Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:49
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Muscular doesn't mean chubby. Muscle is lean. Naturally muscular people are lean. I think that is where the confusion is. Some PPs are using "naturally muscular"when they should say hefty or chubby or naturally bulky.
A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. If you are bulky, it's because you have a layer of fat over your muscle and instead of losing the fat, you are just making the muscle bigger.
That suggests to me that you aren't getting any cardio. Either ch age the way you lift (do circuits with hiit intervals in between) or add some other cardio to your program. I also think free weights are better.
A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. If you are bulky, it's because you have a layer of fat over your muscle and instead of losing the fat, you are just making the muscle bigger.
That suggests to me that you aren't getting any cardio. Either ch age the way you lift (do circuits with hiit intervals in between) or add some other cardio to your program. I also think free weights are better.
Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:46
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
I look awesome. I was wearing a sleeveless shirt one day at work (I am a teacher) and lifted my arms to adjust my ponytail. Two of the boys across the room called my name and when I looked over they flexed and said "BICEPS!" My arms have visible definition and just look strong. I love them.
I also have visible abs, it made my butt higher and my calves tighter. I am small framed and not bulky at all. It's pretty hard for most women to put on muscle. I think the max amount of new muscle a woman can put on in a year is 8 lbs.
Now, when people start to look bulky is when they lift but their diet is shit which means there's muscles but also lots of fat too. Then you look big. Your average healthy eater who lifts is just going to look lean and defined and "toned," NOT bulky.
I also have visible abs, it made my butt higher and my calves tighter. I am small framed and not bulky at all. It's pretty hard for most women to put on muscle. I think the max amount of new muscle a woman can put on in a year is 8 lbs.
Now, when people start to look bulky is when they lift but their diet is shit which means there's muscles but also lots of fat too. Then you look big. Your average healthy eater who lifts is just going to look lean and defined and "toned," NOT bulky.
Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:26
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Wow, so many “naturally muscular” women on this thread - who knew there were so many genetically gifted women in the DC area?
I’m a personal trainer. But yes- threads written to specific topics seem to draw people with specific experience. Pretty normal.
Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:23
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Wow, so many “naturally muscular” women on this thread - who knew there were so many genetically gifted women in the DC area?
Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:20
Subject: Re:How did lifting weights change your physique?
Also muscular. Have high testosterone. I can bulk or cut while lifting to get different results. To the 5’7 130 poster you’re nuts. That’s not muscular, muscle is heavy. I’m 4 inches shorter than you but at 110 I’m scary looking (protruding hip bones amd vascularity in places i don’t want it). Body fat percentage is at 14-16% at that height and weight- which is very low. Muscle is heavy.
Anonymous
01/07/2018 09:04
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How much weight are you all lifting? When I was regularly working out with weights (upper body 2/wk, lower body 2/wk 5-15lbs.) I dropped a size. I lost fat and gained muscle tone.
The other PPs must be eating a ton of protein and not doing any cardio, because, like you, weight lifting has made me go down a size.
But that said, I eat a lot of carbs and don't buy into the Atkins stuff. I lift about 15 to 20 for light weight stuff (arms and shoulders) and up to 80 for squats and dead lifts. I don't use machines, only free weights. And I mix in compound movements.
I also run usually daily.
Maybe, but my guess is we have different body types. We respond differently to weight lifting than many (most) women. It is what it is, and it’s also complete BS that women can’t get bigger from lifting.[/quote
The only BS regarding women and getting bigger from lifting is that it will happen without a lot of effort. A woman is not going to get big and muscular from lifting unless she is trying to. Muscle "mass" is generally quite difficult for woman to gain, without significant levels of testosterone gaining mass is very difficult.
You really shouldn't generalize. If I take a body pump class (putting in a good effort), my shirts fit differently for months. I have a very muscular physique. I had my testosterone checked at one point for health reasons, and it was normal. For me it is not at all difficult to gain muscle mass.
For various reasons, I focus on building slow twitch muscles and resistance training, and I do not bulk up like I do with heavy weights.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 22:48
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
I look much better
Anonymous
01/06/2018 21:42
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
It is obvious from the responses that depending on body type, people’s bodies will respond differently to lifting. So I will respond to the OP with “my” experience, which she asked for.
