Dumbbell rows - “bulky” vs “bigger” back?

CeeBeeSlim

Hi. I’ve come to understand that strength training for women can’t make women “bulky” but can it make body parts bigger or tighter? Not sure how much this is semantics but I ask as the “test” T-shirt I’ve been using to measure progress is tighter - this is about 4-5 months of consistent training. A very simple routine of two day a week lifting, 3 sets, 8-10 reps of squats, deadlifts, rows, bpress, and shoulder press. Progressively overloading every week.

While I’m not bulky, I don’t like the tight feeling. In the mirror, I see new muscles in my back. Weight has remained stable. Didn’t measure before - but should’ve.

I’ve seen those pics of women who are lower weight, higher body fat but look bigger than the same woman after strength training where they look leaner, narrower, but at a higher or same weight.

Should I stop some of these upper body exercises? Cut calories more? Change the weight, sets, reps of workouts?

Strange - I like the visibility of the muscles and the increasing strength but I do feel bulkier - and would rather those new muscles and strength on my original narrow(er) upper body.

Hope this make sense!

quiksylver296

Have you taken pictures of your back or only looked in the mirror? Pictures can look different (better or worse) than what your eyes see. I'd start there. If you don't like what you are seeing in pictures, then you may want to lay off the weight lifting. Maybe only two sessions per week, and the other sessions just cardio. Not everyone wants the same aesthetic and that's ok!

CeeBeeSlim

@quiksylver296 Thank you. I haven’t taken photos. I do like what I see in the mirror - it’s when I put on my clothes I feel “whoa - what’s happening here”. My T-shirts fit tighter and there’s no back fat - that’s great - just wish there was a smaller version - my original petite frame but with muscles. It’s like I’m losing the “petiteness”. I guess I want muscle but on my original small body. I don’t want muscle to make my body bigger. Geez - I feel I’m crazy! 😜

Chef_Barbell

We all want what we don't have. I'm sure its not as big as you think it looks. 🙄

age_is_just_a_number

I agree with Chef_Barbell.

Having said that, if you are not happy with the progress you are making with your current routine, then change your routine.

Another way to work your back is with plank holds. Switch out your rows for plank holds for a couple of months, then evaluate from there.

I also recommend pictures and measurements. They help you track progress and really know where changes are happening.