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Lift Like a Girl: Be More, Not Less.
You sweat, burn, and fast until you’re exhausted...only to fall into a tailspin of stress, overindulgence, and blame. If you’re like most women, you’ve been through this vicious cycle more times than you can count. But what if fitness wasn’t about fixing flaws and shrinking sizes? What if your workout could be uncomplicated, energizing, and even fun? Fitness coach Nia Shanks has helped countless clients reinvent their mindset around exercise, nutrition, and body image. Based on her wildly popular blog, Lift Like a Girl is so much more than a workout program. It’s an empowering lifestyle built around discovering the strength you never knew you had. Along with her practical, step-by-step approach for getting proven results in the gym, Nia breaks through the weight-loss clichés that keep too many women dissatisfied, depressed, and constantly on a diet. Find out how good it feels to lift like a girl, and leave the gym feeling more awesome than ever.
308 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2017
817 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 31, 2018
I really like Nia Shanks and her Life Like a Girl website. She is a breath of fresh air in an industry filled with bullshit. I like her emphasis on becoming more, on getting stronger and developing a positive mindset, rather than the usual "sculpt the perfect butt" or whatever is the current on-trend body part we need to feel bad about.
Having said the above, I just don't think there was enough material here for 300 pages, so at times it felt a bit forced and rather repetitive, hence my rating of 3 stars. I would still wholeheartedly recommend the author's website though and am happy to have supported her work by buying this book.
Having said the above, I just don't think there was enough material here for 300 pages, so at times it felt a bit forced and rather repetitive, hence my rating of 3 stars. I would still wholeheartedly recommend the author's website though and am happy to have supported her work by buying this book.
May 27, 2018
The most valuable part of this book, to me, is the mindset it cultivates and encourages. I wish I could deliver it back in time to my sixteen-year-old self, to let her know that she didn’t need to starve herself, to be less, to be worthy of more love or accomplishment.
to-read-owned
December 6, 2017So excited!!
May 24, 2020
308 pages of simple, easy to implement changes to the way most women are conditioned to think about fitness and nutrition. It made me desperately desire a female gym buddy- husbands and personal trainers named Juan do NOT fit that description - with whom to lift heavy shit.
Several key takeaways have given me permission to feel so much less guilt about the choices I make for my life and to not compare myself to other women. "The way you eat and workout should enhance, and fit into, your life. It shouldn't dominate or consume it." Every woman - nay, human!- should read this and take control of their own power and capability to change their life and build sustainable fitness and nutrition habits. With this book and Nia's guidelines be prepared to embrace the desire to become MORE and not less.
What really gave me life in this book is when Nia talks about her mama's homemade fried chicken and okra Sunday meals. Did this Southern girl's heart some good to know Nia and her personal trainer, BA mom don't feel guilt over eating food that feeds the soul - with a heaping helping of family and social dynamics. Food is not guilt and not just fuel - it is an important part of our social lives.
Besides the strength training program, "if there's a physical activity that brings you enjoyment and excitement, you should do it... there's a difference between doing something for pure pleasure, and doing it because you think you have to." Nia also admits she doesn't want " 'Lift Like a Girl' to become another cult-like methodology where a workout style becomes someone's whole reason for being. Make ['Lift Like A Girl'] part of your life, not something that defines who you are as a human."
Even if you don't think lifting is for you - I suggest you read this book anyway. You will end up finding more helpful and empowering life rules that cut out the bullshit and just get to the point of life - to enjoy it, by having the energy and ability to do the things you love.
Several key takeaways have given me permission to feel so much less guilt about the choices I make for my life and to not compare myself to other women. "The way you eat and workout should enhance, and fit into, your life. It shouldn't dominate or consume it." Every woman - nay, human!- should read this and take control of their own power and capability to change their life and build sustainable fitness and nutrition habits. With this book and Nia's guidelines be prepared to embrace the desire to become MORE and not less.
