(This week’s #WorkoutWednesday features a guest post from Dallas Mavericks Dancer, Ally. She is a rookie on the team this season and is extremely passionate about health and fitness. Pictured above from right to left are Ally and Raegan.)
For all you beginners in the gym or for those who just want a little inspiration–
One of the main questions most women ask me when it comes to lifting weights and working out in the gym is: How can I maintain a lean figure while still building muscle and not bulking? First, let me tell you that as women, we typically won’t bulk unless we are taking supplements that are specifically for bulking. That said, here is what I have found helpful for building lean muscle while burning fat and maintaining a lean figure:
- EAT CLEAN- A clean and healthy diet is KEY to achieving your lean figure. Avoid processed foods and make sure you are eating 6 small meals a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack) to keep your metabolism going. *Remember, your figure will depend on 80% of what you eat and 20% what you do in the gym.* As a professional dancer, I am always moving whether at the gym, practicing, or at games; so yes I am hungry ALL THE TIME. I always make sure that I am incorporating the proper foods into my diet to keep me energized all day!
- HIIT CARDIO- If you’re like me, then you dread doing cardio and stepping on that treadmill. Thankfully I’ve been introduced to HIIT workouts! HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, which allows you to put 110% of effort into short, intense exercises immediately followed by a small recovery period (and then repeat)! I love doing HIIT 2-3 times a week to ensure that I’m keeping my heart rate up and burning fat.
- SUPERSETS- These are your best friend. A superset consists of two exercises performed back to back with no rest in between. Once one superset is completed, take a 1-2 minute rest and then repeat that set 3-4 times. Supersets allow you to keep your heartr ate up while feeling the burn in your workout. Make sure to push yourself with manageable weight- you will not bulk, but instead will actually burn fat.
TIP– Try to avoid doing the same workouts over and over again because your body will get used to it. Change it up and challenge yourself every day!
Be sure to follow Ally on Twitter: @DMD_Ally! Stay tuned for next week’s #WorkoutWednesday!
