scared ill get too muscular looking if i lift weights!
jenlyons21
Posts: 19 Member
Hello.. does anyone know the basics about weight lifting? I am only really working on getting rid of my flab under my arms and I'm only lifting 8lb weights each arm when I work out, but im really worried im gonna look bigger due to the muscle build. I am really noticing results and seeing the definition in my arms but they dont seem like their getting thinner but bigger!!! Anyone else having this issue?
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Replies
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Ya, not going to happen to ya, don't worry, unless you are taking steroids and working out a whole lot more.
Want to get this bulky?
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/894293-ladies-weight-lifting-will-make-something-bulky0 -
Really not going to happen unless you're lifting really heavy weight and roiding up.0
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Normally lifting weights builds and tones muscles... normally, Extreme lifting takes it to that next level (where you don't want to go). Keep lifting , you'll tone your muscles to replace the fat and burn calories routinely...
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then don't lift.
If you do lift, you won't gain any meaningful size, so don't worry about that. You may notice the muscle a bit more, especially as you lose the fat that is covering it up, which isn't the same as getting bigger muscles.
It really comes down to personal preference and how you want to look. If you're that worried about it, then don't lift. You can always start lifting down the road if you so choose.0 -
Getting "too muscular looking" only happens with intention to do so.
Lift weights. They're good for you.0 -
Seriously, read this success story and you'll want to lift really heavy.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/968182-i-lost-a-person-but-i-found-myself-leaky-s-story0 -
Bulking up is intentional. You'll be fine, particularly with lower to moderate weights combined with repetition0
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If you lose fat while you gain muscle, there's no way you'll look bigger. You might have really toned arms by the end it, but unless you're trying to bulk up, you won't gain a bunch of muscle mass.0
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Hmm what I don't get is why *most* people would rather look how they look than muscular...(which they wont look that way anyways usually). I told my husband the other day I do not CARE if I start looking more muscular (my definition has started to show a 'lil' over the past few months) b/c it sure beats the flab, cellulite and squishiness of before. No I don't do steroids ew. And I'm not a sheman either.0
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It's not going to happen.
1. You're a woman. Unless you have a huge hormonal imbalance, you have anywhere between 10-30x less testosterone than men, which is what is need to get "bulky". And even some men have problems getting big, which leads me to my next point:
2. I'm assuming you're eating at a deficit, so you're not taking in enough calories to build muscle. You will get stronger, but even that will plateau if you continue to eat at a deficit because you'll need more muscle. You need to eat more than your maintenance calories to see any significant muscle growth.
There are what is referred to as "newbie" gains, but that eventually levels off - and even that is not enough to cause you to get "bulky".
I've been doing mainly weight lifting for a few weeks now - at first it was just dumbbells, but I out grew them (they only went up to 25 pounds), and I started using barbells on Monday. Based on my own results, I'm definitely not getting bigger. It might seem that way, especially since muscle "swells" to repair itself, but you're not going to get bulky, trust me.
If it helps, take measurements and see for yourself.
What will happen though is that if you take up weight lifting, and do heavy reps (heavy for you), the ratio of muscle loss to fat loss is going to decrease, and you'll end up with that awesome "toned" look.
As far as flab - you can't spot reduce, but eating at a deficit will reduce overall body fat, which will eventually (hopefully) help that go away.
And as far as the basics - I'm certainly no expert (totally a newbie, but I read A LOT), but there are a ton of beginner programs out there: NROLFW, Stronglifts, and Starting Strength, just to name a few. I've actually read all of them (that I mentioned) and settled on Starting Strength. I was scared venturing into the weight room, but today was my second day and I find that I really like it.
Good luck!0 -
I kind of disagree with the prevailing thought that women can't get bulky by lifting weights/ resistance training. I'm thinking back to my competitive swimming years and how my shoulders got pretty meaty-looking. I never looked like a female fitness model or body builder, that's true, but you could still tell the difference in photos. Even some of the photos I see here, where women say "Look! I lift and I'm not bulky!" I would disagree... They do look fantastic, but they do look more muscular than I would care to be. The whole matter seems pretty subjective, though.
With that said, muscle isn't like fat. If you don't use it, you lose it. If you find yourself getting more bulky than you'd like, just stop or cut back.0 -
I've been lifting weights for 25+ years. I still haven't become "muscular looking."
Lift weights, or don't. Your choice. But in order to get rid of the turkey wings, you're going to need to shed the fat. I'd lift weights, too, if it was me, in order to get some muscle strength and shape.0 -
When you get the the amount of muscle you want, then stop training for gaining and train to maintain...
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/0 -
Thank you everyone for all the great advice. I guess its all in my head lol. I definitely want to tone and get definition in my arms but I want to keep my petite form as well. Im only 5 feet tall( i know lol). I think Im going to start measuring my progress more by inches instead of pounds. Ive never worked out before, I never had the need to until I gained 50 lbs from being pregnant, and Im seeing big changes in my body and Im like wth? lol Thank you guys!0
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There's a difference between "bulky" and "muscular". One denotes more fat than the other. Betting that when you swam, you had average to low body fat.I kind of disagree with the prevailing thought that women can't get bulky by lifting weights/ resistance training. I'm thinking back to my competitive swimming years and how my shoulders got pretty meaty-looking. I never looked like a female fitness model or body builder, that's true, but you could still tell the difference in photos. Even some of the photos I see here, where women say "Look! I lift and I'm not bulky!" I would disagree... They do look fantastic, but they do look more muscular than I would care to be. The whole matter seems pretty subjective, though.