When I don’t lift, I am 5-4, 110 lbs or so, fairly trim build, in a suit, size 0 bottoms and size 0 or 2 jacket. When I am on a lifting routine, not that frequent but intense- 2-3 days a week, 1-hour workouts, my shoulders fill out significantly and so do my flutes/thighs/quads. So I go up to a size 4 jacket/top and have to have the waist brought in. My pants/skirt size doesn’t really change but I probably fill them out a little more. Weight goes up a couple of pounds but still no more than 115. This is without any deliberate changes in diet, though I’m sure I eat more on days after a hard workout. And I get comments on my arms being defined, sleeves are tighter, etc.
When I unfortunately have had to take months off from the gym or any other workouts due to work or other excuses, I go back down to my previous physique, slim with less broad shoulders and a more relaxed fit of my clothes around the arms and back.
So I wouldn’t call this “bulking up”, but yes, your body will change if you have a certain body type. For me, I feel it is a change for the better, but it’s a matter of perspective, I suppose.
When I don’t lift, I am 5-4, 110 lbs or so, fairly trim build, in a suit, size 0 bottoms and size 0 or 2 jacket. When I am on a lifting routine, not that frequent but intense- 2-3 days a week, 1-hour workouts, my shoulders fill out significantly and so do my flutes/thighs/quads. So I go up to a size 4 jacket/top and have to have the waist brought in. My pants/skirt size doesn’t really change but I probably fill them out a little more. Weight goes up a couple of pounds but still no more than 115. This is without any deliberate changes in diet, though I’m sure I eat more on days after a hard workout. And I get comments on my arms being defined, sleeves are tighter, etc.
When I unfortunately have had to take months off from the gym or any other workouts due to work or other excuses, I go back down to my previous physique, slim with less broad shoulders and a more relaxed fit of my clothes around the arms and back.
So I wouldn’t call this “bulking up”, but yes, your body will change if you have a certain body type. For me, I feel it is a change for the better, but it’s a matter of perspective, I suppose.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 20:45
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How much weight are you all lifting? When I was regularly working out with weights (upper body 2/wk, lower body 2/wk 5-15lbs.) I dropped a size. I lost fat and gained muscle tone.
The other PPs must be eating a ton of protein and not doing any cardio, because, like you, weight lifting has made me go down a size.
But that said, I eat a lot of carbs and don't buy into the Atkins stuff. I lift about 15 to 20 for light weight stuff (arms and shoulders) and up to 80 for squats and dead lifts. I don't use machines, only free weights. And I mix in compound movements.
I also run usually daily.
Maybe, but my guess is we have different body types. We respond differently to weight lifting than many (most) women. It is what it is, and it’s also complete BS that women can’t get bigger from lifting.[/quote
The only BS regarding women and getting bigger from lifting is that it will happen without a lot of effort. A woman is not going to get big and muscular from lifting unless she is trying to. Muscle "mass" is generally quite difficult for woman to gain, without significant levels of testosterone gaining mass is very difficult.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 18:52
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:You will get even broader. Expect to go up a size or two to accommodate broader shoulders and more muscular chest, back, and arms. Try not to cry if you have to replace expensive bras and suit jackets, because being strong and super fit is worth it. If you get the thighs and booty pop from squats, say goodbye to being able to buy well-fitting clothes off the rack. I gave up pants completely and now only wear tunics, skirts, and leggings.
NP here. This has not been my experience at all. In fact, it's been the opposite. I've toned and tightened, which has made me slimmer, not broader and bigger.
I am not broader either! My thick stump legs are now muscular and lean. I have a six pack. I weigh the same (130lbs at 5'7) but dropped a dress size. Prepare to go heavy though to get results. At 45 I need to work extra hard to build muscle. Aim to deadlift 1.5x body weight, squat 1x your body weight.
GTFO. If you are 5’7 and 130 you never had stumpy legs. That’s just insulting to those of us who are naturally muscular. If I had those stats I would look scrawny. I’m 5’8, and much below 150 I look like Skeletor.
Again: if you’re not a naturally muscular woman, you don’t get it.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 17:45
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:You will get even broader. Expect to go up a size or two to accommodate broader shoulders and more muscular chest, back, and arms. Try not to cry if you have to replace expensive bras and suit jackets, because being strong and super fit is worth it. If you get the thighs and booty pop from squats, say goodbye to being able to buy well-fitting clothes off the rack. I gave up pants completely and now only wear tunics, skirts, and leggings.
NP here. This has not been my experience at all. In fact, it's been the opposite. I've toned and tightened, which has made me slimmer, not broader and bigger.
