Advice for my partner ?( a girlfriend)

Hi there, ladies, I usually say ‘guys’ here, but I need to remember I’m now over powered with ladies here 😃, so

I am looking for advice for my girlfriend, she is looking for a good workout programme , a typical, basic , yet effective, I don’t know what to call it ‘sis split’ I guess ?🤔😃
As it would be a ‘bro split’ for us guys haha!
Her goals are to ‘tone up’ , lean out, lose body fat, build the booty and quads, yet have a flat stomach and less body fat.

Any help is massively appreciated! Thank you !

by Mjf26 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Ladies, how was your 2017?

What challenges did you overcome? What did you achieve this year? On a scale of 1-10, how successful were you? Let's share


For me, it was a dark and challenging year but I managed to keep pushing in the gym. But overall it wasn't a very successful year for me. Probably a 5/10.

by 00Gymrat00 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

5 weeks in Little to NO RESULTS???

I’ve been working with a trainer for 5 weeks to increase mass. I’m a 125 5’9 female with a fast metabolism, and smaller legs. My goal has been to grow the quads hams and booty while keeping my waist tight, (Trainer has me doing upper body too) but I’ve seen very little to no results?

I’m leaner for sure. I’m on my carb and BCAA drink during workouts, drink whey protein after (didnt always in the beginning now I do) and L carnitine. I run 10-20 minutes after every workout, and eat 3 meals a day plus 3 snacks. The meals are 4 ounces of meat, 4 ounces of potatoes/yams/ or 1/2 cup of rice, 1 cup of greens for dinner plus lunch. Breakfast I have 3 ounces of turkey, an egg, Ezekiel bread. Snacks are a quest bar, turkey wrap, and 2 eggs before bed.

My form is almost perfect for most things but, but my squat hasn’t gone up!! AT ALL, I’m still at 25 pounds each side for 15 reps! I have everything else increasing in weight for legs like extension, leg press, smith machine lunges, American Deadlift.

Am I doing too much cardio? Haven’t gained weight either maybe 2 pounds in 5 weeks. When will I notice changes then? I’ve seen changes in my arms and back and shoulders but none really in my leg size.

by EKellyyy via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Leaning out for next competition

Hi everyone! I am currently 14 weeks out of my next figure competition and was hoping to get some feedback on experiences you may have had with your cutting stage. This is my 2nd week of prep and have only lost 4 pounds. I know that it is because I was already leaning out a few months before this and went from 140 to 130. When I Started prep I was 130 and am now down to 126. I lost the four pounds the first week of prep and now am still at the same weight. I am going into week 3 and although I don't see a lot of changes in weight, I do see a difference in the definition in my legs. Usually this is the first thing to lean out on me. my stomach and back is the last thing to lean out. Even though I am seeing some changes in my body, I feel like I should still see changes in weight. My coach will be changing my diet next week, but I am wondering if you all think it is possible that I may be gaining muscle during the cutting stage? I always felt like it was virtually impossible to cut and gain muscle, but what do you think?

by rossitagonzo via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

New person here. Actually just been gone for awhile.

Hi! Please be nice and don't tear me apart :)
I'm thinking about competing with:
http://ift.tt/1TtxLlE

I am 33 and keep telling myself I am getting too old for this! I hung up the heels years ago but I miss watching my body transform which I was only able to do with the increased pressure of competitions. I remember I was able to juggle work/school/family/friends because being so fit gave me so much motivation and energy to actually manage my life better-- and I want to feel that again. I felt my best when I was around 12% bodyfat.

Has anyone struggled with this decision?
Has anyone competed for this organization?
I'm not sure where to start again with picking an organization, but I was really inspired for the first time in a long time after watching this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiFGgjrAAjo

by Hardness23 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Jeans that fit my new shape.

As I'm gaining muscle and changing shape my jeans no longer fit well. I have tried going up a size in my favorite brand (Silvers-suki), but then the problem is the jeans are too loose and look baggy. Yet my original size I am busting out of the thighs and butt area. Waist is the same, still fits fine. I am a bootcut jeans girl, wear them everyday unless it's a special occasion. What jeans do you wear?

by moter98 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

can anyone recommend a good non-workout book on female bodybuilders?

I want to get some books for my gf, but not workout books. She has dozens of those and has no shortage of training programs to follow. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any books about female bodybuilders, any biographies, or anything on the history of the sport.

