“Will strength training make me look bulky?”

Last week inside Metabolism Makeover, someone asked me if doing certain exercises will make them bulky…

The short answer: No - it’s absolutely possible to build lean muscle mass without getting bulky.

The better answer: Why does that matter? Adding bulk in the form of muscle mass shouldn’t be something women are afraid of.

In fact, focusing on what our bodies do for us instead of how they look helps create a better relationship with exercise and meaningful movement.

I often say I’d rather be strong than light, and I truly mean this.

Those legs - yes, they’re covered in scars, they’ve got wacky tan lines, but I train them to be strong so they can carry my body up mountains. Literally.

Do I have a six-pack? Nope, but having a six-pack or a lean stomach isn’t my goal. Having a strong core to stabilize my body on my mountain bike and my skis is a goal though!

Is it inconvenient to have larger breasts as an active person? Absolutely, but those breasts literally would have provided life and nourishment to children had I wanted them, and for that, I am grateful. For the longest time, I wanted a breast reduction. That changed this year though when I truly started to accept my body just the way it is.

I am grateful for this strong, resilient body every single day - and I can’t wait to see what it allows me to do in the future.

So the next time you’re worried about how a certain exercise will make your body look, reframe that thought to, “How will this exercise make my body stronger? What will this exercise help my body do better?”

Need help figuring out how to fuel your workouts and activities so you can get the most out of them? That’s exactly what Makayla Meixner (Vail-based sports dietitian) and I will teach you inside Own It Nutrition Academy! Click here to learn more!