Did I Sabotage Myself?

kitkat4141

My waistline increased by 1" since starting Stronglifts 5x5. My trainer and abs instructors also have doubled down on oblique exercises both with and without added weight.

My waistline is my problem area and disproportionately larger than my other measurements. Overall I am happy with the muscle gains I've made. Booty is higher, firmer, meatier. Skinny thighs have increased in size as have my calf muscles. But my waist went from 29" to 30". Had my BFP measured in late March and it was 23.1%. Haven't had it RE-tested yet but plan to do so in September.

I have also gained about 10 pounds in the same time frame but clothes still fit.

Came across this article today and now I am worried I sabotaged myself. What do all of you awe-inspiring ladies think?

http://www.bodybuildingsecrets.com/articles/symmetry_how_to_develop_a_classical_body_shape.php

jstout365

Are you going for a bodybuilding physique? If so, then I guess the extra oblique exercises could have prevented that goal. If you are working for a strong core to support heavy lifting, then I would say no.

I also find that my waist is the hardest to reduce. One, I carry the last bit of fat in the belly pooch and love handles. Two, I have never really been a V shape in the waist. So my goal to get under 30" on my naval line part of my waist isn't one I've seen yet and something I may not see. I'm okay with that though since I do like having a strong core and for me, having strong obliques is important.

It really will come down to what your personal goals are.

kitkat4141

I am one of those formerly overweight, middle aged women who showed up at a gym and told the trainer I wanted to lose a little weight and "tone" my arms!

My reason for doing Stronglifts was to continue lifting heavy weights (in a simple program I could remember) in hopes of streamlining my midriff and tightening the core. I was especially hoping to make an improvement in my waistline measurement, increase my booty, and make strength gains.

The article I cited was the first time I ever read about a subset of women who will become thicker in the middle from oblique training. Apparently I am a member of that group.

I love the simplicity of Stronglifts. I feel great after working out. And best of all, I am having fewer muscle strains and injuries on the program. Perhaps I need to limit the amount of oblique exercises my trainer/instructors have me perform.

grandevampire

How are you in the shoulders? Do you do pull-ups? Since I started getting fit, my shoulders have gotten a lot broader, which seems to give the impression that my waist (which hasn't changed so much compared to my hips, which have shrunk) is smaller than before.

kitkat4141

I'm broad shouldered and have an inverted triangle shape. I am learning to dress for my body type and it's amazing how fabric can deceive the eye, LOL. Am discouraged because I thought heavy weights would streamline my waist. I am eating at a deficit of 1700 calories to shed some of the weight now.

Yes, I attempt pull ups on a machine. Currently, I am machine-assisted at 52 pounds.

cleotherio

I'm also an inverted triangle, but with a short torso and wide ribcage and waist. I don't carry a lot of fat on my stomach, but my waist measurement is always wide because of my build. Even when I was in my 20's in kick-*kitten* shape and 20 lbs less than what I am now, I don't think my waist was ever below 28". Now it stays at about 30" no matter what else gets bigger or shrinks. Most of my fat is between my waist and hips, right on the muffin top. I don't do oblique exercises specifically, but I know when I "flex" and flatten out my stomach as much as I can, it looks really wide. Pretty flat, but WIDE.

kitkat4141

I'm also an inverted triangle, but with a short torso and wide ribcage and waist. I don't carry a lot of fat on my stomach, but my waist measurement is always wide because of my build. Even when I was in my 20's in kick-*kitten* shape and 20 lbs less than what I am now, I don't think my waist was ever below 28". Now it stays at about 30" no matter what else gets bigger or shrinks. Most of my fat is between my waist and hips, right on the muffin top. I don't do oblique exercises specifically, but I know when I "flex" and flatten out my stomach as much as I can, it looks really wide. Pretty flat, but WIDE.

Thanks for that input. We sound similar. Not much room between my bust and hips. Rib cage is very wide as well. My best angle is the side view, LOL. I'm getting over the angst. My ego is recovering and clothes are already fitting better.