Thanks in advance

by Taking Cattle via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

What is your favorite probiotic ?

Food , not supplements , cause they are expensive. I eat sour kraut

by blueivy1987 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Advice for getting heavier lifts (female)

I'm a 22 year old female whose in need of some advice. I'm about 134 and 5'4 as a frame of reference.

So I'm been lifting weights for two or so years now and taking it super seriously for 8 months now. I am at this place where I just cannot make PR's and feel very weak. I had adjusted my diet and theres nothing that making it better or worse. I have checked my Iron, b12 levels, all that. I squat and deadlift twice a week and bench once to twice a week. I work out five to six days a week. I really would love to get my squat over two hundred and get my deadlift to 225 but I'm just stagnant in progress as of recently. Some days I struggle to squat 135 when a couple days prior i did 175. I'm unsure if theres something I'm missing or is this part of (attempting) to powerlift and that everyone will have this moments of stagnation.

-T

by taylortaylorjk via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Great butt, but now my thighs are too big

Hi everyone,

I never thought that one day I would have that `problem`but here it goes:

Naturally I'm thin built. I had pretty skinny legs and almost no ass before I started weightlifting. Especially this past year I've done heavy lifting, followed workouts of Bret Contreras etc and really built some muscle in my lower body.
Examples of exercises I've been doing: Squats, sumo squats, deadlifts, glue bridge, donkey kicks with the cable machine, lunges etc.

The good: I have a great ass now, seriously. I couldn't be happier with it.
The bad: My legs have grown as well. In the beginning I didn't mind much since I had skinny legs anyways. Now I'm a bit unhappy with the way they look. From the side, they're still pretty okay. But from the front, they look big. I don't have my thigh gap anymore, and my thighs just look too big for my taste.

So question- What can I do to maintain the butt I have now (or even grow it more), but lose some of the muscle in my thigh? I've been thinking to stop some of the exercises I'm doing, like squats and lunges since there pretty tough on the legs, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. So what should I do, what exercises can I still do that are great for the butt but leave the legs mostly alone?

Thanks!!

by junerose via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Working out twice a day on keto?

Hi All,


I'm fairly new to the forum and am looking forward to interacting with you all! I'm currently trying to lose quite a bit of body fat and have chosen the keto diet to do that. I've had success with it in the last few weeks I've been on it and want to push myself a little bit, I'm aiming to work out 6 days a week and twice a day 3 days a week (I'm taking kickboxing classes 3 days a week). Has anyone else ever done two a days on keto? If yes what advice do you have for me?

Happy holidays to everyone!

by slimthick416 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Men's or Women's bar?

I have searched for this subject but have been unable to find a thread on it. I'm likely just going to get a men's bar so my husband and I can use the same bar, but wanted some input from a woman who has used both. Is the 25mm really better for women?

by vobin via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

My ankle hurts when I level up on the bike

I'm so frustrated because whenever I want to do high intensity cardio on the bike, my ankles start hurting.I just want to do 30 min of high intense cardio and be done instead of being there for an hour..

Does anybody else have this problem?

by blueivy1987 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Newbie

Hi im a newbie and seek Some advice:
Photo you can see my profile, goals more showing abs and looking healthy

I train 2 x week for one hours each exercise 3 sets of 10-12 reps
2 x full body training

I eat 2000 kcal a day (K 50% F 25% P 25%

Some opinions and advice?

by CharNewbie via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

If you could only have 1 piece of cardio equipment......

Hello,

Background - I cashed in on some black Friday deals and set up a little home gym for myself. I have a half rack with weights, adjustable bench, and power blocks. I'd like to add a piece of cardio equipment but can't decided if I should go with treadmill, rowing machine, elliptical or bike. I still plan to maintain my gym membership because I'm lucky enough to have the cost covered by my employer as long as I go twice per week (wanted my own setup because I can never get on a rack at the gym!!!).

I do like taking a group fitness spin class so was considering eliminating the bike......was kind of leaning towards a treadmill or rowing machine. Any suggestions? I don't have space issues except for ceiling height and plan to use the equipment for quick cardio sessions when the weather is bad (I'm in Michigan) or for circuits or interval training.

by SMB2003 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Higher weight low rep question

I was wondering, what are you guys feeling when doing low reps. Does your muscle burn as much as when youre doing 8-12 reps ? Im starting to ask myself if im not going too heavy and take off the tension on the right muscles by doing this... at the same time ive heard its a bit normal when doing low reps... im skeptical

Any advices, testimonies ?

by patmos1 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

2 things that bother me- Cellulite and only squatting 50 lbs

Why do I have cellulite if I exercise? how do I get rid of it?
How do I squat more than 50 lbs without getting the feeling that my back is giving up?
Does consistency matter when trying to increase the squat weight?

