It is common for women to think that if they gain muscle they will look bulky and less esthetic. This is a misconception. Muscle is very difficult to gain and moderate muscle gains will improve the shape of your physique. Take a look at some of the beach volleyball players such as Gabrielle Rice or female tennis players such as Anna Kournikova. These athletes have very strong and fine tuned physiques and exercise very hard to maximize their sport potential. Athletes at this level exercise longer and more intensely than the average person and they have beautifully shaped physiques and not bulky looking bodies. If you find that an exercise program does make you feel bulky it is usually a result of poor dietary habits; remember that exercising regularly does not mean that you do not have to watch what you eat.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.