From "pear" to "hourglass" with HEAVY-LIFTING for Women!

Beeps2011

I've had the most success with Venus program, I think - which I've been doing for the last 9 months.

The Venus program calculates the Venus-ratio from shoulders-to-natural-waist-to-hips, so the "bust" doesn't come into the equation at all (nor do I think it should....) If you take my shoulders (42") to my natural waist (26.5" - should be 26") to my hips (38" - should be 36"), THAT is what "Venus ratio" is for hourglass.

I do find most mfp posters are very supportive - and that's what matters most!

Happy to help those on their own personal journey of nutrition/fitness success - however I can!

Beeps2011

...Also, I'll put in a plug for Bret C's ("the Glute Guy") new book, "Strong Curves" - I incorporated BB weighted hip thrusts and BB weighted glute bridges into my routine in the last 8 weeks and THAT ADDITION to my routine, alone, made my hips/butt come down 1", I believe!

ajidllensi

Beeps - congratulations! You look amazing!!

kittenkris

BIG QUESTION..... Do you stilldocardio and if so how has that changed? Thanks

kittenkris

Hi. Found the answer to the question as I kept reading you look great! Thanks for posting

parys1

Fantastic :flowerforyou:

jewelsrn55

I am very interested in this "heavy lifting". How do you get started? I'm afraid of hurting myself since I don't have a clue.
Thanks, Jules

KickassAugust

That back shot of you is HOT!!! All of them are wonderful, well done - cheers to the next 18 months!

Beeps2011

jewels - I started with "Body for Life" - in late 2011, which included machines as part of the program. When I decided to move to free weights, I bought Lou Schuler's "New Rules of Lifting for Women" - best $22 I've ever spent!

There is a "New Rules of Lifting for Women" group here at mfp - there's also a "Women's Strength Training" group - you could join those and start there - TONS of FAQ on those groups!

BinaryPulsar

...Also, I'll put in a plug for Bret C's ("the Glute Guy") new book, "Strong Curves" - I incorporated BB weighted hip thrusts and BB weighted glute bridges into my routine in the last 8 weeks and THAT ADDITION to my routine, alone, made my hips/butt come down 1", I believe!

I do this one. And I also do New Rules of Lifting for Life.

I also understand what you mean about being hourglass and/or working towards it. My shoulders are the same measurement as my hips. I have a very small waist: 23 inches. And my booty is just a couple inches bigger than my bust. I am small, but have a curvy figure with a 10+ inch waist to hip ratio. And my rib cage is very small (26 inches). I tend to think I am pear, but most people disagree on that with me. I don't think the labels really matter. We are what we are by looking at us (whatever it gets labeled). And either way, you should embrace your beautiful body and be proud of your fitness. I think the labels are misleading because there are so many different ways it can look. Pear for example does not look the same way for every women. It's just based on measurements and not body composition. I think pear shaped is a beautiful shape, and usually looks nothing like an actual pear.

89nunu

I love your arms!! You look amazing!!!

oOLorieFolkOo

You look great!

siany01

Beeps, you have been one of the major inspirations for me to take up lifting. When I first saw you on the NROL4W group and saw your pics you are a big part of what made me believe in it. I have a huge respect for you and your achievements and though 'you' may not be 100% happy with your lower body NEVER sell yourself short on what you have accomplished in the last 18mths, personally I think you look fan-bloody-tastic!!!

VBnotbitter

You look amazing. A real inspirational post for me this morning as I'm similar in age, height and original body shape. I'm just nearing the end of NROL4W stage 1 and its exciting to see what is possible to achieve. I haven't lost size yet but the jiggle is less jiggly.

Kurls4Daze

LOOKING GREAT!

Better_Balance_2011

Great work Beeps. You are so motivated and very inspiring. Bravo!

Beeps2011

Thanks!

chuisle

What a FANTASTIC example you set beeps for all the women who feel like they aren't getting anywhere. So often we see threads of ridiculously awesome progress...over 3 months. The expectations they set are that you make some changes then BAM your body just changes. But here you are, dealing with kids, a high powered job, etc. showing that over time you can really change your body in a realistic and doable way. I know you have struggled to see changes in the short term but I am so proud that you have kept with it and seen great (and sustainable) changes in the long term.