Been working out for 3 years

by blueivy1987 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Dumbbell workouts: Gaining inches, not losing fat...upper abs sticking out.

I'm 39 years old, 5' tall, and currently about 113 lbs. In the spring/summer I do tons of mountain biking, downhill biking, hiking, trail running, and backpacking. It's a LOT of cardio and I'm usually down to my smallest weight by September. (108 lbs) I hardly ever have time to pick up the weights!

Then over the course of October/November when the weather turns rainy and I have to start doing my exercise indoors I always put on about 5 lbs. I started doing HIIT workouts about 3-4 times per week. Usually 1-2 cardio/strength focused 45-50 min routines and 1-2 more overall strength focused 45-50 min routines. 20 min of vinyasa yoga after each workout. 45 min-1 hour dog walks 3 times during the week and longer ones on the weekend.

Recently, I read a lot about using weight training as a more effective way to lose body fat so I started lifting dumbbells at home 4x per week hitting all muscle groups 2x and doing 2-3 shorter cardio HIIT workouts (about 20 min each). I've been increasing the weight quite a lot (my adjustable dumbbells only went up 40 lbs total last year, but I bought another set so I can add plates to make them up to 40 lbs each (80 lbs total)...currently I'm doing rows and chest presses at 35 lbs in each hand (70 lbs total), same with squats and deadlifts. I took my measurements on Dec. 1st and again this morning, Dec. 20, and I have GAINED inches all over my body in just over 2 weeks! (1" on my waist, 1" on hips, 1" on thighs, and about 1/2 " on my biceps.) This is NOT what I was hoping for... Also, my upper abs are starting to stick out and look like a roll of fat. 😞

I used A Calorie Counter and a food scale and found that I was eating about 2400-2500 calories per day so I cut it down about 300 calories and I'm SOOOOO hungry all the time! My diet consists mainly of chicken breast, white & brown rice, fruit, popcorn with avocado oil for snacks, oats, flaxseed meal, and sometimes some kale or avocado, sometimes I will have a steak but only every week and a half or so. (I have a lot of food allergies so it limits what I can eat.) I also drink TONS of water.

What am I doing wrong?? I thought reducing cardio and increasing weight training was supposed to help me lose body fat. I've read tons of articles and still can't figure out what I should do to help this process along. I'd say I'm at about 24% body fat and would like to get down to at least 20%. I want my muscles to show!

(I've attached a couple of photos. I don't have a current photo of my bare abs as I just don't like how they look! But my Christmas dress sort of shows it.)

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by shelaine22 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Disengage from Beachbody?

This is my first post here though I’ve been lurking awhile. I signed up with Beachbody 7 months ago (just a costumer, not a coach). I was 5 months post partum at the time and wanted to lose about 20 lbs, which I did. I really love the Beachbody programs I’ve done and will continue with them as I’ve seen great progress with them.

My issue is with the cost of Shakeology. It tastes good for a protein shake but I KNOW i can get similar, perhaps better, for cheaper, and it’s not like I’m rolling in it. So I have been throwing around the idea of flat out quitting Shakeology, which would be 100% okay with me, EXCEPT that means losing the social media support group which I think has been the key to my success so far. I’ve never been so dedicated or seen such success with the gym, or even personal training. The community/support is instrumental for me and I’m not happy to give it up - but $130 a month is really steep for me right now - not to mention I am growing tired of the sales tactics ($130 isn’t expensive for your HEALTH!). It begins to feel a bit like I’m being brainwashed, and I hate to admit it but I’m falling for it and what’s worse is I KNOW IT. I keep worrying that without that group I will lose my momentum, and so I keep shelling out the money every month.

So basically I’m here looking for alternatives, help, rational unbiased opinions. Do I keep going with this because after all it IS working very well for me, or do I walk away? At some point I NEED to walk about from it bc what am I going to do, pay $130 for a shake every month for the rest of my life? No - I need to learn personal accountability. But I just hate to give up the social aspect of this.

by SarahGrace87 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Why Would I Want To Lose Weight (Muscle Mass)?

