Women don't bulk easily - myth?!
Replies
-
I don't know what I see anymore I just know I don't like it
Okay, not to sound mean or anything, but I don't see much muscle (as in purposely put on size) at all. If you had posted this first, I would have thought you just did yoga or pilates.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
0 -
Yeah, that's not bulk, it's definition. If you're not used to your lats(?) being wider than the muscles in front, it's because you've lost some fat in the arm pit area so it just looks different than what you're accustomed to. You look gorgeous, by the way.5
-
I'm not saying I look muscly I wouldn't mind if I did I just don't want to get bigger0
-
-
My armpits do seem a little hollow and erm...thank you!MarkusDarwath wrote: »Yeah, that's not bulk, it's definition. If you're not used to your lats(?) being wider than the muscles in front, it's because you've lost some fat in the arm pit area so it just looks different than what you're accustomed to. You look gorgeous, by the way.
1 -
Take measurements. Self perception is an absolute bugger and often tells us multitudes of lies, positive and negative. I agree it's probably a loss of body fat making you perceive a gain when in actual fact it's just more definition and pump.
Even newbie gains, say up to 1lb (not likely but let's just entertain this theory for a second), think about what 1lb of lean meat looks like. 450g or there abouts. Now think abut that spread out amongst all of the muscles in your body. It's not going to make that much of a visual difference. So gains aren't the issue here, your self image is.2 -
If you're in a calorie deficit, you won't. Realize that getting bigger means you are adding mass. You CAN'T add mass unless you're supplying the energy and calories needed to support that. That's how people get overweight in the first place. Eating more than they burn and adding mass (in that case more fat weight). Same goes with gaining muscle. You can't build muscle from nothing. You have to supply calories (especially from protein) in surplus to build more muscle.I'm not saying I look muscly I wouldn't mind if I did I just don't want to get bigger
You need to relinquish the thought that you're getting bigger. It ends up becoming a body dysmorphic issue.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
3 -
VintageFeline wrote: »Take measurements. Self perception is an absolute bugger and often tells us multitudes of lies, positive and negative. I agree it's probably a loss of body fat making you perceive a gain when in actual fact it's just more definition and pump.
Even newbie gains, say up to 1lb (not likely but let's just entertain this theory for a second), think about what 1lb of lean meat looks like. 450g or there abouts. Now think abut that spread out amongst all of the muscles in your body. It's not going to make that much of a visual difference. So gains aren't the issue here, your self image is.
Thank you, I do regret not measuring so far and will buy myself some tape!!0 -
You may look more muscular due to fat loss revealing the muscle. Take measurements and see if they go up or down. My shoulders and back are quite muscular (I love it!) because I lost the fat that covered the muscle and made my body look rounder, less defined. Water retention from lifting (muscle repair) gives muscles a temporary pump, too.3
-
My armpits do seem a little hollow and erm...thank you!
You're welcome. And it wasn't just flattery. Comparing your pics to what you've stated as your goals, you are already there. It's time to ditch the scale, adjust your calories to maintenance, and keep up the training. As a control freak myself, I understand it's tough to let go of "doing something" when you've hit the point where it's time to move on. But seriously, you're at an excellent place regarding body fat. If things are starting to look off to you, it will only look more off if you keep dropping weight. Maintaining your present BFP and continuing to strength train will enhance that sleek, toned, feminine look you've already achieved.
5 -
You may wish to reassess your goal weight, you are looking great (IMO).
No you aren't going to be skinny fat (is that the most overused currently fashionable phrase?).
You are having problems with self-perception and self-image though.
Please take a moment (or lots of moments....) to enjoy your success instead of looking for flaws.
Give yourself time to get used to the new you.8 -
Thank you everyone for your comments, I'm taking away from this that my fear of getting bigger is irrational and that any perceived gain is from fat loss and increased water/pump.
I'm sorry things got ugly along the way, I guess the Internet can do that - I'm sorry if I was insensitive or offended anyone - it wasn't my intention and I think weight lifters are fantastic (male or female)
I will keep lifting, start measuring and try to appreciate what I've got a bit more xx3 -
I think changes in body shape are difficult for a lot of people. Even if you go into something willingly, the result can be a surprise and take time to adjust to. Ever get a lot of hair cut off and feel shocked for a while? It's kind of like that.
You look heathy and feminine. Whatever that means. There are myriad ways of looking/being feminine. And it's not for anyone else to say what that is for you.5 -
Thank you everyone for your comments, I'm taking away from this that my fear of getting bigger is irrational and that any perceived gain is from fat loss and increased water/pump.
