Female athletes and boiling frogs part 2

I am enjoying working with a group of female athletes on Monday mornings at 0730 at Millfield school. Coming from 3 different sports, this group of 6 are being introduced to resistance training and overall athletic development gradually.

One concern with working with young females when they feel their legs aching and the flow of blood to parts previously untouched is the “ I can feel my bum getting bigger!” quote.

I took the time and effort to explain to this young group, that what they were feeling was probably blood flow, rather than an immediate increase in mass.

Amazingly, immediately prior to this session were a bunch of rugby boys desperately trying to get bigger, lifting weights four times a week. If they struggle to put on mass, it is hardly likely that doing 10 body weight squats will make a girl’s bum bigger.

But, it is the Athlete’s perception that is important, so taking the time to make them feel comfortable and engaged is time well spent.