Here comes a bunch of noob questions. So please bear with me ☺. Currently I'm 5'7", and 153 pounds. When I went through my profile to set-up a goal... I choose the goal of wanting the "fitness model" body. However, it mentioned I'd have to loose close to 25 pounds. Being muscle weighs more than fat, my added weight has been muscle. I do have some fat that I'm working on in my belly area, but the rest of me is making great progress. Can someone explain this too me?

I'm new to all this, but not new to working out. I'm kinda figuring things out on my own unfortunately😞

by sledgurl07 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Girl who wants to lose muscle in upper body, looking too much like a guy?

I have been lifting 5-6 times a week for the past two years. I basically do a variation of PPL with extra legs. I train my legs more often and want to still look feminine and have big glutes. At the same time, I wanted definition in my upper body to not look disproportional. I like to go heavy on everything, but now I'm starting to worry my upper body looks too masculine. Its starting to look like a crossfit body.

I want to lose muscle there, so I thought about completing stopping my upper body training. I am now doing legs 3 times a week with abs/stretch/foam roll on the off days. I want to do cardio too, but it's difficult since I am doing legs so often and don't want to be too hard on my legs and hinder my recovery.

Would it facilitate the muscle loss if i did very hip rep 15+ training circuit training of LIGHT weight upper body with no rest in between. Like for example a circuit of

1) db lateral raise
2) tricep cable pushdowns
3) db alternating curls
4) rope cable face pullls
5) db unilateral rows

Which would work better to tone down the muscle there so my upper body is not as big? Just completing stop training upper body or high rep, light weight circuits for upper body?

by k92aida via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Big breasts, but small butt... help?

Ok so I'm 18, 5'1, I weigh 105 pounds, and I have big boobs (around C to D cup), but a small butt (with small legs/thighs and narrow hips). How can I get my butt to be more big so it can be proportional to my body? 
Most fat goes to my stomach and boobs first, so I don't think eating a lot would help unless I would want to become fat. I already have a bit of belly fat.
I would just like a proportional body... preferably with my butt being medium sized rather than small.

Edit: I don't know why it says that as my age lol but that's wrong

by lilllyb via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

How to body build as a VERY petite woman?? 4ft11in 100lbs

I'm very petite, 20 years old, I weigh 100 pounds exactly, however it seems like most of my weight accumulates in my stomach so I would like to lose about 5 pounds before I try to build muscle mass. I have tried to do this a few years ago but ended up always feeling dizzy and light headed because myfitnesspal told me to eat 900 calories per day to lose 1lb per week. 900 calories did help me lose weight at a normal rate but I felt terrible and weak while doing so. (I also went to the gym 4-5 days per week).

I feel like I can't lose weight because my maintenance calories are about 1500 per day and I regularly work out but I still have a hard time eating less than 1700. I'm scared if I cut too much I'll feel weak again.

What do other petite women do to lose weight? How many calories per day should I eat if I work out 4-5 days a week?

I really have no idea how to go about this considering there isn't much information out there on how to lose weight and then bulk as a very small woman. It seems like because I'm so small I don't have room to cut calories without starving myself and can't eat much more than 1500 or I'll just keep gaining weight.

ps - I've also heard of recomp diets but not sure if that's a diet I should look into.

by M617 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

How heavy are you lifting?

Hello everyone! Where I work out, I have yet to see a female into lifting heavier weights. They lift 5 lb free weights. Where we are, there is a local Planet Fitness and Blink (same thing) and I have memberships to both. The closest "real" gym is not local. So, I have not seen female lifters.

I am at 35 lb free weights for chest presses, 30 lb free weights for bicep curls, and 70 lb bar bell for curls and bent over rows. I have no idea what women out there are lifting and am wondering what is possible. I'm 5'5" and 127 lbs at the moment, started at 118 lbs before training heavier.

Thanks!

by JMalmsteen via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Some Beginners Advice After 14 Years With Anorexia

So,

Im looking for a little bit of advice. I consider myself now fully recovered (as much as I'll ever be) from struggling with 14 years of Anorexia. Im looking to start a weight training program to tone up/build muscle to look/feel better and also because I have osteoporosis (weight training I've been told is good for bone health).

