HALP! Heavy Lifting Made Me SUPAH Bulky!!!

rieann84

Not really.. I think everyone else at the gym is just focused on their own workout.

If you feel self conscious, maybe wear baggier pants?

randomtai

One question though, and this probably sounds really stupid: Do any of you lovely lifters ever feel self conscious working out with all the men around... not because you're intimidated or think they will think negatively of you, but the opposite? I mean, let's just be honest - my husband *loves* to watch me squat. And I think that's great. But hen I go alone I feel self conscious that other guys might be watching, and I guess as a married woman I just don't want that kind of attention... I dunno. Like I said, that's probably stupid. I guess I just think I'm so dang sexy all the guys are leering at me. *rolls eyes*

I love the attention. Sorry attention *kitten* here.

archaichoney

One question though, and this probably sounds really stupid: Do any of you lovely lifters ever feel self conscious working out with all the men around... not because you're intimidated or think they will think negatively of you, but the opposite? I mean, let's just be honest - my husband *loves* to watch me squat. And I think that's great. But hen I go alone I feel self conscious that other guys might be watching, and I guess as a married woman I just don't want that kind of attention... I dunno. Like I said, that's probably stupid. I guess I just think I'm so dang sexy all the guys are leering at me. *rolls eyes*

Honestly, most dudes are probably just impressed that you're working out like that! I think the attention is entertaining though. Especially when you're doing stiff leg deadlifts in tight tights. And even more so when handsome men go out of their way to say hello to you :P

Escloflowne

OMG you're so inspirational, your journey is amazing

MireyGal76

I already had decided to start lifting, but now I've decided to also take before pics. Starting 5x5 tomorrow, with hubby's help for form and intimidating factors.

One question though, and this probably sounds really stupid: Do any of you lovely lifters ever feel self conscious working out with all the men around... not because you're intimidated or think they will think negatively of you, but the opposite? I mean, let's just be honest - my husband *loves* to watch me squat. And I think that's great. But hen I go alone I feel self conscious that other guys might be watching, and I guess as a married woman I just don't want that kind of attention... I dunno. Like I said, that's probably stupid. I guess I just think I'm so dang sexy all the guys are leering at me. *rolls eyes*

Check out this thread: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1169757-i-am-the-woman-in-the-freeweights-section-of-the-gym

Kabuhtu

IN for this. Started lifting a few weeks ago and am very scared.
Not that I will get bulky, but that I wont lose fat. But I am going
to do it! hopefully I prove myself wrong!

SezxyStef

I finally have a pic for this thread...YAH and it needs a bump anyway. Keep in mind still a work in progress.



1st Pic June 17th, 2nd pic 1 round of 30DS, 2nd pic 10 weeks into heavy lifting, last pic 21 weeks in...

This is my fav tho, 1st pic May 2013....2nd Pic Jan 22 2014, after 21 weeks of lifting include doing a set of 5x5 squats at 155lbs the day this pic was taken.



But of course my profile pic top left is me "bulky" at 205, low left is me at 175...LBD is me at 165...lifting and a size 9....10 weeks after that pic I am a size 8 and 3lbs down

kjo9692

Are there other things that one can do that don't require going to a gym? I'm on a budget and going to a gym is not an option for me right now. Right now I'm only doing cardio because it's free :laugh:

harphy

Are there other things that one can do that don't require going to a gym? I'm on a budget and going to a gym is not an option for me right now. Right now I'm only doing cardio because it's free :laugh:

Certainly! Type calisthenics in Google. It's great for start but for awesome results you really need heavy weights. Ask around if someone could lend you a pair of dumbbells? Most of home gym's equipment serves mostly to catch cobwebs and dust...

dellashanks

Bump because I hate cardio and love to lift things. Love all the inspiration~ You ladies look fantastic. Can't wait to join you.

93nan

Bump

ironchick84

In for all the AWESOME!

nikamar

Halp! I'm drowning in bulkiness! :drinker:

RacerG36

Great Job Ladies, I have been going through this post from the original one to now and have just started my journey to health. I have started incorporating weight lifting in small amounts until I get strong enough to lift heavier. I did have a question in regards to the women who don't do cardio, is it okay to not do cardio and just weight lift? What are the pros and cons in implementing cardio with a strength training program?

vidoardes

Not seen a pic on this thread that doesn't look awesome. Seriously loving the hard work you ladies put in! I just sit and read all three threads (probably should have been working) and everyone from the 20 something's to the 60 something's look effing gorgeous.

Now how to subtly point my wife to this thread...

jetlag

Halp! I'm drowning in bulkiness! :drinker:

I have a total girl crush on your quads.

jetlag

Great Job Ladies, I have been going through this post from the original one to now and have just started my journey to health. I have started incorporating weight lifting in small amounts until I get strong enough to lift heavier. I did have a question in regards to the women who don't do cardio, is it okay to not do cardio and just weight lift? What are the pros and cons in implementing cardio with a strength training program?

Cardio is good for your heart. I always did a warm up on the treadie of 5-10 minutes before hitting the weights.

SezxyStef

Not seen a pic on this thread that doesn't look awesome. Seriously loving the hard work you ladies put in! I just sit and read all three threads (probably should have been working) and everyone from the 20 something's to the 60 something's look effing gorgeous.

