Help to build muscle (women)

mokoko123
mokoko123 Posts: 77 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I want to "bulk up" a bit, and don't want to gain fat, but I want to build muscle. I have good tone in my arms, but want more. I have P90X already but heard that is more for weightloss/maintenance vs. building muscle. I'm thinking of getting Body Beast. Any other suggestions or advice to help??? Thanks!!!

Melissa

Replies

  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    Glad to hear it!

    I don't know much about Body Beast but one of my MFP friends has used it with great results. You could just do a basic strength training programme, though: www.wimble.com/irl2/strength-training-for-beginners/
  • drop_it_like_a_squat
    drop_it_like_a_squat Posts: 377 Member
    There's no way to gain muscle without gaining some fat.

    Eat a reasonable surplus, eat enough protein, do resistance training (with heavy weights!).
    I don't think a DVD will bring you the results you want.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    There's no way to gain muscle without gaining some fat.

    Eat a reasonable surplus, eat enough protein, do resistance training (with heavy weights!).
    I don't think a DVD will bring you the results you want.

    pretty much this - you will probably have to bulk and then cut a coupel of times to get the results you want.
  • Mutant13
    Mutant13 Posts: 2,485 Member
    I did a bulk a while ago, if you search for 'lady bulking' you should find it.

    In short though its pretty simple

    Eat a small surplus
    Eat your protein
    Lift heavy weights. Cardio based activities should not be your main focus when bulking so put the DVDs away for a while.
    Accept that a modest fat gain will happen, you will lose it when you cut
    Eat your fats (this is especially important for women)
    While it isn't essential, I also took creatine and feel it helped somewhat
  • Smuterella
    Smuterella Posts: 1,623 Member
    Body Beast is a great programme if you are willing to shell out for the equipment and prefer to work at home. It is a great platform to get you to "proper" weightlifting, if you are nervous. BUT>>>>

    ... if you have access to a gym, I'd recommend skipping the muscle building DVD step and going straight into proper compound lifting. I paid for three sessions with a personal trainer who focussed on the main lifts: deadlift (both romanian and standard), squats, lunges, bench press, overhead press and rows. He not only taught me about proper form but gave me the confidence to use the equipment (showed me how everything adjusted, what the quirks of the particular equipment at my gym were etc) and now I feel perfectly happy walking into the gym and doing it myself.

    Much cheaper than buying Body Beast and the equipment for home and risking injury by doing it alone.

    Once you have the knowledge on the core lifts you can do anything. ;-) There are a wealth of beginner programmes out there on the internet - Starting Strength and its various progeny such as Stronglifts and MadCow to choose from.
  • Mutant13
    Mutant13 Posts: 2,485 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/940303-my-lady-bulking-memoir-pic-heavy?hl=Lady+bulking

    That's the thread if you want It. There's some more precise info there
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    You're suffering from misinformation. Honestly, if another female talks about not wanting to be bulky and just wanting to "tone"... seriously...
  • SuperCrsa
    SuperCrsa Posts: 790 Member
    You're suffering from misinformation. Honestly, if another female talks about not wanting to be bulky and just wanting to "tone"... seriously...

    Lol! Misinformation so true!
    I only started a weight training program 4 weeks ago, and honestly before that I didnt know a thing about weight training for women, so often this is a real fear in beginners minds. It was in mine!! Until I read the posts on here about eating in surplus to gain bulk, and testosterone levels etc etc.

    OP here's another link to another program for you :)

    http://www.simplyshredded.com/the-ultimate-female-training-guide.html

    I've been on the program only for 4 weeks and LOVE IT!! Got a few people on here to join me too!
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/16430-12-week-challenge-start-09-09
  • mokoko123
    mokoko123 Posts: 77 Member
    I guess I'm confused - I didn't say anything about "bulky" vs. toned - I want to look lean and build muscle....???
  • mokoko123
    mokoko123 Posts: 77 Member
    Ok I said "bulk" up - which I meant build muscle. And yes, I have "tone" in my arms - meaning shape - you can see the muscle - I want to improve on that.

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