I can't afford to see a dietician or a personal trainer, but I have just read Micheal Matthews book 'Thinner Leaner Stronger'....Im VERY new to all of this so I'm looking for a bit of help.

At 5'4 and 114lbs what macros should I be eating? Im aware I should be 'lifting heavy' in the gym....but could someone guide me/help me out a little more in terms of a plan?

Thanks in advance.
Lucie

by itslucie via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Need advice: Am I in good enough shape to finally start a bulk?

So a couple months ago I posted on here asking if I should bulk or cut. I was skinny fat at the time, 5'0" and around 120 lb, ~25% BF. Most members told me I should cut so that's what I did. I'm finally down to roughly ~20% (I absolutely hate cutting) and wondering if I'm lean enough to get away with a bulk now. My ultimate goal is to put as much muscle on my body as it will naturally support, get as strong as I can, and stay as lean as possible in the process. I want to start a long term slow bulk with a daily surplus of 200-300 calories. However I really don't want my body fat to raise any higher than it is as I carry most of my fat subcutaneously and start looking soft all over quite easily. I would prefer it to be even lower, but I'm getting skinny now, down to ~112 lb, and lifts aren't great either (95 OHP, 135 bench, 150 squat, 250 deadlift, all 1RM). Just wanted to get some opinion on whether I'm in good enough shape to pull off a bulk or if I should just keep cutting...I'm thinking that I'm just too skinny to really get the full muscular look I want and that it's time to put on weight, I doubt I'll have big round shoulders or cut-up abs even if I drop down to 15%.

Photos attached, of course...I may have had a bit of fun editing them.
They appear in this order: front flexed, back relaxed, back flexed, front relaxed.
Lighting isn't that great and doesn't show much of the definition I have on my back. Also carrying some water weight and looking softer all around today, so keep all that in mind.

cliffs: I look like I don't even lyft, judging by my photos should I keep cutting or start putting on mass?

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by vicomedley via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Just started a workout routine and I'm wondering.....

Hi,

I purchased the book 101 Body Sculpting workouts and Nutrition Plan for Women. I went to the gym last night and worked out 1 hour. I do not feel any soreness 12 hours later. I made sure to do 2 warm up sets before each machine, and then I did my sets to failure. But shouldn't I feel some soreness? I'm 52 yrs old, 30lbs overweight, and haven't been to a gym since 2006. This book is excellent btw.

Thanks,
June

by junesb via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Should I cut or bulk????

Hey, need ur advice, im loosing my mind, nothing changes.. eating around 1700 kcal , about 120 protein, 150 carbs, rest fats , working out 5days per week, split workouts, sometimes cardio for 15 min.. 18yrs old, 122lb , 4.318inch

by Sporty067 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Hellloooo...Anyone out there?

Just shouting into the depths...

by McNeelz via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Saddlebag fat and loose butt.

Anyone successfully banished this kind of ugliness? I've been lifting heavy for 9 months at a surplus and have just started cutting down and I swear its looking worse. I don't have much muscle underneath which isn't helping but I'm so embarrassed by it that I've opted to cut down the fat in the hopes of reducing its appearance through gym tights and my summer clothes. It seems to just be getting looser though and more out of shape :( My other leg is shaped perfectly fine.. so weird haha

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by Mandi194 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Bench press routines

What's your typical bench press routine? How many reps, sets, and how much weight? And what's your ultimate goal?

by RealtorinCT via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Tips on gym Routines!

Hey everyone! I'm really new to this forum, but decided to give this a show, since you all seem so skilled!!

So recently, I got myself a gym card, wanting to exercise more. I already practice figure skating 4 (5 times if you include one off-ice practice) times every week, 50min each time.

Anyways, for a 22yo girl who has never done gym before, how do I start with the weight lifting, and how many reps do I do, etc? I'm thinking of going to the gym maybe two or three times per week. ((My current goal is to get leaner, and tighten my stomach/waist, since that area of my body is currently making me feel pretty bad. :())

Lmao I made a pic to post along with this thread, but I don't have enough points to do it, so if you feel like helping me out and want to see what the "current me" looks like in order to better help, I can send it to you!

Thank you for your time!

by Elsiebell via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Can't Hit Depth on Squats

Hi Ladies, some questions for you.

