Ladies Who Lift
July 8, 2019
Have you considered incorporating weight training into your workout routine? Maybe you’ve approached a weight machine, but are unsure how to use it? Perhaps you’re nervous about how lifting weights could change your body?
We sat down with two of our female trainers who are passionate about weight training to bust some weightlifting myths and give you the confidence you need to incorporate lifting weights into your workout routine.
Chelsea Piers Fitness: What is your favorite part about weight training?
Tabitha Martinez-Reyes: I love the way it makes me feel - empowered, strong and lean. It’s my safe haven. When I’m stressed, I come here and lift and it just makes everything better.
Keisha Villarson: Weight training equipped me with confidence inside and outside of the gym. Being broken down and rebuilding a stronger version of yourself really shows you how capable you are.
Chelsea Piers Fitness: Are there are benefits that you think women specifically would be interested in learning about weight training?
Tabitha Martinez-Reyes: It targets fat loss. The more muscle you gain, the more body fat you’re burning.
Keisha Villarson: The more muscle you build, the faster your metabolism works. This results in gaining lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat. It’s also been found that weight training builds bone density- something crucial for women as they age.
Chelsea Piers Fitness: Do you think there are any stigmas associated with women who lift weights? And what can we do to change those stigmas?
Tabitha Martinez-Reyes: Women who lift weights are looked at as masculine, too broad, too big, etc. It’s important to understand that you’re not going to look bulky or like a body builder unless you start taking supplements and completely change your fitness routine. You have to see how your body reacts. If you haven’t tried it, try it!
Keisha Villarson: The stigma associated with women who lift weights is that women who weight train will look manly, and that is far from true. You can tone and build curves naturally through weight training!
Chelsea Piers Fitness: Some advice you’d give to someone who is new to weight training?
Tabitha Martinez-Reyes: You should never be intimidated – there’s always help. We have personal training, group fitness, clubs…and we always have floor trainers staffed. If you’re ever not sure of what to do with a machine or for a certain exercise, go to the fitness desk and ask for a floor trainer. It’s completely free – we’re here to help!
Keisha Villarson: A piece of advice I want to give to someone who is new to weight training is to be informed on proper form and techniques. That can be accomplished through working with a personal trainer. Also, to start with a weight that feels challenging but also very doable.
The good news is – you don’t have to lift alone! At Chelsea Piers Fitness, we have plenty of Group Fitness classes with a focus on weight training. Strength3D is a great class to dip your toe into the world of weight training. If you’re looking to get more one-on-one instruction, meet Tabitha every Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning in Chelsea for Barbell Club. The best way to get started with incorporating weight training into your fitness routine is through Personal Training. Learn more on our website or chat with someone at the Fitness Desk for more information!