questions, feel free to email me.

***PSA: LIFTING WEIGHTS WILL NOT MAKE YOU BULK UP LIKE A BODY BUILDER! Nothing makes me more ragey [besidesconstantnegativity] than women neglecting weights because they don't want to look like a dude! LADIES, I'm a former college athlete and I've been a gym regular since I graduated and have NEVER been seen as big or bulky [muchtomydissapointment]. Unless you are consistently moving MASSIVE weight, you will not look like a dude! So, get your butt lifting!!!*** 

1] Pullups: Hands down one of the best full body exercises out there [minus the burpee]. There are different styles of pull-ups and I find the classic or close grip works the best for me. Since incorporating them 2x a week I've seen a drastic change in strength and can now do three sets of eight, no assistance. I'm hoping to get to five soon.

[source]

Assisted pull-ups: These are a great place to start, if you can't quite get pull-ups. Obviously, you'll need a machine and if you aren't sure how to use the assisted pull-up machine, just ask someone. You'll get stronger faster than you think, I promise.

[source]

2] Squats: Wanna get a tight @$$ for those tiny bikini bottoms?!? Start squatting ladies. I'd gotten away from squats for awhile, but am so glad I'm back on the bandwagon. I'm now in the plate club and can actually see the change in my pants. Don't just take my word for it, here are more reasons squats are awesome!

[source]

Without weights: If you don't want to use a bar, don't have access to a gym or are worried about hurting yourself, just do body weight squats.

[source]

If you want more of a challenge, but don't want to use weights, try squat jumps.


3] Good Mornings: After working you quads, you need to make sure you're also strengthening your hamstrings. You can do RDLs too, but I prefer Good Mornings. This exercise works best with a bar of any weight, but be careful not to go too heavy.

[source]

4] Triceps Extension: Triceps are the sexiest part of an arm in my opinion. I've always worked them the most and love all triceps exercises. You can do extensions standing or seated, just make sure you aren't arching your back in either exercise.

[source]

Bench Variation.

[source]

5] Chest Fly Cable: While chest exercises don't add in the bubbie department [drat], working your pecs help with definition and lift. I know cables look intimidating, but once you try them [correctly] I'd bet money you'll be hooked.

[source]

Dumbbell variation if you don't have a machine. You can also just use a bench instead of a ball. I like to change it up with a ball to work my core at the same time.

[source]

Favorite Video of the Week: This guy is amazing, it's incredible what our bodies can do. If you can't watch the whole thing, you HAVE to check out the 1:17 minute mark. Your mind will be BLOWN!


Have a wonderful weekend ladies! WOOP WOOP, FRIDAY DANCE!

*linking up here again & with this awesome lady!*