Curious if strength training is right for you? This post is all about plus size weight training and how to start
Strength training, weight training, and lifting weights are amazing, low-impact ways to get stronger. When you think of a weight room, you probably imagine a bunch of sweaty gym bros, right? Well today you’re going to gain a whole new perspective on plus size strength training!
In this post, I’m going to share signs that you might be ready to integrating weightlifting into your movement routine. Heck, maybe this will be the start of your movement routine! This post is super beginner-friendly, so if you have no idea what strength training is all about, this is for you.
After reading, you’ll know if plus size strength training is right for you and have all the steps to get started. PS I’m not a doctor or trainer or anything certified, just a fat babe who healed her relationship with movement! You can learn more about that here in my ebook, Weightless: How to Lose the Guilt and Heal Your Relationship with Movement.
Big Signs You’re Ready for Plus Size Weight Training
You’ve lost interest in cardio
If you’re bored of the monotomy of cardio workouts, you need something to engage your brain, not just your body. Strength training for plus size babes is great because it requires A LOT of concentration and thought. You have to be aware of your body, how you’re engaging your muscles, and keeping good form.
If you’re worried strength training won’t give you the same benefits as cardio, read this article! Weight training actually is better for your overall health than cardio. Mind-blowing stuff!
You’re experiencing poor balance and/or mobility
People in ALL sizes have challenges with balance and mobility, at some point. Being plus size doesn’t mean you are doomed to be klutzy forever. Balance is something you can work on! There are muscles in your body (mostly in your core) that are in charge of stability and balance. After 2 months of strength training, I couldn’t believe how my balance improved.
Mobility can be baked into a lot of movement, but overall weight training helps strengthen the muscles that help us with our every activities. Lifting, bending, carrying…these are all things we do, every day. Plus size weight training helps us strengthen these everyday muscles and makes these movements easier.
[Related Post: Why I Hired a Plus Size Personal Trainer]
Most workouts are super triggering for you
It is really hard to escape the toxic fitness culture at most gyms and classes. Even walking on a treadmill can trigger negative body thoughts or creeping weight loss desires. Thanks for nothing, inaccurate treadmill calorie counter!! But you deserve a movement space that focuses on the right things: trying your best and listening to your body, improvements that aren’t weight loss.
Plus size weight training is one of my fave recommended workouts for plus size beginners because we are already good at it! Our muscles HAVE to be stronger because we are heavier. So many fat folks are naturally stronger in some areas. Weight training is also super individual and you’re only competing against yourself. The best part? No calories to count or time requirements.
You want to feel badass & confident
I promise NOTHING will make you feel more badass than lifting a barbell over your head. Feeling my streng. When I strength train, I’m more confident in bed! I’m more confident when faced with new athletic activities. And I love to post selfies and videos of lifting because it is, as I said, badass. Your inner badass is waiting to be freed!
[Related Post: 5 Best At-Home Programs for Plus Size Fitness Motivation]
How to start strength training for plus size babes
My biggest recommendation for anyone starting weight training for the first time is to hire a trainer. I promise personal trainers are not just for athletes and celebrities!
Working with a certified trainer (hopefully a body posi one!) is the key to making sure you are moving your body safely and in good form. If you don’t nail down the basics, you can end up injuring yourself or causing other problems. Booking 1-2 sessions is a great way to receive one-on-one attention and make sure you’re doing everything correctly.
Once you know the basics, you have so many options! You can continue working with a personal trainer or join a lifting class. Most gyms have weight machines which are beginner-friendly. You can also try something strength related like kettlebell or pilates.
This post was all about knowing if plus size weight training is right for you
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You deserve a healthy relationship with movement.
In this 25-page ebook, I share my personal journey in healing my relationship with movement and provide the tools for you to do the same. Through personal anecdotes, graphics, and journal prompts, you’ll explore your history with movement and forge a new path forward.
Diet and weight loss culture took movement from you. Now it’s time to take it back.
