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2003/11/04, 02:33 PM
I have lifted weights in the past, and I put on muscle very easily. In fact, I made things harder for myself when I was younger, by doing so much leg lifting that even at my goal weight my legs will be huge. I am trying to lose some weight now, and am using the equipment at my apartment gym. i want to build muscle to help raise my motabilism and keep me strong, but I don't want to bulk up my legs anymore, or bulk up my arms and the rest of me like I have my legs. Any advice??
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2003/11/05, 09:30 AM
I had to laugh at this one CristalBelle. You've got a problem that a lot of guys would kill for. :) We're limited, or blessed (depending how you look at it) by our body types. Just make sure that you're getting a balanced workout and take regular measurements. You can change some proportions by adding/taking away cardio, or even just changing rep scheme. Sounds like you've done some gym time so you're a step ahead of many. Also, it's possible that you had more body fat when you were younger and had more of an illusion of bulk. I don't think I adequately answered your question but there's lot's of ideas of the site so keep pluggin'.
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2003/11/05, 02:11 PM
I don't want to be a bad guy but judging from your profile are you sure you put on muscle that easily because most women have a harder time gaining muscle than men due to lower testosterone levels. There is a difference between putting on muscle and putting on "size" Do you keep a training journal. Sometimes it helps to write down everything. That way you can micromanage your diet and workouts and measurements. Good Luck (just trying to help)
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2003/11/05, 03:38 PM
you aren't being a bad guy by asking. I am pretty sure it was muscle, because I was doing leg lifts of 575lbs and lots of them 3-4 days a week back then. Thats was when I was 14-16 years old. I am 22 now, and my legs are for the most part the same size they were back then, and i haven't started lifting again until just now. whatdya think??
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2003/11/06, 01:12 PM
I would think that a program that involves higher reps and light to medium weight would suit you best that way you retain your strength and can work on your cardio to keep everything in balance. Of course that is with a good clean diet. Good luck
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2003/11/07, 03:55 AM
Hmmm I'm sorry to tell you this, but I guess it's fat who's making your legs look huge. If you don't want to lift heavy in the gym then know that it'll take you a lot longer time to see results.
Start running, it's great to lean out the legs and check your diet. Get enough protein and good fat and cut out all white carbs. Good luck!
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- Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
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2003/11/07, 11:59 AM
I do have quite a bit of weight to lose. I know that, and I do know that there is a layer of fat on my legs that I need to get rid of before I can really tell how big the muscles are. I just want to prevent them from getting much bigger from the lifting. So, we will see how I progress as I am WAY!!! watching my fat intake, upping my calories to rebalance my metabolism, and doing cardio and lifting with light weight but high reps. Don't worry, I'll keep things updated. Neov3, thanks for standing up for muah, but if its constructive critisism, it can't do much harm.
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2003/11/07, 12:40 PM
The best way to lose fat is to lift heavy believe it or not. This will do nothing but PRESERVE the lean tissue you have, and this is your best freind in the fight agains fat! Lean tissue burns calories. If you do not do this, you are doing a short term "fix" and destroying a long term healthy lean body. It takes testosterone for any one first off to gain muscle, so dont be afraid. You will/do not have much of it as a woman. You will not get "bulky", your muscles will not get bigger. You will simply be preserving the muscle you have. Eat a good diet high in protein, low GI carbs, fibrous veggies and even some EFA's(essential fatty acids). Create a caloric deficit, this is what taps into your fatty acid stores. This can be accomplished by your exercise and diet. This plan will work for you, is healthy and proven over and over. Do not be afraid to lift.
A toned muscle is a muscle with significant endurance and strength. Women have estrogen in much greater abundance than testosterone. Estrogen has an atrophying effect on muscle, whereas testosterone has a hypertrophying effect. For a woman to gain substantial size in most cases, they will have to spend money on more than just a gym membership and a personal trainer. Hope this helps, good luck to you.
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Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better!
Ron
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2003/11/07, 12:55 PM
i am confused now. You said to create a caloric deficit, but that would mean cutting out more calories right?? Everyone I have talked to has told me to eat more, because I have been living on 1200-1500 calories a day for the past 2 years. Which one is right?? According to my nutrition profile, I should be eating at least 2130 a day, and as of right now, even with trying to add more into my diet, I haven't had a day where I have reached even 1800. Whats what?
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2003/11/07, 01:07 PM
My apologies,I did not realize your calories were that low. I was speaking in general terms. Yes, you will need to up your calories. But, if you eat lean proteins, high fibrous veggies for your calories along with some healthy fats, and work out, you cannot possibly gain fat. Do this with about 200 calories per day for a while. When you see a weight gain start, stop there and let the diet level off. You will have most likely reached your maintenance calories. Then you can proceed again. You now have a place to work from, your metabolism should be revving again in response to the exercise and increased calories, and things can proceed normally.
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Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better!
Ron
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2003/11/07, 05:33 PM
Having a lot of bodyfat on my own body, I can say that my legs did get bigger before they started getting slimmer, but it was well worth it. Now they look great. I lift pretty heavy for a woman and wish I had been all along. I would be a lot farther down the road with fat loss.
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~Victoria~
...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills
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2003/11/07, 05:35 PM
My wife had the same concerns regarding leg size. She has followed the advice here and now complains about loose skin on her thighs. Go figure.
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I live in my own little world. But its ok. They know me here.
Charlie
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2003/11/08, 04:17 AM
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Quoting from azredhead57:
Having a lot of bodyfat on my own body, I can say that my legs did get bigger before they started getting slimmer, but it was well worth it.
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I agree, I experienced the same thing, legs getting bigger before getting leaner and better looking!!
Don't give up, look at the female fitness athletes they got muscular legs but without any bulk.
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- Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
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2003/11/12, 02:27 PM
I'm not sure what you are trying to say neo, but I dont think most people burn 2500 calories in the gym in a single day.
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~Victoria~
...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills
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2003/11/21, 10:50 PM
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Quoting from Philia2:
Hmmm I'm sorry to tell you this, but I guess it's fat who's making your legs look huge. If you don't want to lift heavy in the gym then know that it'll take you a lot longer time to see results.
Start running, it's great to lean out the legs and check your diet. Get enough protein and good fat and cut out all white carbs. Good luck!
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Nina, you look like you're in fantastic shape! Was wondering if you can let me on how heavy are the weights you are carrying for your bi, triceps and shoulder presses? I'm constantly worried about getting arms that are too huge and don't really dare to increase the weights. I've often wonder what girls with great looking arms carry!!!?? I'm going for the lean and slim arms.. not female body building ones.
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2003/11/22, 03:51 AM
Hi Timtams, but you cannot compare the lifting between two completely people. I lift heavy since I'm use to it and I'm not afraid of putting on all possible lean muscle mass.
I'm very tall so no matter what I do I'll always have long lean arms.....
Take a look in the female forum, I wrote down some of my trainings in there.
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- Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
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2003/11/22, 04:07 AM
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Quoting from Philia2:
Hi Timtams, but you cannot compare the lifting between two completely people. I lift heavy since I'm use to it and I'm not afraid of putting on all possible lean muscle mass.
I'm very tall so no matter what I do I'll always have long lean arms.....
Take a look in the female forum, I wrote down some of my trainings in there.
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Hi Nina,
Thanks! I've always wondered how much it takes to get tone like yours! I think I won't have to worry about putting on mass..I can now fatigue @ 12 reps in peace!! Thanks again!!
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