Building Lean Muscle

[Beth1]

I have never done a purely strength rotation before, have always done endurance/strength (more emphasis on endurance). Have good definition but want to concentrate on building lean muscle mass for the my next 4 - 6 week rotation.
Please give me advice on whether to go to Slow & Heavy or Gym Styles.
Haven't done either workout yet. I'm not sure what my body type is - am 5'5, most days 118-119lbs, and though only started using real weights (cathe workouts beginning last Oct.), have built a lot of muscle. So do build muscle easily. I'm not a pear nor an apple - more like a rectangle with a waist (shoulders and hips same width, small chest, tho stomach is flatish but waist is 29" (worrisome for 'viseral fat' and am doing everything right - cardio, weights, eat very clean 95% of time - only have sugar,dessert one night a week - but am also 49 (so assume that is part of abdomen problem). Anyway, way more info then anyone probably wanted. But do want to do the best strength series I can now, don't want to look like a body builder, just want more lean fat burning muscle. I love weight workouts more than any other workouts, have never done splits. Last question - is it best to include one full body along with splits? I was planning to do each DVD (3 days) and then do 3 cardio days.
Thank you - anyone who takes the time to read and double thank you if you respond.

 

[t_jania]

I've not used Slow and Heavy, but some of my friends have with great results. I have the Gym Styles and they are fabulous workouts. I'm sorry I can't compare the two for you.

Your shape sounds like an hourglass. Lucky you!!!

I like to use one full body workout per week and then also use splits. That way I get 2 days per body part. I think you using 3 days of splits and 3 days of cardio sounds good. You may mix it up a bit, too. Do that one week, then do 1 full body plus 3 splits plus 2 cardios. Then back to week one. It's a thought, but ultimatly, you've got to do what is best for you. Give it a whirl and see how the results look and then tweak the rotation to give yourself maximum benefits.

Congrats and pats on the back for your great eating habits!

 

[Beth1]

Thank you, that is a great suggestion which I will follow - I tend to be very regimented and mixing things up is what I need.
Have to say, shape is not hour glass, more like a box with a curve for a waist - eating habits are good, but only after years of bingeing, starving, trying & failing. Finally got it down after 2 years of trying - of course that pumpkin pie I ate this weekend is still with me. I finally learned that I can't have one piece of anything - either nothing or I overdo it. Which is why I eat well, I simply don't have any sugar - dessert or white carbs and then am fine. Except for that one night a week when I allow myself to have that one dessert which usually lasts for an hour when I'm lucky, hours when I'm not.
Anyway, I love your suggestions - I just finished a week of circuits (which I never do) and have more DOMS than I've had in months. Did IMax 2 today and only got through it through sheer motivation. I was having so much fun I just forgot about how sore my legs are. Going to take a break from weights this week and begin new rotation next week.
Again, thank you and Happy Holidays!