I'm sorry things got ugly along the way, I guess the Internet can do that - I'm sorry if I was insensitive or offended anyone - it wasn't my intention and I think weight lifters are fantastic (male or female)
I will keep lifting, start measuring and try to appreciate what I've got a bit more xx
Your pictures show a different body than I expected. Ignore my comments about losing bf to reveal the beautiful muscles underneath. You look really good right now.
3 -
Thank you, that means a lot - I just need to convince myself!goldthistime wrote: »Thank you everyone for your comments, I'm taking away from this that my fear of getting bigger is irrational and that any perceived gain is from fat loss and increased water/pump.
I'm sorry things got ugly along the way, I guess the Internet can do that - I'm sorry if I was insensitive or offended anyone - it wasn't my intention and I think weight lifters are fantastic (male or female)
I will keep lifting, start measuring and try to appreciate what I've got a bit more xx
Your pictures show a different body than I expected. Ignore my comments about losing bf to reveal the beautiful muscles underneath. You look really good right now.
2 -
Thank you everyone for your comments, I'm taking away from this that my fear of getting bigger is irrational and that any perceived gain is from fat loss and increased water/pump.
I'm sorry things got ugly along the way, I guess the Internet can do that - I'm sorry if I was insensitive or offended anyone - it wasn't my intention and I think weight lifters are fantastic (male or female)
I will keep lifting, start measuring and try to appreciate what I've got a bit more xx
I get it ..and I'm hugely body confident and been at goal for over a year.
And yet I had a thread last week about reducing muscle, because sometimes your head just goes there and you get a weird split of working really hard & feeling confident and is that result my desired body aesthetic?...my issue was more with my temporary look when purposefully flexing and post gym pump as was beautifully pointed out to me and reminded me to get my head out of my *kitten*
...that in no way means that my head doesn't and won't go back there...I've spent decades seeing skinny role models with minimum visible muscle definition, it's hard for me to remove that and replace it with fitness / bodybuilding as a standard to aspire to
I think it's fine to have your own body aesthetic, doesn't mean you don't appreciate people with completely different aesthetics nor the work that went into it and it shouldn't reflect on other peoples confidence in their own body
Muscles are great but for women there can be a toss up between our personal feels and where bodybuilding takes us...me I want to lift and to look soft and strong, I don't want to be particularly ripped so I try to keep my BF at the right level for that...but I know I could drop and look slimmer and more defined
3 -
Thanks I read that post and always smile at the comments you leave others0
-
I'm not understanding why you want to lift weights and get to 18% body fat if the shredded look isn't what you are looking for. That (plus adequate protein) is the formula for getting shredded (or buff, lean, whatever term you like).If you lose that much fat you are going to see muscle. According to hydrostatic testing, I am at 20% BF in my profile photo. I look leaner but carry more fat in my Glutes & thighs. Lost so much more fat in my upper body than lower. It does not always come off evenly.
I'm not criticizing what you are doing-hell, that's what I'm doing. Just wondering if it's really want you want after reading this thread.1 -
Incidentally I just got back from the gym in shorts and noticed my knees sticking out weirdly - I'm struggling to get used to the body fat loss leaves behind.
I need to get my head out of my *kitten* too and think about other things!!0 -
I only know my bf% according to the scales, they put me at 19.9 now (I used to be at 30) I just thought going down to 18 might get rid of my stomach fat but that might be wishful thinking.I'm not understanding why you want to lift weights and get to 18% body fat if the shredded look isn't what you are looking for. That (plus adequate protein) is the formula for getting shredded (or buff, lean, whatever term you like).If you lose that much fat you are going to see muscle. According to hydrostatic testing, I am at 20% BF in my profile photo. I look leaner but carry more fat in my Glutes & thighs. Lost so much more fat in my upper body than lower. It does not always come off evenly.
I'm not criticizing what you are doing-hell, that's what I'm doing. Just wondering if it's really want you want after reading this thread.
I did sit ups today for first time in ages, I send to really struggle but now find it a lot easier so will try and work on my core more.
I think what I really want is a smaller version of me, I'm a bit disappointed after losing 40lbs I'm just a skinnier version and not really as small as I'd like. I'm 5'10 and a size 10 (uk) but the look I like is much more petite, I think I just have to accept the size I am now...