I am not broader either! My thick stump legs are now muscular and lean. I have a six pack. I weigh the same (130lbs at 5'7) but dropped a dress size. Prepare to go heavy though to get results. At 45 I need to work extra hard to build muscle. Aim to deadlift 1.5x body weight, squat 1x your body weight.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 17:18
Subject: Re:How did lifting weights change your physique?
Man here.
I go to a powerlifting gym, and the women who work out there are quite impressive: today I saw one deadlifting 315, another one benching 195, and another one squatting 275.
Obviously, they looked fit, but they did not look grotesque or "too bulky". Their thighs looked pretty big and strong. Still had breasts (yay!).
So women should not fear that lifting will make them look like a weirdo. Most men don't need to fear this either, frankly. To get scary-weird looking, I think you have to use steroids. (Don't do that.)
And no I did not hit on them, I minded my own business and did my own workout.
I go to a powerlifting gym, and the women who work out there are quite impressive: today I saw one deadlifting 315, another one benching 195, and another one squatting 275.
Obviously, they looked fit, but they did not look grotesque or "too bulky". Their thighs looked pretty big and strong. Still had breasts (yay!).
So women should not fear that lifting will make them look like a weirdo. Most men don't need to fear this either, frankly. To get scary-weird looking, I think you have to use steroids. (Don't do that.)
And no I did not hit on them, I minded my own business and did my own workout.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 17:00
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How much weight are you all lifting? When I was regularly working out with weights (upper body 2/wk, lower body 2/wk 5-15lbs.) I dropped a size. I lost fat and gained muscle tone.
The other PPs must be eating a ton of protein and not doing any cardio, because, like you, weight lifting has made me go down a size.
If you're dropping sizes when you work out, it's because you were flabby to start. The OP mentioned that she was naturally muscular. That body type will get broader with weight training, not leaner. Women aren't much different from men in that regard.
Actually, no, I was not flabby before I started lifting weights. I was muscular.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 13:29
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How much weight are you all lifting? When I was regularly working out with weights (upper body 2/wk, lower body 2/wk 5-15lbs.) I dropped a size. I lost fat and gained muscle tone.
The other PPs must be eating a ton of protein and not doing any cardio, because, like you, weight lifting has made me go down a size.
But that said, I eat a lot of carbs and don't buy into the Atkins stuff. I lift about 15 to 20 for light weight stuff (arms and shoulders) and up to 80 for squats and dead lifts. I don't use machines, only free weights. And I mix in compound movements.
I also run usually daily.
Maybe, but my guess is we have different body types. We respond differently to weight lifting than many (most) women. It is what it is, and it’s also complete BS that women can’t get bigger from lifting.
Of course women can get bigger from lifting if their diet supports it. I'm the first pp and my diet also contains a lot of carbs. I don't do Atkins type eating, either, but I do eat healthy fats. I do interval walk/runs 5 days a week.
The idea that women can bulk up like men (without taking extreme measures) is absurd and keeps many typical women from including weights in their routine. It wasn't until I added weights that my body changed. I have defined muscles, but I am not bulky. I would have to eat heavy protein and more calories and work out with way heavier weights for hours daily to put any size on.
And this PP is spot on.
Maybe, but it's irrelevant to this thread. No one mention bulking up like men, and the OP specifically asked about the experiences of other naturally muscular women. If you're not one, you don't understand.
Anonymous
01/06/2018 11:22
Subject: How did lifting weights change your physique?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How much weight are you all lifting? When I was regularly working out with weights (upper body 2/wk, lower body 2/wk 5-15lbs.) I dropped a size. I lost fat and gained muscle tone.
The other PPs must be eating a ton of protein and not doing any cardio, because, like you, weight lifting has made me go down a size.
But that said, I eat a lot of carbs and don't buy into the Atkins stuff. I lift about 15 to 20 for light weight stuff (arms and shoulders) and up to 80 for squats and dead lifts. I don't use machines, only free weights. And I mix in compound movements.
I also run usually daily.
Maybe, but my guess is we have different body types. We respond differently to weight lifting than many (most) women. It is what it is, and it’s also complete BS that women can’t get bigger from lifting.
Of course women can get bigger from lifting if their diet supports it. I'm the first pp and my diet also contains a lot of carbs. I don't do Atkins type eating, either, but I do eat healthy fats. I do interval walk/runs 5 days a week.
The idea that women can bulk up like men (without taking extreme measures) is absurd and keeps many typical women from including weights in their routine. It wasn't until I added weights that my body changed. I have defined muscles, but I am not bulky. I would have to eat heavy protein and more calories and work out with way heavier weights for hours daily to put any size on.
And this PP is spot on.