What really gave me life in this book is when Nia talks about her mama's homemade fried chicken and okra Sunday meals. Did this Southern girl's heart some good to know Nia and her personal trainer, BA mom don't feel guilt over eating food that feeds the soul - with a heaping helping of family and social dynamics. Food is not guilt and not just fuel - it is an important part of our social lives.
Besides the strength training program, "if there's a physical activity that brings you enjoyment and excitement, you should do it... there's a difference between doing something for pure pleasure, and doing it because you think you have to." Nia also admits she doesn't want " 'Lift Like a Girl' to become another cult-like methodology where a workout style becomes someone's whole reason for being. Make ['Lift Like A Girl'] part of your life, not something that defines who you are as a human."
Even if you don't think lifting is for you - I suggest you read this book anyway. You will end up finding more helpful and empowering life rules that cut out the bullshit and just get to the point of life - to enjoy it, by having the energy and ability to do the things you love.
March 9, 2021
LOVED this book! I just completed the first 9 weeks of training in Michael Mathews' "Thinner, Leaner, Stronger" book, but I happened to come across Nia Shank's book and am now switching to the strength training program she outlines in "Lift Like a Girl: Be More, Not Less." I liked her philosophy on women's strength training, her own stories of struggle and determination, and the stories of other women who've done her workouts and have something positive to say about her training methods. I especially liked her chapter on nutrition and how simplified it is (and SANE). I'd recommend this book to any woman who is about to start yet another fitness routine or diet or newest "fad anything" that pertains to fitness and heath. Nia Shanks' "Lift Like a Girl: Be More, Not Less" is down-to-earth-practical and may have you finally accepting your body as it is instead of hating it for what it will never be - a size 2, or having abs like celebrity so and so, etc. Great book!
February 1, 2018
There’s not a drop of newness in this book. There was some good stuff that I could kind of relate to in the beginning, but it was the kind of generic stuff that anyone who has ever been excited about fitness and nutrition has gone through.
The nutrition and exercise chapters were okay, but again, nothing at all new. Lift weights, do cardio you enjoy, don’t do too much. Progress in lifting with heavier weight or more reps or sets. Eat real food, but enjoy treats in moderation. Blah blah blah.
The nutrition and exercise chapters were okay, but again, nothing at all new. Lift weights, do cardio you enjoy, don’t do too much. Progress in lifting with heavier weight or more reps or sets. Eat real food, but enjoy treats in moderation. Blah blah blah.
March 27, 2021
Great book! Great ideas and mindset!
January 26, 2018
As someone who has tried various training and nutrition methods over the years, finding Nia Shanks was a breath of fresh air. This book is an extensive and excellent summary of her philosophy on women's health and her approach to fitness and nutrition. If you have not read any of her blogs or explored her workout plans yet, and are a female struggling with conflicting messages and programs in this industry, then this book is a must read. Even if you are a seasoned "lifter" you will find this book helpful and perhaps a wake-up call about your current approach. Though geared toward women for a reason, I would argue men could learn a lot from reading it.
Nia tells it like it is, and her messages are simple. The workout plan included (and nutrition guidance as well) is sustainable which is the gist of her philosphy on the two: what you do does not need to be overly complicated and should be enjoyable and sustainable. Results will happen and be maintained if you persevere. She provides strategies to shift your perspective and make positive changes. She explains how shifting the mindset to "more, not less" is an important factor when applied to the right aspects. When following Nia's program, I found gym time to be enjoyable again, and less of a chore. Sometimes doing less, results in one becoming more: more proficient in execution; more likely to form good habits; more strong both physically and mentally.
Nia tells it like it is, and her messages are simple. The workout plan included (and nutrition guidance as well) is sustainable which is the gist of her philosphy on the two: what you do does not need to be overly complicated and should be enjoyable and sustainable. Results will happen and be maintained if you persevere. She provides strategies to shift your perspective and make positive changes. She explains how shifting the mindset to "more, not less" is an important factor when applied to the right aspects. When following Nia's program, I found gym time to be enjoyable again, and less of a chore. Sometimes doing less, results in one becoming more: more proficient in execution; more likely to form good habits; more strong both physically and mentally.