1 -
I've got nothing against seeing muscle it's just my new proportions I'm not really a fan of.0
-
I am a competitive female bodybuilder and I gain muscle relatively easy even though I don't use steroids. I can look huge/manly if I have very low body fat and I flex (like in my current profile picture). When I am wearing regular clothes (including shorts, dresses, tank tops, etc.) I don't even look like I lift. You won't accidentally look manly. I've been trying to get huge for 5 years and I still look small/feminine in regular clothes.5
-
I only know my bf% according to the scales, they put me at 19.9 now (I used to be at 30) I just thought going down to 18 might get rid of my stomach fat but that might be wishful thinking.I'm not understanding why you want to lift weights and get to 18% body fat if the shredded look isn't what you are looking for. That (plus adequate protein) is the formula for getting shredded (or buff, lean, whatever term you like).If you lose that much fat you are going to see muscle. According to hydrostatic testing, I am at 20% BF in my profile photo. I look leaner but carry more fat in my Glutes & thighs. Lost so much more fat in my upper body than lower. It does not always come off evenly.
I'm not criticizing what you are doing-hell, that's what I'm doing. Just wondering if it's really want you want after reading this thread.
I did sit ups today for first time in ages, I send to really struggle but now find it a lot easier so will try and work on my core more.
I think what I really want is a smaller version of me, I'm a bit disappointed after losing 40lbs I'm just a skinnier version and not really as small as I'd like. I'm 5'10 and a size 10 (uk) but the look I like is much more petite, I think I just have to accept the size I am now...
Hey....5'10 and a size 10 is slender ....that's a US 6 ....but you're never going to be 'petite', you have model height
If I were you I would consider going into maintenance and letting my brain catch up with my body because your stats and your pictures are showing a very slim woman ...you can always restart weight loss if you still want to after a few months
You've been working your core in your compound lifts and push ups etc
4 -
I only know my bf% according to the scales, they put me at 19.9 now (I used to be at 30) I just thought going down to 18 might get rid of my stomach fat but that might be wishful thinking.I'm not understanding why you want to lift weights and get to 18% body fat if the shredded look isn't what you are looking for. That (plus adequate protein) is the formula for getting shredded (or buff, lean, whatever term you like).If you lose that much fat you are going to see muscle. According to hydrostatic testing, I am at 20% BF in my profile photo. I look leaner but carry more fat in my Glutes & thighs. Lost so much more fat in my upper body than lower. It does not always come off evenly.
I'm not criticizing what you are doing-hell, that's what I'm doing. Just wondering if it's really want you want after reading this thread.
I did sit ups today for first time in ages, I send to really struggle but now find it a lot easier so will try and work on my core more.
I think what I really want is a smaller version of me, I'm a bit disappointed after losing 40lbs I'm just a skinnier version and not really as small as I'd like. I'm 5'10 and a size 10 (uk) but the look I like is much more petite, I think I just have to accept the size I am now...
Gotcha. FWIW, scales are not considered very accurate for BF%. Mine is close but still off 1-2%. Or, at least it was the days I got a Bodpod & hydro tested. Those methods, along with Dexa scans, are far more accurate than scales or calipers. In January Bodpod gave me a 21% reading and in March the hydro gave me 20% after losing a few more lbs. I've been lifting for 2 years and don't think I've gained much muscle because I mostly was eating at deficit and recently at maintenance,0 -
Thank you both, that's really helped - I will try to get my head around it and consider maintenance (I tried before but freaked out a bit!)0
-
I'm getting sculpted looking arms, and losing off my hips, and feel self conscious about it. This has happened before. When I start seeing changes, I feel like I look like a guy. Then it all works out.2
-
If I remember right you posted a thread in Motivation recently with a picture of your stomach. You'd be way better off eating at maintenance and lifting if your focus is a soft stomach. You are under muscled, not over fat.4
-
-
You look great! Strangely enough when I saw your pic all I could think about was you rocking a nice slinky dress. Certainly not something a manly dude would do I don't think!2
-
I think what I really want is a smaller version of me, I'm a bit disappointed after losing 40lbs I'm just a skinnier version and not really as small as I'd like. I'm 5'10 and a size 10 (uk) but the look I like is much more petite, I think I just have to accept the size I am now...
No amount of diet and exercise in the world is going to change your bone structure. You need to learn to love what you've done with -your- body rather than idealizing a body type that you just don't have. I guarantee you that a lot of those more petite girls you wish you looked like often wish they were taller.
3
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions