How to Workout and Still Keep Your Curves (2024)

I've recently started back in the gym with the goal of losing weight and toning up. While losing weight is important for me to continue to be healthy, I was not ready to give up the curves I had grown to love. Determined to achieve that JLo body I reached out to NYC based personal trainer Jordan Leigh, from the website TeamWorkThatAssOut.com, who specializes in helping clients maintain their womanly curves. I soon learned that while cardio is great for your heart, shedding all that weight without building and defining your muscles will leave you nothing but a saggy ass. Here are some facts about weight lifting and how they can help you achieve your dream bod.

Fact #1: You Will Not Get "Brolic"

Women do not produce enough testosterone to bulk up naturally. Female body builders dedicate their lives to achieving their physique and their lifestyle consists of high calorie diets, lots of supplements, and lifting massive amounts of weight. Incorporating 10-15 pound weights into your routine will do nothing but tone and lift your curves.

Fact #2: Lean Muscles Burn More Fat

The more lean muscle mass you have in your body the more fat you'll burn when you're active or inactive. Also, if you keep the rest minimal and the workouts intense, most people burn MORE calories during weight training than a cardio session.

Fact #3: Your Curves Will "Pop"

Women are naturally meant to be curvy and including weight training into your routine will build strong round curves that will "pop" out as soon as you shed any extra weight.

Just an FYI: Lifting for beginners means research, research, RESEARCH!!! Websites like bodybuilding.com have TONS of information for newbies and seasoned athletes alike. Beginners should also be very mindful of their form because that's where most people get injured or prevent themselves from reaching their goal. One of the best ways to ensure you have the right plan and correct form would be to hire a personal trainer. For anyone else, or those who like to workout at home a pair of 5, 10, or 15 pound dumbbells can be used in almost any exercise routine. Aim to lift weight at least 2-3 times a week.

And Jordan's Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Curves:

1. WEIGHT TRAINING!
2. Don't cut out carbs. Make sure you have a good intake of complex carbs.
3. HIIT (high intensity interval training) instead of cardio.
4. Low (5-8 reps per set) and slow repetitions.
5. Do all of your cardio on an incline (Stairmaster, bike, or treadmill).