As recently as ten to fifteen years ago, many people -- especially women -- refused to join the resistance, fearing that weight training would make them big and bulky. Thankfully, this fear has been quelled by the release of better intel and sound advice from fitness professionals.

Being quite honest, if someone who lifts weights is getting too bulky, it's most likely because they've been lifting a heavy fork, not heavy weights. You can't be a salad dodger all your life and expect to look fit and trim, regardless of how many pounds are on the end of a bar. If bulking up is your big fear, focus on eating 5 to 6 small, high fiber and high protein meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Also, drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your system and to aid digestion. And work out. Train your body with a combination of cardio and resistance training; perform 12 to 15 reps per set, focusing on multi-joint, compound movements that target the larger muscle groups.

And then some day in the very near future, you'll stare at your slimmer and fitter self in the mirror as you complete your last set of front squats, very pleased with the way you look and wondering what you were ever so afraid of.