With that said, muscle isn't like fat. If you don't use it, you lose it. If you find yourself getting more bulky than you'd like, just stop or cut back.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Not this again..0
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Common newb question, be nice.
You won't get bulky, sorry, without steroids.
You have to understand there are two dimensions - lowering your body fat %, which can reveal the muscle you have, versus making the muscles themselves bigger.
Sometimes the first can look like that latter, but it's an illusion, because other places are getting thinner relatively, or it's just revealing the muscle you have.
Just target a low enough body fat, but not too low for the ripped look, and you'll be fine. You're not going to be bulky accidentally.0 -
Common newb question, be nice.
You won't get bulky, sorry, without steroids.
You have to understand there are two dimensions - lowering your body fat %, which can reveal the muscle you have, versus making the muscles themselves bigger.
Sometimes the first can look like that latter, but it's an illusion, because other places are getting thinner relatively, or it's just revealing the muscle you have.
Just target a low enough body fat, but not too low for the ripped look, and you'll be fine. You're not going to be bulky accidentally.
good post.0 -
STOP thinking like that!
Lift the darn weights....when they no longer offer much pain/resistance, lift heavier.
YOU WILL NOT GET "BULKY".0 -
You'll probably find that you need to lift heavier weights to see results. I only lift 60-80 pounds for my arm exercises and I doubt anyone would call me bulky or muscular. Don't worry about looking bulky, especially if you are eating at a deficit-- you aren't going to look bulky unless you're planning on eating a huge surplus of calories and taking steroids.0
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There's a difference between "bulky" and "muscular". One denotes more fat than the other. Betting that when you swam, you had average to low body fat.I kind of disagree with the prevailing thought that women can't get bulky by lifting weights/ resistance training. I'm thinking back to my competitive swimming years and how my shoulders got pretty meaty-looking. I never looked like a female fitness model or body builder, that's true, but you could still tell the difference in photos. Even some of the photos I see here, where women say "Look! I lift and I'm not bulky!" I would disagree... They do look fantastic, but they do look more muscular than I would care to be. The whole matter seems pretty subjective, though.
With that said, muscle isn't like fat. If you don't use it, you lose it. If you find yourself getting more bulky than you'd like, just stop or cut back.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
I agree. To me, bulky is someone who is big. There are lots of slender women who have low body fat and look muscular. I am bulky, but not as bulky as I was when I weighed 263 pounds and had 50% body fat.0 -
Agree with many things written so far...
Also remember that muscle is metabolically active tissue. The more muscle you have, the faster the fat will come off. Don't be afraid to build some! Not to mention - excessive fat loss can sometimes leave flabby skin behind. The way to fill out this flabby skin in a flattering way is to build the muscle underneath!0 -
Hmm what I don't get is why *most* people would rather look how they look than muscular...(which they wont look that way anyways usually). I told my husband the other day I do not CARE if I start looking more muscular (my definition has started to show a 'lil' over the past few months) b/c it sure beats the flab, cellulite and squishiness of before. No I don't do steroids ew. And I'm not a sheman either.
Good point! I never thought responding this way, but you are totally right! I started NROLFW and everyone keeps asking if I am worried I am going to bulk up (which I'm not). Now I know how to respond
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Lifting 8lb weights while on a diet will not make you "too muscular" by anyone's standards, I think.
Muscles are beautiful and very healthy. I don't really understand why some women want to avoid them, but I don't understand a lot of things. If you do decide you want the health benefits, and enjoyment that I feel comes from lifting heavy weights, then I'd suggest looking into New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women.0 -
I've been lifting as heavy as possible for five months and none of my measurements have increased. My body fat has decreased to reveal some strong, beautiful muscles. I've been eating at a deficit, so my muscles have not increased in size. There may be that illusion because of less fat covering them.
Current lifts are deadlift 200#, squat 130#, bench 120#. Bulky? No. Strong beautiful badass? Fo sho.0 -
i thought the same when i first started working out, i have gained alot of muscle in my arms but they have got smaller, i can tell because when i wear a t'shirt there is a gap in the arm. keep lifting but try and balance it out with other exercises to good luck 0
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I've been lifting as heavy as possible for five months and none of my measurements have increased. My body fat has decreased to reveal some strong, beautiful muscles. I've been eating at a deficit, so my muscles have not increased in size. There may be that illusion because of less fat covering them.
Current lifts are deadlift 200#, squat 130#, bench 120#. Bulky? No. Strong beautiful badass? Fo sho.
While that's great, and you should be proud of your progress, not everyone wants to look that way. To some, muscle definition on a woman is unattractive and unfeminine (or whatever the word is). I'm not one of those people, but there are people who feel that way.0 -
then don't lift.
best advice ever0 -
Yeah, not terribly likely to happen. I am by no means anything but a novice lifter, but I am benching in the 75-85 lbs range and curling 30lbs+ with three sets of 8, and my arms continue to get SMALLER, because I still have some fat to lose.0
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^^^ makes me sad to know that people think that ladies shouldn't have muscles.
Be proud of your strength!0
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