If you walk through the White Building's MBNA Fitness Center, it's really easy to notice a general trend -- girls doing cardio, guys lifting.

Something continues to keep a majority of girls from lifting. I don't know if it's because there are usually a lot of sweaty, grunting guys in the weight room, or because many girls don't know how to perform certain exercises and use different types of equipment.

According to most of the girls I know, there seems to be a general consensus that if they lift, they are going to get big muscles like guys do. Obviously, no female really wants to be described as masculine, but there's nothing wrong with being athletic or physically fit.

Here's the deal: Lifting weights will NOT give you those super-huge, manly muscles. Instead, it will tone your muscles and help firm up areas of your body.

"Most women don't have the capacity to build big muscles," says Mark Lozinski, assistant strength and conditioning coach. It really comes down to genetics. Everyone responds differently to different forms of exercise.

So, ladies, you will not end up looking like a crazy bodybuilder from hitting the weights after your cardio workout.

For the women who already do lift weights: One thing I've noticed is girls who don't use enough weight when they work out. Challenge yourself. Lozinski recommends using heavier weights and lifting to fatigue. I swear, it's not going to give you the big, bodybuilder muscles. You might start to see some major changes if you decide to devote your life to weight training and drastically change your diet, but I'm going to bet that's not really in the cards for most college girls.

So why aren't you lifting seriously?

If it's because you're afraid or intimidated, get over it. Think of the payoff you're giving your body by trying something new.

If it's because you don't know how to use the machinery or don't know exactly what exercises to do, talk to a fitness instructor. We are there to aid fitness patrons with their workout. We're not meant to be your personal trainers, but we can show you how to use the equipment and how to do a variety of exercises for different muscle groups. Plus, you're paying us to be there, so don't feel like you're bothering us.

I have seen a lot more guys in the cardio room than girls in the weight room. I think it's important to stress the balance between cardio and lifting. Cardiovascular exercise trains your heart and will help you 30 years down the road. Lifting helps you look good now, keeps you in shape and firms up different areas. Both are equally important to your health.