March 17, 2020
A non-fiction introduction to women's weightlifting, and powerlifting more specifically. Lift Like a Girl, by Nia Shanks, is a good introduction for women who've thought about lifting but weren't sure where to begin, but it's also really a book that you can use as a guide to the weight room at the gym. Most of the workouts use gym equipment like a Smith machine and barbells, and probably not many people have that kind of heavy duty equipment at home. There are a lot of inspirational and motivational messages in the book and success stories from women who follow the program. I'm a big fan of free weights and if I had a gym membership I'd probably follow some of the advice in this book. Overall, it was very informative and a great place to start if you're interested in learning more about lifting heavy. This one gets 👍👍👍👍 out of 5.
December 12, 2019
I'm giving this one 4 stars, not necessarily because the content applies to me directly, but because this is an excellent book for beginner lifters, women who want to get fit, women who are trapped in a diet trap, women who want to get fit.
As some of us already follow pages like "Girls Gone Strong", we are familiar with a lot of what is being taught here. How we do not need to make ourselves smaller and fit a role in society to be a tiny petite woman who lifts 1 lb pink dumbbells only. I know that strong is beautiful, and I know not to use exercise as a punishment, and I have already left the guilt-tripping diet world.
For me, it was just a confirmation of what I already know, and since I am familiar with lifting techniques, this was also nothing new. Most of the information is about the mentality of some women in our modern world of dieting and wanting to look like an instagram model, so I would highly recommend this to women who are looking at lifting weights or who want to get fit. An advanced lifter would probably not learn anything new, but it's still good to be reminded of a positive mindset. It teaches a very healthy way of thinking in terms of nutrition and exercise, as well as weight loss, hence the four stars. If it would have shown more studies or research on the female physiology, or had more detailed meal plans or links I might have given it 5 stars.
As some of us already follow pages like "Girls Gone Strong", we are familiar with a lot of what is being taught here. How we do not need to make ourselves smaller and fit a role in society to be a tiny petite woman who lifts 1 lb pink dumbbells only. I know that strong is beautiful, and I know not to use exercise as a punishment, and I have already left the guilt-tripping diet world.
For me, it was just a confirmation of what I already know, and since I am familiar with lifting techniques, this was also nothing new. Most of the information is about the mentality of some women in our modern world of dieting and wanting to look like an instagram model, so I would highly recommend this to women who are looking at lifting weights or who want to get fit. An advanced lifter would probably not learn anything new, but it's still good to be reminded of a positive mindset. It teaches a very healthy way of thinking in terms of nutrition and exercise, as well as weight loss, hence the four stars. If it would have shown more studies or research on the female physiology, or had more detailed meal plans or links I might have given it 5 stars.
December 14, 2017
I found Nia's website over two years ago, and I was blown away. For the first 48 years of my life I was used to in health and fitness being "how to make your thighs skinnier" or "burn 1000 calories an hour," hype and nonsense, slick marketing and fads, pills and miracle devices. Creative ways to waste money and wind up back on the "nothing works and I'm still unhappy with my fitness" train.
Nia's approach was so different and so rational that I binge-read my way through her blog archives in a week. And then I started trying things that she suggested - big multi-joint exercises, simplified workouts, sensible, non-dogmatic food consumption. I'm 51 years old now and in the best shape of my life, and it started with finally hearing common sense directly from the keyboard of Nia Shanks.
This book is the perfect distillation of all of that wisdom, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who has been disappointed by fitness hype ever in their life. Well written and beautifully organized, with a first-things-first approach: mindset, nutrition, fitness, sustainment. I enjoyed every page.
Nia's approach was so different and so rational that I binge-read my way through her blog archives in a week. And then I started trying things that she suggested - big multi-joint exercises, simplified workouts, sensible, non-dogmatic food consumption. I'm 51 years old now and in the best shape of my life, and it started with finally hearing common sense directly from the keyboard of Nia Shanks.
