LiveLoveSwimming Member

nice abssss

I agree with everyone above suggesting Stronglifts 5x5. That is what I started with. It helps you with the basics and then you can move on to more Intermediate programs (like Push,Pull,Legs) after you get a hang of the lifts. I was pretty successful with these two programs. I ended up gaining 20lbs of muscle with in about…

I have the exact same problem! On top of having a short torso I carry all my fat in my stomach and love handles... Which even with a 27.5" waist I look quite thick

Thank you for all the replies! This is so helpful!

This is so helpful thank you. I am thinking of competing in May of next year and I am super excited. I have been training for about 8 months now and have put on quite a bit of size. Hopefully it will be enough for the show in May. I know I will do a small bulk for a bit before then, just like you, to put on some more size.

thanks @ndj1979

My little baby muscles peeking through

Haha thank you!

I weight 135 also and I'm 5'8" I'm not very muscular either..... But I am working on that!! However I do have long legs, but we have the same stats so at least it's a bit of similarity....

From what I know, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if you eat more protein it will help you sustain your current lean body mass. Usually they suggest 1g of protein per lb of lean body mass. So in your case that would be 130g of protein a day minimum.

I agree with @IsaackGMOON , you should try increasing your calories. Your very active and it sounds counter intuitive but it might help you pass the plateau. I had the same problem as you and after I raised my cal goal 100-200cals I started losing weight again. Also as you lose weight you will need to adjust your calorie…

I drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with lemon and a bit of water every morning. There's a lot of health benefits to apple cider vinegar but for me it helps keep the bloating away all day!

And haha one is flexing the other isn't... I'm really not that lean! Haha

Ok thanks!!

Height 5'8" SW:123lbs (way too skinny and flabby for me) CW: 133 lbs (gained almost 10lbs of muscle!) GW: 136ish I want to gain more muscle and lean out more. I focus more of measurement and mirror changes than the scale!

No junk food at all??

Yes, that's what I'm asking!

Thank you, I will watch these!!!

Some believe eating cleaner is better than incorporating some junk in. Personally I think moderation is best, you just have to do what makes you feel the best and fits your goals

Definitely the second one

lol I know, haha I want to do it allll.... haha. I think thats a really good point you made. I am going to cut so I can see what I have to work with!

Yes I do, actually usually under! Haha that's what I mean by fluctuations! And what your stance on cheat days and reducing body fat?

Oh and right now my cals fluctuate so much but I'm set for .5lb lost a week!

Thanks for all the feedback! I think I will wait until August before starting a slow lean bulk! I eventually want to compete in May next year. But for right now I'm not sure if I should cut or maintain? I would love to continue building muscle but it is bikini season so I would like to stay lean and maybe get some abs.…

Ignore the dirty mirror but this is me flexed and unflexed... I want my abs to be visible unflexed...

I'm 135lbs right now and idk about goal weight... Haha as soon as I can see my abs and which I'd think would be 130-132ish.... And idk body fat % for sure but I've been estimated at about 17%

Okay how long do you think that would take?

Oh and I do iifym but I eat clean probably 80% of the time!

I do a push pull legs set I found online! And I don't eat my exercise calories. I mean like 1700-2000cals total for the day!

I've been dieting for quite awhile now probably 3-4 months I moved up my calories so I'm in a smaller deficit because someone said it might help with the last bit of fat. I use a food scale and lift 6x a week doing abs 2-3x a week and HIIT at least once a week. Currently I eat anywhere from 1,700-2,000 cals a day and my…