Lady Lifter Spotlight: Kim!

Name: Kim Cortes

Blog: http://busy-bod.com

Twitter: @busybodblog

Facebook:  busybodyblog

Pinterest: busybodblog;

Instagram: busybodblog

Location: Currently NYC metro, but I’ll be in Boston for the summer

Age: I’ll be 28 on Saturday!

What types physical activity do you enjoy?

I love almost anything that gets me moving. Lifting (obviously), HIIT, yoga, bodyweight strength training, Zumba (I teach it), kickboxing, and hiking are my biggest favs. I’m a group fitness junkie and have taken everything from pilates to TRX. I just ran my first obstacle course race (OCR) and LOVED it. I’m running at least two more this summer, maybe even more. If you love lifting, can tolerate running, and haven’t tried OCR, you absolutely should.

How did you get started in weight lifting? How long have you been lifting?

Until about nine months ago, I was like many (most?) other women, addicted to cardio and convinced that heavy weights would “bulk me up.” I made the switch to heavy lifting mostly by accident. I had recently finished up a cardio DVD program that I used to lose weight for my wedding. I loved the program’s instructor and decided to try out her home weightlifting program, ChaLEAN Extreme, because I was looking for something new. I’m pretty sure this entire DVD set is dedicated to breaking all the stereotypes about heavy lifting and it totally worked for me. Once I learned more about the science and saw the positive, non-bulky changes in my own body, I was totally hooked.

Since that first breakthrough, I’ve completed that more structured, beginner program and have ventured into the world of more conventional lifting. I’m kind of addicted to seeing my own progress as I’m able to slowly but surely lift heavier and heavier – it’s an amazing feeling! There’s a lot to learn, but I’m loving it.

Favorite workout or lift?

Maybe this is weird, but I love pretty much every variation of overhead press because I’m weirdly obsessed with working my shoulders.

Current lifting-related goal:

A full, unassisted pull-up! Lifting my bodyweight counts right? I’m soooo close. On Monday I made it like ¾ of the way up.

Piece of advice for new lifters or those reluctant to try:

1. Don’t be intimidated! There’s a lot of lingo to learn in weightlifting (at least there was for me), and that alone held me back for a while, but Google is your friend. If you’re working out in a typical gym, don’t worry about what anyone else is thinking of you. They’re either jealous because they’re too afraid to try themselves OR they have been exactly where you are and are silently cheering you on.
2. Make sure you understand the proper form before you try a new lift. Bad form means injuries and makes the exercise less effective.
3. Don’t fear bulk! You won’t bulk up, I promise. You’ll get leaner. People ask me about my arms all the time and I always tell them the same thing – pick up some heavy weights!

What is your favorite thing about lifting?

The way it makes you feel. There is seriously nothing more empowering than doing something you didn’t think you were capable of and seeing your body do what it was made to do. I’m not sure it’s something I can explain, but if you haven’t started lifting, start, and I promise you’ll feel it too.

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How would you like to be the next in the spotlight? Don’t be shy if you do not feel like you’re up to the level of some of these girls – if you love to lift, I want to hear from you! Check out the past spotlights and contact me for details!