I hate the elliptical. Literally hate it. The StairMaster is better than the stinking elliptical.

She said what?

Oh yeah, gal. I went there. Can’t tell you how many texts from my clients I’ve gotten expressing their loathing of the StairMaster.

To which I metaphorically stroke their hair & tell them it will be okay and that the StairMaster is now our friend.

BUT BACK TO THE ELLIPTICAL.

Rarely do I get on the elliptical simply because I feel like I’m about to be shot off the back of it because I tend to get overly zealous and my leg start spinning faster than they should.

So, here's what is not being said about cardio for weight loss. Crazy intense cardio will not sculpt your body. While traditional cardio does have its place and is great for heart health, it won’t actually ‘sculpt’ your body.

Traditional cardio can be tough. Running on a treadmill, elliptical, and other machines.

However, body transformations happen when you are shoving around some iron. Weight lifting! Which, can sometimes be turned into cardio of its own! But that’s another post…

Back to weight training for weight loss….

The success stories page of Refined By Iron is full of gals that follow this exact formula which you can check out here! Below is a sampling of a gal's progress in just 8 weeks. 

WEIGHTS CAN QUITE LITERALLY SCULPT YOUR BODY

When used properly, weights can sculpt your body and muscles in a way that doing strictly cardio never could.

Think about it this way with me…

If you’re wanting to sculpt your back and make your back stronger with more pronounced muscles, would you go for a run and expect to get back muscles?

Of course not!

There is obviously a time and place for traditional cardio and it is important to your workout routine. However, when I am training gals that are looking to finally reach their fitness goals, I make the workouts are concise, and they involve moving weight around, all while getting your heart rate up.

IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME, HOW ABOUT A COUPLE OF STORIES FROM 2 OF MY REAL LIFE CLIENTS?

CLIENT ONE- DARRA

There’s a client that I work with that had a lot of weight she wanted to lose. Her name is Darra and she never went on a crazy diet and we incorporated weights into her training right away.Her results were pretty much immediate. She started losing weight quickly and she immediately saw a difference in her body as well as her energy and how her clothing fit. In 9 months, she’s been able to lose 30 pounds, 9 inches, and went from a size xxl shirt to a size medium, and gained confidence she never knew she had.

CLIENT #2 IDA –

Ida came to me having had a bad experience with a personal trainer before and was a bit nervous about diving in, but she knew she wanted results.

She’d started the process but knew she wanted guidance and accountability and a customized program.

So here we went. Over the past few months, she has showed up, she’s put in the work, but above all, she’s had a great attitude along the way.

HERE’S WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY:

“When I started my weight loss journey, I was determined to succeed, but life and bad experiences with personal trainers chipped away at that excitement to succeed until I met Amber. With her guidance, positive attitude, and drive, I have pushed myself out of that funk, and now I can proudly say I can fit into a shirt that is a small!”

Ida

FINAL EXAMPLE-

Vicki, who has been using the instantly available programs has been working the plan for just over a month and has lost 3 pounds and lost over three inches in her legs, over three inches in her waist, and over an inch in her arms!

She forgot to take a picture that could be shared publicly, but she’s making awesome progress!

WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?

Because weight training works and with the proper plan you will get results. 

LET’S TALK ABOUT SOME WEIGHT TRAINING MYTHS

“LIFTING WEIGHTS WILL MAKE ME BULKY”

Ah yes. The ever popular “weights will make me bulky argument”.

Here’s the deal, my gal. Lifting weights will not make you bulk unless you are PURPOSEFULLY going for that look. It’s really that simple. Remember what I said about traditional cardio and building back muscles?

Exactly.

Just cardio will help you drop pounds, but it will not tighten things up like weight training.

If you’re wanting to lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. If you want to sculpt your body to look healthy and fit- lift weights. Make ‘em heavy weights while you’re at it.

“WEIGHT LIFTING WILL MAKE ME LESS FLEXIBLE”

This one I can sort of see why this has stuck in the normal realm of thinking, but it’s not true. So, let’s walk through this.

When you lift weights, the weights are making your muscles contract which makes them shorter, right? Yep.

Does that mean that the shorter muscle causes inflexibility? Not unless you allow it.

Working on your flexibility while you’re weight training is just as important as working on your flexibility while you’re doing other workout regimens.

17 Stretches to Improve Flexibility Blog Post here!

You should always have a cool down and a stretch session at the end of your workout. Stretch those muscles back out and your flexibility will be fine.

“WOMEN SHOULD NEVER LIFT HEAVY”

Okay, what?

Who started this one? Because they need to be smacked across the head.

Girl, don’t listen to anybody telling you that you shouldn’t lift heavy. Work your way up and lift as heavy as you want to!

If you want to work your way up to a body weight deadlift, do it! How about a killer back squat weight? GO FOR IT!

Be smart about it, but mama, never be afraid to lift heavy. Make yourself proud.

LET’S TALK ABOUT LIGHTER WEIGHTS.

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with lighter weights. Lighter weights can be used to help build muscle endurance because you’re able to do more reps.

To build muscle, lift heavier!

Improper use of weights, however can get you a lovely trip to the emergency room

Let’s talk really fast about proper use of weights. If you’re not used to using weights, do not just go to the gym and start throwing around some weights.

You’ve seen those viral videos haven’t you? I know you have. Those viral videos of people doing crazy things on weight machines or trying to lift crazy amounts of weight?

OF COURSE YOU HAVE.

Don’t be one of those videos. If you are unsure of how to use a machine, ask the staff! Don’t be afraid. Be MORE afraid of possibly hurting yourself if you didn’t ask.

If you’re brand new to weight training, stick with lighter weights until you have mastered form and work your way up!

Seriously, though, ask for help if you need it!

CONVINCED YET?

Here’s the deal…

When it has been drilled into your brain for years and years that traditional cardio is how you lose weight, it can be really hard to think otherwise.

I promise I completely understand.

Like I said, traditional cardio has its time and place, but if you’re looking to transform your body, you won’t get it done on the elliptical. It can give you a decent workout, but real body transformation won’t come from it.

Having a plan, working your plan, and being focused on it. Because, believe me, I get it..

We’re women and life in general can sometimes get in the way, right? Uh, yeah! Absolutely.

Have your plan from a professional (I’ll give you a hint, I am a professional and you can find the proof here 🙂 ), email me here if you want to see if I have room to take on more personal clients, THEN work your plan by staying focused.

Bottom line? Stick with me, my gal and I will do my absolute best to take the guesswork out of your weight loss and muscle sculpting journey.