Now how to subtly point my wife to this thread...

Leave it open on your computer...that's what I would do...you know women, we can't help ourselves if we think our husbands are looking at hot women...we have to see what's up...;)

starbucksbuzz

I would argue with that last post, but that would be like beating a dead horse. All I will say is that I am 5'3". I lift, I do cardio, and I eat 1,700-2,000 cal's a day to lose weight. I have a bodymedia, so I know exactly what I burn every day. My intake depends on my activity level. Peace. I'm outtie.

....oh, also, sometimes I eat more than 2,000.

5'3, losing on 1850. And my goal is 135-130.

Madness, amirite?

I am 5'2". I weigh 130-132 and I am in better shape and look better than I did when I weighed 110lbs. Girls, my thighs DO NOT JIGGLE. I remember when I weighed less feeling like my thighs were huge and pointless. I actually thought what is the point of all this extra flab??! But then you know what? I started doing squats, and doing deadlifts. and I started feeling my quads and my hamstrings and my glutes. and now I can SEE them. and I LOVE my thighs. That said I am working to lower my bf% a little bit, but I could do that eating 1500 calories. MFP is notorious for lowballing calories. If you keep on a 1200 calorie diet long term you WILL slow your own metabolism down and create health issues for yourself. My goals aren't really scale oriented for the most part anyways so I don't even check my weight that often. You can see my arms in my profile pic << but I don't have great progress pics of the rest of me right now, may post some later. Stats tho:

Squat 165
Deadlift 125
OHP / clean and press 75
Bench press 90

Been lifting for about 10 months.

Edited to add a couple pics.



^Squat butt.^_^

redlipsticklyfe

I LOVE this thread! BUMP

nikamar

Bump! This topic needs more awesome lifting ladies :bigsmile:

ktface17

Seeing these amazing results makes me want to start lifting! Awesome...

Hauntinglyfit

Seeing these amazing results makes me want to start lifting! Awesome...

Do it nao.

Phoenix_Warrior

I just want to hug all your muscles. ♡ Eeep

MountainTopMom

Are there other things that one can do that don't require going to a gym? I'm on a budget and going to a gym is not an option for me right now. Right now I'm only doing cardio because it's free :laugh:

Certainly! Type calisthenics in Google. It's great for start but for awesome results you really need heavy weights. Ask around if someone could lend you a pair of dumbbells? Most of home gym's equipment serves mostly to catch cobwebs and dust...

Thanks for the info. Just stumbled upon this thread and was wondering how to go about the absolute baby-beginner steps. I absolutely love all you "bulky" ladies & your awesome pics! You have very much inspired me. I'm just starting my journey, but thinking maybe weights would be an awesome addition! Keep up the great work - you are very motivating!

ikylilgrl

I've got no pics to share yet, but i discovered this thread back in September, and it got me interested in lifting. I did a ton of research and got myself a trainer to just show me around the free weight area of my gym (and honestly, to get me feeling less intimidated by all the gym bros there)

I started lifting in mid-October and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it. First ever type of exercise that I REALLY enjoy doing, I never have to talk myself into a workout. i'm really bummed if I have to miss one. I've not lost tons of poundage yet (of course i've only recently cleaned up my eating) But my body has changed tremendously. My husband is shocked and my 8 year old daughter has even commented on how much further her arms wrap around me when she hugs me.

In the researching process I also stumbled upon a website called Fitocracy, it's freaking amazing. The most supportive and kind online community i've ever been a part of. It's a social site, but completely centered around fitness, and REALLY focused on strength training, it's been a great motivator as well as a HUGE educational tool for me. (LOTS of female lifters on there that know there stuff)

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to the OP for starting this thread, because it's completely changed my fitness journey.

I'm recovering from surgery right now so i'm not currently lifting (though my recovery has been WAY faster than anticipated, and I fully credit all the gym time I put in prior) I can't wait to get back to the gym!!!

Bench 125 1RM
BB Squat 135 5RM

cmcollins001

Everytime I drop by this thread, "just to take a peek" I slide up to it, peek around, then get all happy and dive into several pages.

Kinda like this:

AABru

I finally have a pic for this thread...YAH and it needs a bump anyway. Keep in mind still a work in progress.



1st Pic June 17th, 2nd pic 1 round of 30DS, 2nd pic 10 weeks into heavy lifting, last pic 21 weeks in...

This is my fav tho, 1st pic May 2013....2nd Pic Jan 22 2014, after 21 weeks of lifting include doing a set of 5x5 squats at 155lbs the day this pic was taken.



But of course my profile pic top left is me "bulky" at 205, low left is me at 175...LBD is me at 165...lifting and a size 9....10 weeks after that pic I am a size 8 and 3lbs down

Look at that *kitten*! Wooohooo!

kiiabby

You ladies are HOT! So inspiring... I'm really enjoying weights and I have a feeling my post baby body is going to look better than my pre baby body if I can follow your leads!

butterfli7o

You have no idea how badly I needed to see this thread. I fell off the lifting wagon (laziness - didn't wanna get up at 5am) and after seeing all these pages of amazing I'm wanting to dive right back in.