After three solid attempts loading my thoughts on this topic, IG gave me the hint that it was a matter to take to the blog.
So let’s smash some bullshit myths out there.
#1: Muscle weighs more than fat. WRONG, 1 pound is 1 pound. The difference in 1 pound of fat vs one pound of muscle is the shape it takes on our bodies. If you don’t believe me measure one pound of chicken and one pound of apples, they will weight the same but look very different.
#2: Fat turns to muscle. No, no it doesn’t. Through training and the loss of fat, you may start to notice your muscle mass, but there is no way to magically turn your fat to muscle.
#3: Muscle Toning. There is no such thing as “toning” your either building muscle or decreasing fat. You look more defined because you are losing the body fat covering your muscles. But let’s not forget we have to weight train to build muscles.
#4: Lifting weights will make you bulky. Wrong and right. Your training style and nutrition will determine the look your after. If you want to look like a bodybuilder you’re going to need to train like one. If you want to be fit and less defined you can carry a higher body fat percentage. Some athletes yes are blessed with genes that allow them to carry a natural physic of being lean while choosing a method that wouldn’t otherwise make them look so shredded.
Why would you want to lift weights? Well, have you considered how your body will look if you decrease your body fat but don’t have muscle holding your skin up? Your bones will hold your skin up. Also if you’re working towards looking fit you have to have muscle shape under your skin when that body fat goes away. Doing hours and hours of cardio will not build your muscles you need to add weight training into your programs.
The best part about having muscles, you get to eat more food! Having a healthy muscle mass combined with a healthy body fat percentage will allow you to eat more calories! Building muscle requires more calories! This is why it’s equally important for you to be eating a good amount of protein if your working at decreasing body fat and building muscle!
But in the end, no, lifting weights doesn’t automatically make you bulky.