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PCOS advice with weight lifting

mom23nuts
mom23nuts Posts: 636 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Because I have PCOS and am trying to lose the last stubborn 30 lbs I am beefing upf the weight training using free weights at home and more weight machines at the gym.

I was told women don't have to worry about bulking up because we have less muscle building testosterone than men, but I am finding that I am sort of beefing up and bulking out....not totally muscles upon muscles, but I have more of a bulky look than a lean mean in shape girly look. Maybe that is partyl due to the PCOS and the extra hormones in my system causing this look.

Should I scale back on the weights or do more reps with less weight or just gie them a break?

I know muscle burns more and gets the metabolism going but I don't want to look like a boy.

Anyone with PCOS with advice for this?

thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Sivywright
    Sivywright Posts: 1
    The only way to burn fat is with cardio so you may want to think about adding in more cardio and making sure to switch up your cardio every week so your body doesn't get too used to it.

    Also, if you don't want to add bulk then don't add more weight when you are lifting weights. Keep it low with more reps. Also, try yoga to help get the lean muscles. And muscles weigh more than fat! And you should only lift weights 3 times a week. Gotta give the muscles a break!

    Key factor is cardio...

    I have PCOS too. Hope this helps!
  • Myra73
    Myra73 Posts: 54 Member
    I don't have PCOS, but I've found pilates and yoga strength conditioning lengthens the muscle rather than "rounds" it like weights do. You know, I hear the singer Usher does not use weights at all, he just uses his own body weight for strength training-- works for him lol! Good luck.
  • mom23nuts
    mom23nuts Posts: 636 Member
    I do lots of cardio and used to do pilates and yoga and may have to go back to it.

    I guess just because I can lift more doens't mean I should....maybe lower weights and more reps to keep the muscle active and not bulk up.
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