These 8 Women Burned Fat, Built Muscle, and Transformed Their Bodies by Lifting Weights

At first, Jessica Field only did cardio-based at-home workouts to lose weight. When she started her weight-loss journey, she came across Instagram influencer Kelsey Wells's page and began following her strength-based PWR program. "I am absolutely in love with this program. It has transformed my body composition, but it's also given me confidence and a sense of empowerment at the gym," Jessica told POPSUGAR.

Kristen Calfee's weight-loss journey began as a New Year's resolution. She explained that she never cared about her health until having a "superficial moment of panic" that led to her researching ways to lose weight. She credits her weight loss to counting calories, strength training, and sprint work. "I love lifting heavy weights, and I honestly owe my physique transformation to it," she told POPSUGAR.

Lauren Marks joined SWAT Fitness and began doing a combination of HIIT workouts and "slower, heavier lifting" for a year to transform her body. "The key to my success was consistency," she told POPSUGAR.

Ellie Carter described herself as tired and in constant pain due to the weight she had gained. Wanting her children to have fun memories of the things they did together, Ellie decided to make a change. After dealing with a few medical issues, Ellie started back training at Gold's Gym. She told POPSUGAR that she lifts weights and "targets certain muscle groups on specific days, rotating each week." She also enjoys group exercise classes because "the energy and constant encouragement keeps me going the entire hour."

Jamie Glassman was doing a lot of workouts as a group instructor and trainer but still wasn't seeing the results she desired. She decided to cut back on her 15-class workweek and decided to begin strength training. Her goal was never to lose a ton of weight; she just wanted to look and feel stronger.

Laura Micetich's weight-loss journey began with a 30-day challenge with herself. Instead of going through with a weight-loss surgery, she first decided to see if she could abide by the postoperation lifestyle changes. "What began as an attempt to implement those necessary changes quickly grew into an intense love of health, fitness, and nutrition. I started going to the gym, lifting weights, and eating a clean diet tailored to my body's needs," she told POPSUGAR.

Shabraya Caldwell was unhappy with how she looked and decided to join the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Pants weight-loss program. Initially, she just wanted to lose weight, but the SHSP taught her how to eat properly and become fit. To lose the weight, she began working out five to six times a week, lifting weights, and doing HIIT workouts. "Losing weight is not what it's all about — it's a plus. Finding out how strong I am, the things my body can do, how far I can push myself is much more important," she told POPSUGAR.

Allison Lamay took advantage of a free fitness consultation with a trainer at her gym, which launched her weight-loss journey. She knew that if she didn't change her lifestyle, she "was going to be at risk for serious and ultimately fatal conditions," she told POPSUGAR. After four months of workouts, she found herself losing motivation and decided to try CrossFit. Now she does CrossFit six times a week and can squat 225 pounds!