I only started lifting in March this year so I'm a newbie. I was completely inactive before then for about 15 years and have a desk job. Until 2 months ago I've only been doing goblet squats not barbell squats. I can get to the right depth on goblet squats. I've started high bar squatting and I cannot for the life of me hit the right depth! I cannot get to just past parallel. It's frustrating me so much as I feel like none of my reps count.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to why I can't hit depth? My heels don't lift so I don't think it's my ankles. Is it my hip flexors? Is is just general weakness? Any advice appreciated.

The only way I can get any depth on high bar squats is to have a much wider stance. I feel like I get better depth with low bar although it's still not low enough.

I'm getting annoyed as my deadlifts are strong but my squats are terrible!

I've got some videos on you tube of my form but it won't let me post the links here.



Thanks!

by PixieChick1 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

I'll get you started on your fitness journey!

Although I'm still young, I've been helping people out with fitness and muscle building on my bodylovemind IG account! But I've decided I want to help more people, which has brought me here...

So if anyone is just starting out on their fitness journey, and needs help with ANYTHING, whether it be fitness or nutrition, building muscle or losing fat, I'd love to try and help!!

Post any questions for me, and I'll get back to you!

Louise :)

by BodyLoveMind via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Questions for beginner

Hello. I am 24 years old weighing in at 131 lbs and I am 5'5. I gave birth to my first child last year then just recently gave birth to my second child this year. I used to have a slim stomach before my children and weighed 115 lbs. I am looking to lose belly fat then gain lean muscle. I need a plan when I enter the gym,but right now I am lost. I eat very healthy everyday keeping my calories under 1,800. I am not very experienced in this field and any advice would be appreciated! Attached below are pictures of my current physique . Thank you

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by mamajunebug via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Abs & Loose Skin after Baby

I have a little loose skin from having a baby 3 years ago. Are there any exercises that work better to minimize or target this area? I have noticed a difference after (12) weeks of counting macros and cardio/weight training 6 days at the gym. I am just not seeing the results I'd like to see yet so I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas. Thanks in advance!

by kdaedone via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Doing a uni project on bodybuilding and would love a female perspective!

Hey everyone!

As the title says, I'm a student in the UK studying graphic design and am doing a personal project on subcultures. I am looking for personal stories from people actively involved in bodybuilding, and was wondering if anyone would be able to answer a few questions, or point me in the right direction or where to find things out? I have learnt quite a lot from guys, but would love a girl's perspective especially as I am a girl myself! I'm interested in fitness and lift a lot but am seriously impressed by your dedication!

I was wondering firstly what got you into it? And where you are from, and whether it is big where you live or fairly underground?

Do you think it is harder for women to get into bodybuilding? Is there a larger stigma attached for women?

How has it enhanced your life?

Does it take up a lot of your time? How do you manage an average day (especially with eating regularly/ exercising)? Do you have days off?

Do you have any other hobbies?

Is it an expensive lifestyle to maintain?

How many competitions have you participated in? How did you find them? I love all the glitz and the glam that the girls get into!

Do you know many other bodybuilders? Do you socialise/work out together at all?

Is it easy to find boyfriends/girlfriends? How do they find your bodybuilding?

Do you think there are problems in the bodybuilding industry particularly at the competitions?

Lastly, what are you getting up to over Christmas and does the diet take a break then?

I am really fascinated by it all and I really appreciate any help!

by unistudenthelp via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Novice seeking advice for a goal

Hello, I have a question that I was hoping to consult on with someone who has more experience than I do. I have had a fitness goal for myself for a few years now, to be accomplished by my 30th birthday. I begin and then lose motivation many times. I just passed my 29th birthday and I have 359 days left to reach my goal.
My problem is that my goal is very undefined, broad, and general. I want to be in the best shape of my life, but honestly that wouldn't take too much. I would like to be able to do deadlifts, pull ups, and improve my cardio.
What I'm hoping someone can help me with is coming up with a number goal for a deadlift. Starting from nothing, what is an amount I can realistically lift at the end of my year? I am 5'4" and weigh about 160, which is easily maintained so a comfortable weight, but I have no muscle, even my legs have basically muscle atrophied from working a sedentary job for just 2 years.
Thank you to anyone who can help me,
Stephanie

by StephMcDarby via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Cellulite or loose skin??? Will exercise be enough..

