Let me first start by saying, that just by lifting weights, it’s almost impossible to get bulky. Bodybuilders and crossfitters alike, take years of intense training multiple days a week, personally designed training program, and strict diets to get those muscles. Eating healthy, training 3-5 times a week, will get you results, but will not make you look like an athlete….well maybe if your young and have good genes. Then why do I appear to look bulky after lifting weights? I will share three tips to lift weights without looking bulky.
- Do Not Overeat – Not overeating is probably the most important tip and hard to avoid if you’re not careful. Starting a new training program can ramp up your metabolism and cause your appetite to increase. Plus with the mentality of “I’m working out so I can eat more,” can lead to weight gain. And although it may appear as they are bulking, or think they are gaining weight due to muscles, is just a result of overeating.
- Trim The Fat – If you want the lean, toned physique, there are two things to keep in mind, one gaining muscles and two trimming fat. The more fat you lose, the more tone or “bulky” you will appear. Which is why bodybuilders try to have a low body fat percentage when competing. Therefore to trim the fat either spend, 75% on weight lifting and 25% on a HITT cardio, or just do circuit training as these do both. Find the balance between these workouts to see ideal results.
- Incorporate Compounds Exercises – To get the most out of your workouts focus on compound workouts, as these help tone the entire body and show faster results. Therefore try to perform 3 sets of 6-10 repetitions of squats, bench press, overhead press, deadlift exercises. Also incorporate bodyweight workouts, such as pull-up and push-ups, as these are also compound exercise. Such as yoga instructors are proof that muscles can be gain by just lifting your own body.