I have known for sometime the side effects of lifting heavy weights. I guess you could compare me to a doctor as I am quick to recommend women go RX. As a woman, it can be down right empowering and addictive. I mean, let's be real, when you lift something that you couldn't before...you feel high...you feel like a bad ass!
In CrossFit, we use the term RX (as prescribed) that indicates the intended weight that one should strive to lift during workouts. Sometimes the weight is fairly heavy and, at first, many women cannot lift it. As they progress they become stronger and stronger, but they will continue not attempt to use the RX weight out of either fear of failure, lack of confidence, or believing the silly myth that lifting weights will bulk you up.
Recently, I suggested (clearing throat...insisted) that a couple of wonderful ladies RX the weight for the cleans in the girl benchmark WOD "Elizabeth." One of them jumped right on it and was going to try RX weight even if it killed her. The other was a little more hesitant, but after some gentle coaxing...she put 95 lb. on the bar.
Did they succeed? Yes. Of course they did. I never doubted that they would.
Here is the really cool thing about it all. Both of them came up to me separately and said "I feel like a bad ass!" They also made mention of how elated they were and it was almost like a drug and that they wanted to feel that way again.
So I need to announce a warning to women who decide to try the weights RX'D. You may experience even more confidence, self-esteem, and positive thinking. You may have a sudden urge to smile, hold your shoulders back and head high. These symptoms can become addictive and cause you to want to work harder to become stronger and stronger and stronger. Common side effects of doing the weight RX'D is becoming a complete BAD ASS. Be careful as these effects can become empowering and contagious to the women around you and they will want to RX too!
Please speak with a certified coach and/or trainer if you feel you too would like to experience this feeling and become a bad ass as every single woman is qualified to do what they once thought was impossible. Don't worry, there are enough weights to go around. Quantities are unlimited. Head to your local gym today and go lift something heavy! You'll love the way you feel. Trust me.
