OMG please help me.

I am a natural bodybuilder. My friends have shared my story (the story of revenge). I've been training to gain muscle for the past 2 years. I am tiny for the bodybuilding industry.

This is how I managed my transformation: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1161603-so-you-want-a-nice-stomach

said it before and i'll say it again (and again and again...)
your transformation is nothing short of AMAZING.

Thank you! Most people don't know that I'm a bodybuilder because unless I'm flexing I look very normal and just healthy in regular clothes (and even in gym clothes).

I walk and I jog, and I used to do yoga when I had a gym membership. I do them because they are what I enjoy and therefore easy for me to get out the door and do! You should find what you enjoy, too

I don't want to look like this:

That's what I thought--you don't want a very defined look, so you're looking at Jamie in a cut.

This is her other times:




It really is about body fat percentage, not getting too muscular.

Ok yea I see what you're saying...Well how do I start this? Can I lift heavy at home? I hate lifting at the gym with those creep men that stare.

wow, slightly judgmental ...

I go to the gym to get my work out in ....not drool over some newbie...wow...

I kinda had the same reaction.
I think there are far less "creepy men that stare" than the OP thinks. Instead, as a newbie, we have to realize that we think EVERYONE is starting at us. And maybe some people are staring (men / women alike), but that person may just turn out to be someone who ends up helping you with form, or giving you pointers.

I can guarantee you that 99% of men who may glance your way are not undressing you with their eyes.
The WOMEN on the other hand... whoa, they are the creepy ones!

No it does qualify....I was talking about the men that stare at my gym....did I have to name them for you so you didn't think I was talking about men. I didn't say ALL the men at my gym stare at me. I said those creep men......that's a specific group of people I was referring to. Not every man at the gym. Just because I'm a "newb" doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm talking about when I'm saying someone is being creepy.

I've been going to my gym for 3 years. In that time I've only seen 3 guys actually be creepy. One tried touching me and the others watched as I did everything. I complained to the staff and never saw any of them again. The other guys that happen to look at me are watching my form or impressed that I actually work hard. Some of them come by and ask questions or tell me it is nice seeing a female lift. When I first started I thought all the guys were being creepy and staring, but it was my own internal projection. Most of them are seriously busy getting their workout in.

If it bothers you that much you can do the "You are your own gym" thing at home. Without having a variety of weights you will be some what limited. Nobody is forcing you to go to the gym, we are telling you that generally it's a good idea to have access to lots of equipment.

You asked for help and you seem to only want to hear from people who are going to tell you what you want to hear. I posted my pictures above showing you that even as a female natural bodybuilder I look normal when I am not on stage. Not trying to be mean or rude, but there is a lot of great information people are trying to share that you are rejecting.

No it does qualify....I was talking about the men that stare at my gym....did I have to name them for you so you didn't think I was talking about men. I didn't say ALL the men at my gym stare at me. I said those creep men......that's a specific group of people I was referring to. Not every man at the gym. Just because I'm a "newb" doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm talking about when I'm saying someone is being creepy.

I've been going to my gym for 3 years. In that time I've only seen 3 guys actually be creepy. One tried touching me and the others watched as I did everything. I complained to the staff and never saw any of them again. The other guys that happen to look at me are watching my form or impressed that I actually work hard. Some of them come by and ask questions or tell me it is nice seeing a female lift. When I first started I thought all the guys were being creepy and staring, but it was my own internal projection. Most of them are seriously busy getting their workout in.

If it bothers you that much you can do the "You are your own gym" thing at home. Without having a variety of weights you will be some what limited. Nobody is forcing you to go to the gym, we are telling you that generally it's a good idea to have access to lots of equipment.

You asked for help and you seem to only want to hear from people who are going to tell you what you want to hear. I posted my pictures above showing you that even as a female natural bodybuilder I look normal when I am not on stage. Not trying to be mean or rude, but there is a lot of great information people are trying to share that you are rejecting.

^this.

I bulk up really quick. I know you all say that women CANT get big etc .. when I lift .. you can tell. I hate it.

I bulk up really quick. I know you all say that women CANT get big etc .. when I lift .. you can tell. I hate it.

It's just firming the muscle under the fat. Try measuring instead of just looking in the mirror. I thought I was getting bulky at first, but my measurements went down and so did my weight.

Someone's probably already said this but if you are a woman, you cannot possibly get big and bulky like men. (Unless you take some steroids) You do not have the testosterone to build big bulky muscles.

Weight lifting for women is essential for things like building bone mass (and avoiding osteoporosis later in life).

YES! No osteoporosis for me!

I started lifting heavy about 18 months ago. Before I started, I really hadn't done much in the way of physical activity in many years and I still have a pretty high body fat % BUT I started lifting to get some muscles on my 61 year old body. I started lifting because at 58 I had osteopenia and didn't want it to get worse (doesn't always but it could be a precursor to osteoporosis). I lift 3 - 4x per week, I have done New Rules of Lifting for Women, and I am now doing Wendler's 5/3/1. My osteopenia is better, mostly non-existent in my lower body, and better but not gone in my spine and neck. Hell yea I'm going to keep lifting heavy. Try it! You will be amazed at how great you feel pushing and pulling big round plates on sticks! :laugh:

I truly love it!