This book is the perfect distillation of all of that wisdom, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who has been disappointed by fitness hype ever in their life. Well written and beautifully organized, with a first-things-first approach: mindset, nutrition, fitness, sustainment. I enjoyed every page.
April 1, 2021
I've been lifting now for two years but just came across Nia and her philosophy recently. Her fitness program is remarkably simple, but it will be challenging for anyone. The most important thing for me to come out of reading this book is the focus on mindset and how horribly we as women have been conditioned to treat ourselves. I had just started contemplating how I might change up and start tracking macros to lose fat, but I couldn't bring myself to muster any effort for it. Nia's book reminded me that nutrition doesn't have to be hard. It shouldn't be hard. We know what to do. Being healthy and being skinny are not the same thing. If you're struggling with the endless cycles of dieting, or not sure what type of fitness program to embark upon, this book is an excellent place to start. If you're stuck in a rut of nasty self-talk, this book is for you. All the benefits Nia describes about lifting are absolutely true. Getting stronger is thrilling and gratifying. And it's a gift we as women can give to ourselves. Thanks, Nia!
December 4, 2017
Motivating & Empowering
Nia's no nonsense coaching will give you the information you need to make meaningful & lasting change in your life. There are no short cuts to becoming healthier & stronger. She will provide you with the tools you need to become a more awesome version of yourself. This book is clearly written and well laid out. The workouts are explained in detail and each exercise has photos and extensive notes to ensure they're done properly and safely. Take charge of your life and let Nia show you how lifting weights can transform you into your best you. You have nothing to lose but oh so much to gain!
Nia's no nonsense coaching will give you the information you need to make meaningful & lasting change in your life. There are no short cuts to becoming healthier & stronger. She will provide you with the tools you need to become a more awesome version of yourself. This book is clearly written and well laid out. The workouts are explained in detail and each exercise has photos and extensive notes to ensure they're done properly and safely. Take charge of your life and let Nia show you how lifting weights can transform you into your best you. You have nothing to lose but oh so much to gain!
December 7, 2017
Perfect timing for this awesome book about women being more, being stronger!
I've read her blogs and loved them but I really like having the book, everything all in one place :) 2017 has been a watershed year for American women, and this book continues that empowering, patriarchy-smashing, status quo - changing trend. I highlighted a lot of passages and bookmarked pages. Her weightlifting sequences are great. I was using machines at a gym and not making much progress, but Nia's way feels more enjoyable and I end up doing more without stress. Thank you for the book, Ms Shanks. And the dose of common sense and self-love we all need to remember.
I've read her blogs and loved them but I really like having the book, everything all in one place :) 2017 has been a watershed year for American women, and this book continues that empowering, patriarchy-smashing, status quo - changing trend. I highlighted a lot of passages and bookmarked pages. Her weightlifting sequences are great. I was using machines at a gym and not making much progress, but Nia's way feels more enjoyable and I end up doing more without stress. Thank you for the book, Ms Shanks. And the dose of common sense and self-love we all need to remember.
December 31, 2018
Nia Shanks presents the approach to health and fitness that we all need, and she addresses head-on the toxic attitudes perpetrated by the diet industry. I love love love her attitude and her plan. My only criticism is that, while her writing is great, down to earth like a conversation, the book is a little too repetitive. Nevertheless what Nia Shanks has to say is vitally important--we don't have to hate our bodies, we don't have to earn our meals, we don't have to spend hours in the gym or follow crazy restrictive diets. This book offers an excellent, sensible, and refreshing approach to living a healthy life.
August 2, 2019
Great advice about body acceptance, self-compassion, and unlearning destructive thought patterns and behaviors about health and fitness. Nia Shanks and the whole Girls Gone Strong group had a huge impact on me; I’d recommend their content to anyone. The programming in this book echoes the tried-and-true method of high weight/low reps for the big three (squat, bench, deadlift) in an approachable way for beginners and veterans alike.
But this book is bloated with repetitive truisms, personal anecdotes, and testimonials. It probably could have been half as long to be twice as effective. It’s good stuff, for the most part, but there’s nothing wrong with brevity, especially for an e-book.
