Better Watch Yo Tone

Common Misconceptions with Women & Building Muscle.

Better Aligned by Outwork Sports Performance

210 W Thomas St. Hammond, LA

First off, let's begin let us begin with where the term "toning" entered the fitness industry. It was around the 70's and 80's when fitness enthusiasts began developing strength programs for the public based on their personal training regimens. Most of these programs were oriented on the aesthetics of body builders as most influencers' credibility during this time were simply their physical stature. The general public sought out specific methods to implement into their daily fitness routine based on the information these influencers put out in the form of ads, books, etc. With men, there was a major increase in fitness priority with commercial gyms beginning to emerge all across the country, gyms such as Gold's Gym. Most men dedicated their fitness regime to the likes of the enthusiasts they inspired to imitate.

Opposingly, the women weren't completely on board with these specific methods. Most women weren't opposed to fitness training in general, they were afraid of how weight lifting would make them look. In other words, they did not want to become too "muscular" or "bulky" like their male counterparts. Thus, the term "tone" entered the fitness industry as a marketing strategy for women across the nation. The idea was to make weight lifting seem less vigorous and a little more easy-going, the perfect strategy to help women develop similar fitness lifestyles.

Nowadays, the fitness industry is over-saturated with fitness influencers who push the concept of "toning." It is overly predicated on developing an easier or shortcut approach to building muscle where it matters. Ideally, these methods are usually pretty appealing to beginners, but for those women who are advanced in their training, none of them are structuring their training around how "tone" they could get. Instead, they are focusing on building muscle. The difference lies in the benefits. (refer to my previous post on the benefits of heavy lifting). Again, these methods for toning are ideal if you are a beginner, but as you progress within your fitness journey you will realize that true results are only garnered through building muscle and the only way to build true muscle is to lift heavy. You won't look like a man. You won't get too bulky. A well structured program with the correct diet is the secret to the body AND the lifestyle you strive for. Let's not over complicate our training with shortcut methods. Do what everyone KNOWS to work, tried and true.

In conclusion, you will eventually reach a point of plateau and that is if you are consistent in your training. Once that plateau strikes, you want to be equipped with knowledge on what to do next. Don't let all your hard work slip through the cracks. Be diligent & don't be afraid to consult a fitness trainer if you have questions. Lastly, please continue to do your own research and figure out what works best for you. Heavy lifting is for everyone.

TRAIN LIKE AN ATHLETE. PERFORM LIKE A PRO