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How Can I Get Toned?

I often get asked by women, “What can I do to be toned like you?” or, “How can I get my arms/legs to like yours?” I usually give them the short answer: something like, “Lift heavy weights and eat healthy”… because I’m afraid that the real answer would scare them away....

 In reality, it’s been more than 10 years of working my butt off in the gym, day in and day out, consistently, rarely skipping a workout, even when I don’t feel like going to the gym. It’s been years of lifting HEAVY weights-weights so heavy that I get sick to my stomach thinking about how hard it's going to be…. so heavy that I have to have complete focus, psych myself up and envision myself lifting it….so heavy that I have to grunt and strain and make ugly faces to get the weight to move…. so heavy that I think I’m not going to get the last 2 reps but I give it all I’ve got and somehow manage to squeeze them out….so heavy that I can barely lift my arm up after my workout to drink my protein shake.

 And THAT'S how I got toned.

Comments

  1. Thank you for the 10-year reminder! I've been following a powerlifting program for 10 months and need to keep your timeline in mind every time I get a bit antsy about my progress. It's so easy to forget that huge muscles take time!

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    Replies
    1. I know, it can be frustrating! Just remember to have fun with your training and enjoy the journey :)

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  2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!

    even more-- I love that during the process of giving it your all..besides the after effect of looking stronger..you actually become STRONGER not only physically..but mentally. That feeling of self belief and knowing you can do ANYTHING is the best feeling in the world.

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    Replies
    1. Yup! You're exactly right! I LOVE that feeling.

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  3. This is so true- it takes time to get that physique. I've been lifting heavy for about a year and a half and eating like a machine (clean foods still) and it def takes time to build muscle. I always tell girls who say they just want to tone that their must be something there to tone- so lift heavy!!

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    Replies
    1. Exactly! It is hard work, that's for sure. Everyone wants to "tone and shape" muscles that aren't even there yet!

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  4. Amazing post. :) Definitely sharing this. I love how you're keepin' it real!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Brittany! I just want women to know that I didn't get my "toned" muscle from lifting 5lb weights!

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