But this book is bloated with repetitive truisms, personal anecdotes, and testimonials. It probably could have been half as long to be twice as effective. It’s good stuff, for the most part, but there’s nothing wrong with brevity, especially for an e-book.
December 8, 2017
Simple Common Sense... love it!!
Just finished this book over only a few days... love it!! Nia Shanks writes with such simplicity and common sense about nutrition and strength training. Reading her simple approach was such a load lifted! I’ve been following her training program (from her blog) for about 2 weeks now and love it!! I also really enjoy her focus on getting stronger, rather than just asmaller at all cost. Highly recommend this book!! It’s both encouraging and empowering.
Just finished this book over only a few days... love it!! Nia Shanks writes with such simplicity and common sense about nutrition and strength training. Reading her simple approach was such a load lifted! I’ve been following her training program (from her blog) for about 2 weeks now and love it!! I also really enjoy her focus on getting stronger, rather than just asmaller at all cost. Highly recommend this book!! It’s both encouraging and empowering.
January 12, 2020
I just couldn't do it anymore.
Let me start by saying the info she gave was sound. However it didn't meet me where I am in my fitness journey. That being said I was more frustrated with what the overview promised. Understanding what a good balance diet is or how to lift didn't show up at least not with in the first 100 pages. Perhaps you will find it in the pages I left unread. However, it was to redundant about loving myself and exercise isn't punishment. I agreed on page 2 soooo.... With nothing new for 90 off pages I threw in the towel.
Let me start by saying the info she gave was sound. However it didn't meet me where I am in my fitness journey. That being said I was more frustrated with what the overview promised. Understanding what a good balance diet is or how to lift didn't show up at least not with in the first 100 pages. Perhaps you will find it in the pages I left unread. However, it was to redundant about loving myself and exercise isn't punishment. I agreed on page 2 soooo.... With nothing new for 90 off pages I threw in the towel.
April 12, 2021
One of the most practical and smart books on female fitness I have ever read. Full of common sense and compassion, a real gem.
For many women this advice can sound simple and vague but, as a nutrition and fitness professional myself, I need to remark that it is brilliant. It is direct, concise and brave. Going against the grain in an industry such as the fitness one is hard and Nia Shanks not only defies that, at the same time she has created a very powerful tool to help women get stronger, happier and break the vicious cycle of dieting and excessive fitness mentality.
For many women this advice can sound simple and vague but, as a nutrition and fitness professional myself, I need to remark that it is brilliant. It is direct, concise and brave. Going against the grain in an industry such as the fitness one is hard and Nia Shanks not only defies that, at the same time she has created a very powerful tool to help women get stronger, happier and break the vicious cycle of dieting and excessive fitness mentality.
December 7, 2020
Would be 4 stars except I don't think I am the intended audience.
Wonderful argument for why women should lift (heavy) weights and stop obsessing about losing fat. She has a very down to earth, simpler is better approach to both exercise and eating. I do think it was written more for the "I work out 5 times a week and can't take it anymore" crowd, of which I am NOT a part. Inspiring anyway though.
Wonderful argument for why women should lift (heavy) weights and stop obsessing about losing fat. She has a very down to earth, simpler is better approach to both exercise and eating. I do think it was written more for the "I work out 5 times a week and can't take it anymore" crowd, of which I am NOT a part. Inspiring anyway though.
January 22, 2021
I have been weightlifting for several years before I read this, but it was still motivating. She writes really well (if a little repetitively) about shifting your mindshift, forgetting about your clothes size or number on the scales and focus on the increasing the weight on the bar.
While we are in lockdown, it's a good reminder to me to keep going with what I love and don't give up just because I'm currently restricted to 10kg dumbbells....
While we are in lockdown, it's a good reminder to me to keep going with what I love and don't give up just because I'm currently restricted to 10kg dumbbells....
June 16, 2021
3.5 is a more accurate score.
