Nothing makes me cringe more than hearing this phrase: "I won't want to get too big."  I realize that the dear folks who say this have good intentions (for the most part,) but as a bodybuilder this drives me up a tree.  If this confuses you at all, please continue reading so that you don't fall victim to this misunderstanding and look bad in the eyes of a serious lifter.

First thing, the fact.  It's very hard to get really big.  I'm talking about muscular big.  These huge bodybuilders and even fitness guys have spent untold HOURS working harder than you can possibly imagine.  Sure there are a few genetic freaks who have an advantage, but even they have busted their butt.

So unless you are one of the genetic freaks, say one in 10,000, then you don't need to worry.  Just doing a little lifting in the gym will not turn you into a muscle monster.  And this is true for men and women.

When someone says "I don't want to get big" they are either making an excuse for their laziness and lack of motivation, or they simply do not understand what it really takes to achieve these goals.  I dare say they would not expect to put on some ice skates, spend a few lazy hours on the ice and then suddenly be ready to compete in the Olympics.  I think everyone senses the hours of hard work involved….though likely not really understanding the TRUE number of hours, or the TRUE sacrifice these athletes go through.

A famous story involves a lady who saw a world famous violinist in concert, and afterwards she said to him " I would give my whole life to be able to play like you do." And he retorts, "Well, I have."  Yes, he has dedicated his entire life to learning this skill and reaching this level.  People just don't realize how hard those at the top of their game…in whatever field….have actually worked and sacrifices.  Other than a few who have cheated their way to the top, most really have worked hard.  And these cheats are almost always exposed anyway.

SO here's the bottom line.  If you go in the gym and really dedicate yourself to lifting and doing cardio and eating correctly, you can make great changes to your body and your life.  You can improve the way you look and feel in dramatic ways.  But you're not going to turn into a muscle monster.  It's just not in the cards for most people.

Even with the modest amount of size I have acquired in the gym, I will quickly tell people that I have been working out for 35+ years, hired trainers, and sacrificed a lot to get where I have.  And I am admittedly MILES away from a professional bodybuilder's accomplishments.  But it's a good accomplishment for me, in my life, with my genetics, and my abilities.

So please never use the excuse that you're not working hard because you are afraid you're suddenly going to blow up into a pro athlete.  It's just not going to happen, and you run the risk of really unwittingly insulting someone who HAS spent countless hard hours working out to achieve whatever gains they have.