avoiding a "bulky" look on a petite frame

[tweinbach]

Hi Cathe,
I'm trying to figure out the best workouts for a petite frame (107 lbs). I'm 5' tall with a crazy short torso, short legs and no hips...a pretty much straight up and down figure...and I'd like to look as long as lean as possible. I've typically always stuck with Taebo workouts and exercises using 3 lb weights with fast high rep movements. Of course, I've been doing that type of workout for so long, the results aren't what they used to be. I just purchased the Hard Strikes DVD and really like, but I thought I might try the new upper body workouts, too. Which upper body workout in the Xtrain series (or any series of yours) would you recommend? And which leg exercises would help give that long and lean look? I am realistic and aware that my body can only change so much Hope what I'm asking makes sense!

[GrettaB]

I am also very petite and have gotten good results from barre workouts--TurboBarre in particular is great for really burning out the lower body, plus the upper body work (light weight, high reps) is perfect for getting definition without bulking up. I also highly recommend Cardio Barre by Richard Giorla. HiiT workouts will be your best friend for leaning out. Good luck!

[kariev]

For me, Horizontal Conditioning has completely changed my body in ways weights never did. I'm completely addicted to them! I have more definition then when I did weights. Check them out Horizontal Conditioning

[ReneePruitt]

Cardio leg blast for lower body and the legs one are good. I think the chest back shoulders and bi n tris on the stability ball would be good as ell. I dont know if ud want burn sets because you go heavier on that.

[jacmar]

Originally Posted by kariev

For me, Horizontal Conditioning has completely changed my body in ways weights never did. I'm completely addicted to them! I have more definition then when I did weights. Check them out Horizontal Conditioning

Ok, I have been pushed over the edge to order one of these workouts!! Which one do you suggest I start with? Do I *need* all of them or can I get away with a few? TIA!

[mini-natty]

Hi there,

I'm also a shorty coming at 5ft, with short legs, except I'm a pear-shape. I can tell you from my own experience that lifting heavy has done wonders for my body. No "bulk" here . Although I love barre and light weight/high reps, I would never exclusively just rely on that type of training for my body. For me, variety has been the key, and that includes moderate-heavy weight training for all muscle groups. Why not venture over to the dark side and try moderate-heavy lifting? You might be surprised at how well your body responds. I would recommend ALL the Xtrain upper body and lower body workouts. With that being said, the best results for legs/glutes I was able to obtain with STS Meso 2 (moderate-heavy weights). I always had this fear installed in me that heavy lifting would turn my saddle-bags into gigantic thunder thighs , when in reality the exact opposite happened . So bottom line: you never know until you try .

Good luck!

Natasha

[gratefuldog]

Jacmar,
I only have 3 HC w/o's. Volume 2,3, and Bootcamp. I love them all! hands down, HC is the best for pulling in, and tightening the core. You HAVE to try them! They are not for the novice that is for sure. I started with just vol 2, and then when I mastered that, I added the others.
You have me hankering for more

[jacmar]

Thank you gratefuldog!

[kariev]

Originally Posted by jacmar

Ok, I have been pushed over the edge to order one of these workouts!! Which one do you suggest I start with? Do I *need* all of them or can I get away with a few? TIA!

I started with volumes1,2,3, and bootcamp. Bootcamp is extremely hard so definitely don't start with that one. Initially I had to take so many breaks so don't feel discouraged initially. I have all of her year 1 hardcores and 101's ( the 101's are 30 minutes long) and I'm now working on year 2. Theses never get easy and always give me DOMS all over. The workouts are similar but different at the same time.

[tweinbach]

Thank you all for chiming in...much appreciated! I think my biggest concern is because I have no hips (though, I do have a booty) I worry about looking like I have "man shoulders", since I don't have the hips to balance out my upper body Thank you for the suggestions!