Haven't gotten the chance to try any of her methods yet - will start in July.
I found the book interesting and it compelled me to want to make a change simply because of how passionate she spoke about her own struggle, and the experiences her clients have had.
I highlighted multiple passages (mainly regarding the workout routines) but did get tired of the constant reiteration, and ended up skimming the last third of the book.
Haven't gotten the chance to try any of her methods yet - will start in July.
I found the book interesting and it compelled me to want to make a change simply because of how passionate she spoke about her own struggle, and the experiences her clients have had.
I highlighted multiple passages (mainly regarding the workout routines) but did get tired of the constant reiteration, and ended up skimming the last third of the book.
December 30, 2017
Nia Shanks' new book.
A practical approach to weight-lifting.
Encouraging - especially for women.
My philosophy diverges a bit with the nutrition advice. It is too protein heavy (currently popular) and focuses more on not having body image hang-ups rather than on healthy nutrition (also currently popular). I Do like the focus on lifting goals rather than personal weight goals.
A practical approach to weight-lifting.
Encouraging - especially for women.
My philosophy diverges a bit with the nutrition advice. It is too protein heavy (currently popular) and focuses more on not having body image hang-ups rather than on healthy nutrition (also currently popular). I Do like the focus on lifting goals rather than personal weight goals.
December 22, 2017
Perfect book for new female lifters
Curious about getting strong or lifting weights? Nia Shanks lays out a simple, effective training and nutrition plan for those who want to work fitness into their schedules—not revolve their lives around training. Not a book for serious meatheads, but a great fit for newbies.
Curious about getting strong or lifting weights? Nia Shanks lays out a simple, effective training and nutrition plan for those who want to work fitness into their schedules—not revolve their lives around training. Not a book for serious meatheads, but a great fit for newbies.
December 31, 2017
Meh. I hated the underlying assumption threaded throughout the book that I think just like every other woman in the world. The truth is I don't think weighing less is better and don't approach my health and fitness in the way Nia assumes I do just because I'm a woman and I resented that everyone was lumped into the same bucket.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2018
Nia's attitude about health and fitness is so refreshing and sustainable. I'm not looking for extreme statements or elimination of entire food groups. The last thing I need is a book that proclaims one particular plan as the absolute solution for everyone. This book strips the magic formulas away, and I love it for that.
August 27, 2020
Good for all women. No size or body shaming here. She promotes simple, sustainable eating and exercise.
Her weight lfting routine relies heavily on squats, which kill my knees even when done correctly, so I use deadlifts and step ups instead.
There's a lot of sense and encouragement toward health in this book and I reread it occasionally to help me keep my head on straight. :)
Her weight lfting routine relies heavily on squats, which kill my knees even when done correctly, so I use deadlifts and step ups instead.
There's a lot of sense and encouragement toward health in this book and I reread it occasionally to help me keep my head on straight. :)
October 7, 2020
How refreshing to read a book about working out that goes against diet culture and all the associated bullsh*t! There's a bit on food too, but the author keeps it simple, which is great.
The workouts look really good, but you'll need a Smith machine/squat rack, bench and plenty of weights - or access to a weights gym.
The workouts look really good, but you'll need a Smith machine/squat rack, bench and plenty of weights - or access to a weights gym.
May 19, 2021
Awesome!
This book is absolutely amazing. Only a few pages in, someone asked me for advice on strength training. I suggested this book even before trying any of the workouts. When I shared my phase one workout A, the woman who asked my advice was convinced to buy the book. I look forward to more of these workouts.
This book is absolutely amazing. Only a few pages in, someone asked me for advice on strength training. I suggested this book even before trying any of the workouts. When I shared my phase one workout A, the woman who asked my advice was convinced to buy the book. I look forward to more of these workouts.
February 11, 2024
This was a short read. Some of the information was great, especially the nutrition section. The exercise descriptions were well written and detailed. I only gave the book 4 stars because I did find the book to be a bit repetitive. Maybe this was because she wanted to stress key points, but I really found it to take away from the important material.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews