It saddens me how common this sentiment is. The reality is that for the vast majority of women, developing a 'bulky' amount of muscle-mass is biologically impossible. Testosterone is the most important ingredient for building muscle mass, and women simply don't have enough of it to build the muscle-mass they're trying to avoid.

Women usually can, however, develop just enough muscle tone to create sleek definition around their arms, waist, buttocks and thighs. Women who train for strength will also enjoy a higher metabolism, increased rate of fat loss, increased bone density and usually notice a corresponding increase in confidence and quality of life.

During my time in the fitness industry I've watched thousands of women join gyms in order to perform hours and hours of cardio each week, only to become increasingly despondent when no discernible change occurs to their physique. I've been privileged to introduce a small percentage of these women to strength training, and without exception they are astonished at the speed with which they burn fat and improve muscle tone. Many of these women comment excitedly that they've seen more progress in a few months of strength training than they saw in the last X number of years running on treadmills.

Somehow, despite all the evidence to the contrary, the 'big and bulky' myth lives on.

Not a single client of mine has ever expressed disappointment in the way their physique developed as they got stronger. Not a single one has regretted training for strength. Most of my female clients tell me they regret the years they wasted doing cardio.