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HALP! Heavy Lifting Made Me SUPAH Bulky!!!

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Replies

  • Posts: 149 Member

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  • Posts: 447 Member
    It's not recent (I had two different injuries that put me out of lifting for a year, so I lost muscle and gained 10 pounds back), but this was a combination of a calorie deficit and then heavy weightlifting. You couldn't really see any visible muscle definition except in my legs, but I feel like it's just a further testament that you won't accidentally get bulky as a female lifting. When I suggest lifting weights to women, they always exclaim, "But I don't want to look bulky!" My body type is naturally soft and curvy, so gaining muscle just makes me look leaner rather than hard and chiseled.

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    TyRpcxt.jpg

    I'm 5'3, and was 200 before and 126 in the after. My highest squat was 175 while I weighed 130, and that was on a calorie deficit, so I imagine it would have been higher if I ate more (which was my plan before I fell down the stairs and twisted my ankle, haha).

    Lift, ladies! See how "bulky" I am? ;)

    You are so pretty! Why did you cut your head out of the pic?!
  • Posts: 297 Member

    Took the words right out of my mouth on this one! lol
  • Posts: 712 Member
    Consider me an example of how "bulky" you can get. My profile pic was taken 2 days ago. It's a little blurry, but I think you get the point. Unfortunately, I don't have any better shots of my physique. I'm kinda shy, but maybe I'll post some.

    I've been lifting heavy for over 30 years, and I compete in powerlifting. So if anyone would get bulky from heavy lifting, it would be me. Nope. In fact, I used to compete in the 148-pound class when I was in college, but now I'm in the 123-pound class.

    I just had a competition Saturday (May 11). I weighed in at 119.5. I'm 5'4" and 50 years old. My lifts were:

    Squat 170 (pounds)
    Bench Press 115
    Deadlift 245
    Total 530

    I only got "bulky" when I stopped lifting for a few years and ate ALL the food! :noway: And it wasn't pretty, let me tell you.

    Anyway, don't be afraid of getting under heavy iron. Your bones will thank you later! :drinker:

    Quoted for your awesomeness.
  • Posts: 34 Member

    You are so pretty! Why did you cut your head out of the pic?!
    Honestly? I was making SUCH a derp face in that specific picture, haha! I have many (including bikini) with my face, but I love that one the most because pictures have a hard time picking up my muscle tone with my fair skin.

    Thanks, everyone! And for the record, I have never done any cardio to achieve my weight loss. I'm not saying it's bad if you enjoy it, but if you don't enjoy it, it's not required to successfully lose weight. I hated going to the gym until I discovered lifting weights.
  • Posts: 619 Member
    ok...I am in as right now I'm ONLY really doing cardio (except for the weights used in Body Revolution)...now I need to find a program as I know NOTHING really about lifting. If anyone has posted a program/routine they use, please point me in the right direction.
  • Posts: 329 Member
    ok...I am in as right now I'm ONLY really doing cardio (except for the weights used in Body Revolution)...now I need to find a program as I know NOTHING really about lifting. If anyone has posted a program/routine they use, please point me in the right direction.

    Read NROLFW :-) I am about to start this as soon as I get to walmart to buy the book (Today?) its 14 dollars. I asked the smae question and had a ton of lifting ladies recommend this book.
  • Posts: 1,791 Member
    ok...I am in as right now I'm ONLY really doing cardio (except for the weights used in Body Revolution)...now I need to find a program as I know NOTHING really about lifting. If anyone has posted a program/routine they use, please point me in the right direction.

    you could also go with stronglifts 5x5. just check out the website. it's super easy and there are tons of videos to help with form.
  • Posts: 877 Member
    You guys look incredible. A total inspiration.
  • Posts: 619 Member

    you could also go with stronglifts 5x5. just check out the website. it's super easy and there are tons of videos to help with form.

    Thank you so much!
  • Posts: 471 Member
    Bump!!! All of you ladies look absolutely amazing!
  • Posts: 8,646 Member

    Just have to quote this because so much awesome.
  • Posts: 70 Member
    Bump for later reads :)
  • Posts: 233 Member
    Bump
  • You inspire me!!! You look great!!
  • Posts: 3,677 Member

    Wow. You look amazing, GREAT work.
  • Posts: 134 Member
    eyecandy!
    bumping for more drooling.
    give me a few months and hopefully i can join the club too, im 'only' lifting for over a month yet mkay.
  • Posts: 4,123 Member
    i'm not the best at photo editing, etc...but i'm jumping on the bandwagon to congratulate lea again....to applaud all the other successes of my fellow lady lifters, and to offer my own $.02 ;)

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  • Posts: 297 Member
    You ladies amaze me! Seriously. I keep going back to this thread and looking at all the pics because I so badly want to be fit! I'm working toward it though! I've been doing strength training with just my own body as resistance but once I get past that point I am going to start lifting! Look for me on here in the future!
  • Posts: 17 Member
    "Weigh" to gooo ladies....I know what I will be doing this summer!!!
  • Posts: 78 Member
    It's not recent (I had two different injuries that put me out of lifting for a year, so I lost muscle and gained 10 pounds back), but this was a combination of a calorie deficit and then heavy weightlifting. You couldn't really see any visible muscle definition except in my legs, but I feel like it's just a further testament that you won't accidentally get bulky as a female lifting. When I suggest lifting weights to women, they always exclaim, "But I don't want to look bulky!" My body type is naturally soft and curvy, so gaining muscle just makes me look leaner rather than hard and chiseled.

    ZyGcue7.png

    TyRpcxt.jpg

    I'm 5'3, and was 200 before and 126 in the after. My highest squat was 175 while I weighed 130, and that was on a calorie deficit, so I imagine it would have been higher if I ate more (which was my plan before I fell down the stairs and twisted my ankle, haha).

    Lift, ladies! See how "bulky" I am? ;)
    OMG you look amazing... I may just have to start heavy lifting if I can get these kind of results...
    *speechless*
  • Posts: 27 Member
    I'm SOLD! How do I start? Who do I call? Where to begin?!?!
  • Posts: 3,347 Member
    Holy freaking hell that redhead is a bombshell i want to look just like that
  • Posts: 34 Member
    I'm SOLD! How do I start? Who do I call? Where to begin?!?!
    It's not the best guide on it, but it explains a few myths, talks about my own experiences, and then has some good external links.

    http://crissgetsfit.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/ladies-lifting-weights-get-strong-not-toned/
  • Posts: 489 Member
    I'm in on this for the inspiration! You're all amazing!
  • Posts: 69 Member
    tagging this to show the buff girlfriend. :)
  • Posts: 130 Member
    bump
  • Posts: 1
    bump
  • Posts: 371 Member
    Holy freaking hell that redhead is a bombshell i want to look just like that

    Yes me too!!!! I know my shape is different though=(
  • Posts: 218 Member

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