Sorry, but I *am* getting bulky from lifting heavy....

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Replies

  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already, but I do a lot of Les Mills BODYPUMP programs, and their main focus is less weight but with more reps, so you don't get that big bulky look. It's worked pretty well in that concept for me, if you've never heard of it, be sure to check it out sometime.

    You don't get that "big bulky look" from heavy weights/low reps either - it takes a lot of effort and a calorie surplus (and maybe some supplements or something) for women to achieve "bulk".
  • denezy
    denezy Posts: 573 Member
    If you don't like your results then change what you're doing.

    Crazy, right?
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    Pics
    photo37.jpg
    photo36.jpg
    photo35.jpg
    photo39.jpg
  • CorvusCorax77
    CorvusCorax77 Posts: 2,536 Member
    You look like Halle Berry in your pictures. I can't see what isn't to love. I have the same problem with pants (tight in thighs, loose in waist) but I think I look damn good because of it.

    If you aren't liking your results, eat less and/or stop lifting.

    this is the answer - you either need to do more cardio or eat less!!! If i do weisghts i get brilliant results but need to balance with cardio and stay away from carbs!!! sorry to tell a big fat truth

    I do an hour of cardio every day & eat very little carbs.

    ACK! DO NOT EAT LESS! This is such bad advice.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    My sister in law has this problem too, she's half black and her gains are crazy. I have seen it a Lot with pretty much everyone but white chicks- gains are big and noticeable I would droP weight and add reps.

    Me too, I'm Black, Irish & Cherokee. I'm thinking of dropping my weights (although I'm not sure how low to drop them) & doing more reps for a few weeks to see what happens.

    Are you guys saying that "blacks" gain more weight when lifting, or in general, or what? This is a serious question, I need to know because I just started lifting and I have 50 pounds to lose and DO NOT want to bulk up period.

    No, please ignore this nonsense. There are some differences in *average* muscle fiber typing, but that has nothing to do with weight gain or loss.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Good pics. If you call THAT bulky tho... heh...

    "Bulk" is the SIZE of muscle. To really know if you've bulked, you need to have measured before and after.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    Folks quit telling her to stop lifting weights, that is not the problem. What this will cause is horrible body composition.
  • jellebeandesigns
    jellebeandesigns Posts: 347 Member
    My sister in law has this problem too, she's half black and her gains are crazy. I have seen it a Lot with pretty much everyone but white chicks- gains are big and noticeable I would droP weight and add reps.


    Is this really happening right now? How is this not a racist statement? How do white chicks not gain muscle like every other race who lifts? :grumble:

    It's not racist- genetic make uP of each and every race is different. Just like Caucasian women are more likely tO carry babies for 42+ weeks gestation not racist at all just facts
  • crazy4lulu
    crazy4lulu Posts: 822 Member
    sorry honey but that is beautiful.... not bulky!!!
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I would seek a therapist for BDD if you think you are bulky.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Pics
    photo37.jpg
    photo36.jpg
    photo35.jpg

    Have you ever considered entering a female bodybuilding contest?
  • iorahkwano
    iorahkwano Posts: 709 Member
    Hm... Your legs aren't as big as I was expecting judging by the photos. They're not that big. Are you training your upperbody too to balance it out with your legs? I can't tell because you havw a big shirt on.

    I'm sure if you gained some body fat like your doc recommended, your waist will fill out your pants instead of being loose. And gaining some fat on your butt would make it look bigger & your legs smaller in comparison.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    OP... you are not bulky. You need to replace some lost body fat. Beyond that, the only other thing that you can do is have your testosterone levels tested. But seriously... unless your body could potentially be mistaken for a man's... you are NOT bulky.
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
    I don't mean to be rude..I really don't but BOO HOO....

    Wow, just wow. Why would you comment in a thread where you are not contributing anything except trying to start an argument with others?

    To the OP: You are a very beautiful woman!! I would love to see your recent pictures.

    I am also one of those women that can bulk up. Unfortunately for me, I have higher levels of testosterone than most women due to PCOS.
  • fitnfancy80
    fitnfancy80 Posts: 251 Member
    This girl I work with is super tone and she says she uses light weights and does a lot of body weight strenght moves. I really hope all these comments on how good you look helps, because you look fab.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Pics

    You look great!
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    OP... you are not bulky. You need to replace some lost body fat. Beyond that, the only other thing that you can do is have your testosterone levels tested. But seriously... unless your body could potentially be mistaken for a man's... you are NOT bulky.

    this. very much this.
  • May63
    May63 Posts: 162
    I would love to be in your shoes.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    your arms are so beautiful, your shoulders wow
  • Emtabo01
    Emtabo01 Posts: 672
    I didn't read any of the other comments, but my first thought when I looked at your profile pics was that I hope I don't get that big. I started lifting about 3 months ago and that's not my goal, to get that big. Sorry if that not helpful, I was going to give the obligatory you look great, keep it up, which you do look great, but if you're not happy about it, keep it up seems the wrong advice. Good luck.
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    My gosh, I'm trying but I can't reply fast enough to everyone who has given me such great advice. I think the first step, will be so lift lighter & do more reps so I can see if I slim down overall a little. I'm okay with having tone & muscle, but when my clothes stop fitting right it makes me think that I'm getting bigger than I want to be or was planning on being. Also maybe my body is changi so fast, that I'm just not used to it yet. I just need to change some things & see what happens.
  • CorvusCorax77
    CorvusCorax77 Posts: 2,536 Member
    gurl.

    you are not what I would consider "bulky"....

    I think you should look up female weight lifters, like competitive bikini models, and look at on season vs off season shots.

    eta: The reason I say this is because I suspect you want to look more like an off season, rather than an on season, female weight lifter. And the difference is really body fat percentage, not muscle mass.
  • jellebeandesigns
    jellebeandesigns Posts: 347 Member
    Ya not bulky at all not even close. You can give me some of your bulky though
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    I understand it's about what YOU are happy with, but I don't think you are bulky at all.

    You clearly have built some muscle in your upper body, but it's not loads, or what I would consider "bulky". It looks mostly like a lot of definition, that should go away a little once you gain that weight.

    Your legs, they are toned, but I don't see that much visible muscle, only the slightest bit that you would expect from legs that are worked on somewhat (and not flabby, untoned) No way in the slightest are you bulky by my standards anyway. You look fantastic in fact!!
  • mominwi419
    mominwi419 Posts: 87
    You look stunning! Seriously!

    I would add a bit of body fat like your doctor suggests and reevaluate after he or she is comfortable that you've gained a bit.
  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    You aren'y "bulky." Go to the gym and hit dem weights.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    Thanks for posting the pictures. As I suspected, you are FAR from being bulky...
  • capnwo85
    capnwo85 Posts: 1,103 Member
    Pics

    Have you ever considered entering a female bodybuilding contest?

    She's worried about looking bulky...and you just asked her to build MORE muscle.... :huh: :huh:
  • myofibril
    myofibril Posts: 4,500 Member
    What rep range are you working with?

    If you are working in the hypertrophy range with a lot of volume you could be experiencing "the pump" or a temporary increase in sacroplasmic fluid which makes it appear like you are "bulking up" when in fact you are not.

    Stop weights for three days or so. See what happens. If you notice a clear difference then it's probably the above. You could consider working with a lower rep range and a higher weight or a higher rep range with lower weight or reduce the volume of your training.

    Up to you really.
  • Fvaisey
    Fvaisey Posts: 5,506 Member
    You've got to please yourself and I think you've gotten a lot of great advice. Just know that you look great! My suggestion, buy some tailored clothes. :-) You've earned it!

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