I think you look amazing and I look up to you! I really hope a lot of women see this and aspire to be just like Beeps! Working hard, living life and getting better everyday!

4my2jays

You look awesome. Congrats

lithezebra

...Also, I'll put in a plug for Bret C's ("the Glute Guy") new book, "Strong Curves" - I incorporated BB weighted hip thrusts and BB weighted glute bridges into my routine in the last 8 weeks and THAT ADDITION to my routine, alone, made my hips/butt come down 1", I believe!

I do this one. And I also do New Rules of Lifting for Life.

I also understand what you mean about being hourglass and/or working towards it. My shoulders are the same measurement as my hips. I have a very small waist: 23 inches. And my booty is just a couple inches bigger than my bust. I am small, but have a curvy figure with a 10+ inch waist to hip ratio. And my rib cage is very small (26 inches). I tend to think I am pear, but most people disagree on that with me. I don't think the labels really matter. We are what we are by looking at us (whatever it gets labeled). And either way, you should embrace your beautiful body and be proud of your fitness. I think the labels are misleading because there are so many different ways it can look. Pear for example does not look the same way for every women. It's just based on measurements and not body composition. I think pear shaped is a beautiful shape, and usually looks nothing like an actual pear.

I'm not into the idea that one shape looks better than another. I think we all look best when we're fit and healthy. So if becoming more fit makes one person's body look more like an hourglass and less like a pear, or vice versa, both are beautiful. Everyone looks better with exercise and eating right.

I have to get really skinny, too skinny, to have hips that are smaller than 36 inches, which is also the circumference of my shoulders. For me, pear is the ideal shape, because that's what shape I have at my healthiest weight.

dolphinie13

And check out your cute butt!! WTG on your success!!

jenomaha

Beeps, my friend...you are the definition of patience, determination, perserverance, hard work and dedication!! I am so proud of you and your amazing transformation!!! Congrats, hon!! You truly are inspiring!! XO!!!

nikkim19781

WOW!!!! You look awesome!!! I'm getting my butt in the gym tonight!!!

sdereski

Congratulations Beeps! You look fantastic! I know how truly dedicated you are to health and fitness and it is certainly evident in your progress. Your arms and back are a thing of beauty for sure!

chantelle0312

wow you do look amazing wow really even though you say you have zero breasts if it does bother you maybe look into natural breast enhancement its natural and works.
i was a pear shape for a while(my breasts didnt come back after being underweight for a long time but i gained them back with pueraria mirifica i was 34in start after 43in so biiig gain to breasts(stopped for 6months and lost weight without loosing my breasts) without weight gain anywhere else my weight has allways yoyoed is possible without surgery if your really looking for a hourglass shape i used the breastnexus forum alot for their advice

deksgrl

Rock Star status, for sure!

Beeps2011

To all my mfp friends who checked out this thread - let me say how much YOU inspire ME everyday! I come here to chat, to exchange ideas, to feel motivated - all because of the "online friends" I have made through mfp.

I *do* love fitness and am always energized when I show up here and see what y'all are up to.

HAPPY CANADA DAY - to all my Canadian friends - it's a holiday, for me, and I'm going to sit on my deck, with a corona and a lime - and toast to ALL OF YOU!

suelegal

Everything you post has been inspirational for me. Your attitude and perserverance has paid off. Love that you are in this for the long haul and that you clearly state your intentions and then do what you need to do to achieve your goals and yet allow for your humaness.. It's all paid off. You are beautiful!

Rockstar!!.

lorierin22

I can't actually see your pictures from this computer, but wanted to congratulate you on your sucess! I also wanted to selfishly save this post to my page so I can come back later and look at your pics and get some inspiration. I am also pear shaped and feel like my upper half will almost disappear before I notice any change in my lower half. I have started doing some weights to build up my upper half and to strengthen my lower half and have had some results, but hopefully you will be my inspiration to really get serious and start an actual program!

DuckDynastyMakesMeLaugh

You look fabulous!!

I'm glad you are not at my gym working out with me. I'd be too distracted admiring your back/shoulders/arms. Those are absolutely gorgeous. However, the biggest difference is in your hips. You have a fantastic athletic body now. Good work!

^This!!!!!!