Does Training Hard Make Women Bulky, Manly, or Gross?

Having coached countless women over the years, one of the hardest things to do is to dispell the myth that hard training, intense training, or heavy training will make them less femine, bulky, or manly. In actuality hard training will make for a strong, healthy, and beautiful physique; one capable of living a longer and more vibrant life and accomplishing many more things during that life.

Now, I'll admit, I may be a little biased. One only has to look at my beautiful bride, Melissa, to see how being strong and fit makes for a gorgeous woman. And, a woman that is strong, not only in body, but also in mind and spirit. Melissa's hard training has helped her to not only improve her body and her fitness levels, it's also improved her overall health, her confidence, her wellbeing, and it's helped her through all aspects of life including her career, being a wonderful aunt, her singing, etc.

However, the old myth is so strongly planted in many women's mind that getting them under a squat bar, or picking up a heavy kettlebell, or going a couple of rounds on the heavy bag can be next to impossible. Many women are afraid that having a little muscle will take them out of their "skinny jeans," and not allow them to reach a size zero. Personally, I don't see being above a size zero as a bad thing, nicely toned athletic and functional muscle looks much better than a leg that has a knee bigger than it's thigh, or a chest that's all ribs.

Which brings me up to the point of this tip. I can talk all day long about the benefits of an athletic and muscular body, but I'd rather show some examples of women that, I believe, really epitomize femine strength and beauty. These women come from backgrounds that include Martial Arts, Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, Strongman styled training. They all train hard and have used that training to forge not only increibly beautiful bodies, but also strong character, integrity, and more. Each of these women, I believe, is a great role model for others. But, I'm going to turn this over to you readers now to let you decide for yourself if they're too manly and bulky. Remember, some of these women have reached world champion status in MMA, and kickboxing. Others are snatching and clean and jerking tons of weight. While others are squatting and deadlifting 400, 500 pounds or more.

Cara Heads--Olympic Lifting Champion

Cynthia Rothrock--World Champion Martial Artist, Action Star, Martial Arts Legend

Jessica Scofield--Powerlifter, Holder of the Largest Deadlift in North American History lifting 530 lbs at 165lbs

Kathy Long--World Kickboxing Champion, MMA Champion, Action Star, Martial Arts Legend

Mandy Stafford--Powerlifter, Trainer

Jean Fry--Powerlifter, Westside Barbell Representative

Gina Carano--Muay Thai Champion, MMA Champion, American Gladiator, Action Star

Ronda Rousay--Olympic Bronze Medalist in Judo, MMA Champion

Zuzana Light--Fitness Model, Trainer

As you can see; each of the above ladies poses a strong, powerful, and athletic body. Yet, I'd say, none of them are bulky, manly, or ugly. In fact, I'd personally say that each one is absoultely gorgeous.

So, my point in all of this: Ladies, don't be afraid of heavy training. Don't be afraid of intense training. Don't be afraid of hard training. Drop the little pink Barbie-doll dumbells and start training for real. You'll not only burn body fat, but you'll add healthy, funtional muscle. You'll increase your athleticsim, you'll increase your health, you'll feel better, and you'll look amazing. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you'll see all areas of your life improve. 

That's it for now. If you train today, train hard and smart and I'll talk with you all later. Feel free to leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.

Yours in strength and health,

Brett

P.S. I'd like to thank all the above ladies for allowing me to use their images and talking about this in this post.