Hi. First time posting and very new to the fitness world. I have yo-yo'd in weight multiple times since my teens (now 28) and this has definitely had a negative impact on my overall skin-elasticity. However, things didn't get really bad until I had liposuction for fat-transfer just over 4 years ago (idiotic decision, I know). Post-healing, the skin on my legs was dimpled and lined similar to really bad cellulite. Before the procedure I did have some cellulite but it was only visible when I actively squeezed my leg. For the past 4 years I've been stuck in a sort of limbo; hiding my legs constantly and feeling a good deal of embarrassment and shame about their appearance. I'm so tired of feeling like this and putting my life on hold. I put off committing to a full-on exercise regime because part of me is scared the problem is a result of loose skin and losing weight will just make things worse.
I've always struggled to put on muscle and was too afraid to really try incase it failed to make enough of a difference and all the effort and commitment was for nothing.. I've been seeing a trainer for weights twice a week as well as swimming twice a week. I've definitely lost a couple inches around my stomach but my legs look as awful to me as ever.
So, the question is, can anyone take a look at my photos (apologies in advance) and advise me on whether losing more fat and trying to build muscle is really likely to make a significant improvement in my case?? Obviously the thought of a more invasive route is upsetting but if that's my only realistic option for getting the aesthetic outcome I want, I'd rather know now...?
Thank you!

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by Annie2830 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

PPL for cutting?

Hi guys! It's been a while since I've been on here. I've been crazy busy with the kids, remodeling my home, work, and working out. I've been bulking since August 2016 and I think I've gained some serious progress in my strength but the fat has got to go now! With my ridiculously busy schedule, I wanted to find out what you all think of doing a 3-day push/pull/legs split during cutting. Have been doing PHUL for a couple years but I'm getting burned out on it... need something new to shake things up. And the three days would be easier for me to comply with because of the house renovations I'm doing (DIY) are eating up so much of my time.

Thoughts?

TIA

by jessic2952 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Demotivated & struggling to continue :-(

So I recently finished stage one of new rules for women and i'm so disappointed with the results, disappointed to the point i don't know if i want to carry on.

I've been following the routine 3 times a week, figured out all my macros and stuck to an eating plan.

I'm the same weight i was before the 8 week training, still have my fat bulging stomach, fat hips and butt..... all i've gained is slightly firmer thighs!

Just seems like such a waste of time and i feel i've but in so much time and effort and have nothing to show for it. I wasn't expecting super outstanding results but i thought after 2 months of working out i would have reduced my stomach, hips and have a little bit of upper body muscle.

I must be doing something wrong but i don't know what or how to fix it
Love to hear your thoughts & similar experiences

by 2ndTimesaCharm via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

First time competitor looking for a VERY affordable coach

To get straight to the point, I plan on competing in my first local NPC show as a bikini competitor coming up in June. I was going the route of coaching myself, but now I am thinking that I could use a coach as moral support and just someone with experience that can help me get my physique to look competition ready. I keep looking online for someone affordable that can coach me online, but I keep coming across monthly plans that are way out of my price range. Me and my husband don't make a whole lot of money right now, so something under $200 or even less for about 15 weeks or so would be okay for me (if that exists).

Also, I am not new to nutrition, dieting or macro/calorie counting. I pretty much coached myself and lost 100 pounds in a span of 2 years, so I'm not going into this blindly. Again, this is my first competition so I am not looking to spend an arm and a leg to compete this year. The next yer, that may be a different story. If someone can please give me some advice on what to do, that would be greatly appreciated.

by aroberson92 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

The Successful Fitness Model (free report)

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by WillBrink via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Gaining Pant Size

I have taken advice given here to bulk. So far gained 5 lbs. I wear a size 2 and my pants are all now tight in the hips and thighs. I plan to keep gaining at least another 10 lbs. Is it common to stay up a size or two permanently? I don't look any worse for the extra weight and I'm sure I've gained some fat, but I think I look a little bit better than I did before. No qualms about being a larger size, just wondering if I should invest in larger size clothes. Thanks!

by moter98 via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding

Building legs for npc bikini contest!

So I want to do my first NPC bikini comp. summer 2018. I realize the importance it is to have substantial leg and glute muscles specially hammy glute tie In for bikini. I’m just wondering how often should I be training legs per week??

Right now I’m doing quads and glutes Monday and hamstring and glutes Friday’s with upper body training in between. I really need to work more on my hammy and glute growth wondering if I should do hamstring and glutes Monday’s and Friday’s and quad and glutes on Wednesday or is 3 too much?

by brefass via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding