Lift heavy.

I used to believe that more cardio meant a thinner body. If I wanted to lose weight, I’d just run more. Thirty minutes on the treadmill turned into 45, then an hour, and eventually, two sessions a day. Spoiler alert: I never achieved the body I was striving for. You cannot cardio your way to thinness. I’ll say it again—you cannot cardio your way to thinness. If that were the case, many of us would have already reached our goals.

I’ve always incorporated weightlifting into my routine, but like many women, I’d bounce between different activities. I’d go from running marathons to taking cycle classes, Pilates, and even doing Barry’s Bootcamp. Sure, they were fun and I saw minor improvements, but nothing really stuck. What truly changed my body composition was consistent, heavy weightlifting at the gym. And guess what? It’s basically free.

After I shattered my leg, running was no longer an option. So, I committed to lifting weights regularly and pushing myself to lift heavier—at least, heavier for me. This decision has had a greater impact on my body than anything else I’ve ever done. Weightlifting has become a point of pride and, honestly, a lot of fun. Currently, I’m squatting 145 lbs, deadlifting 215 lbs, benching 135 lbs, and I can do 6 chin-ups. It’s turned into a hobby I truly enjoy.

To get started, I followed online programs with step-by-step instructions. I didn’t hire a trainer or coach because I didn’t feel it was necessary. I began with Booty by Brett (the name’s a little cheesy, sorry Brett!), which was perfect for beginners. Then I moved onto Mind Pump, another great program—though a bit more focused on calves and chest. Both platforms offer videos of each movement, so you can learn proper form and review when necessary.

These days, I barely do any cardio and have managed to maintain a relatively lean body. The most liberating part? Shifting my focus from weight loss to strength. Sure, tools like Semaglutide and TRT can help in some ways, but they don’t build muscle. And muscle is key. Not only does it help you get stronger, but it also allows you to eat more without gaining weight. Weightlifting is the number one thing I recommend to anyone wanting to make lasting changes. I highly encourage you to check out these programs—they’ve been game-changers for me.