Too Bulky
By Gus
Will lifting weights make me bulky?
If you want to get bulky, you’re going to need a lot of lifting. Set aside the programming (which movements for how many sets and reps) discussion but there’s no escaping the intensity needed to achieve a bodybuilder’s aesthetic.
If you do not want to get bulky, you will be able to lower the intensity of your lifting well before you get too bulky. Your body deserves all the other benefits from strength training well before you get to that point.
- Improved metabolism
- Strengthened bones
- Positive mood and reduced symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses
- Reduced risk of injury
- Increased athletic performance
- (and yes, even) Cardiovascular health
Everyone that gets “bulky” with strength training wanted to be that way. Everyone that wants these benefits should still strength train and then re-examine your goals and how you feel about your physique as you go.
Anecdotal, but relevant: everyone that’s joined my gym despite concern of getting too bulky never brings it up again after they start training and quickly feel the other benefits.
This topic is the kind of thing we talk about in our Free “No Sweat” Intro, the first step of joining Gus’s Barbell Club. If you want to schedule one I’d love to get you started on your fitness journey: https://gus.coach/no-sweat-intro
