Cathe, please advise.....I'm scared to go heavier with weights

upperwests

upperwests

Cathlete
I have a naturally muscular build. People always thought I worked my upper body even before I ever did. I really don't want to build any more muscle because I have a very small chest and I feel I'm beginning to look "manish" in spaghetti straps, tank tops, etc. At this point I don't want more muscular biceps or shoulders. My legs, however, could really use some "trimming down." I love the "empowerment" feeling I get from weight training, but my goal is to look very toned......not so muscular. Do you suggest I stay with the weights I'm using OR continue to challenge myself with heavier weights. By the way on another note, I love the endurance I have built up with your workouts. I am 50 years old and for the first time last week I was able to do Drill Max to the end!!! And I can finally do a "mean" plie squat and all the jumps you do in Kick Max!!!
Paula
 
Paula:

I am not convinced that you need to use super heavy weights to get the results you desire.

I use heavy weights foir the upper body because I have the opposite problem to you, it is hard for me to get rid of the stick arms look. But I usually stick to moderate weight, or more endurance type workout for the lower body and work it twice per week. I prefer GS for lower body, adding in PLB standing work and Leaner Legs. Running is excellent for leaning out the lower body and plyometrics, such as in drill max, will help with definition and muscular endurance also.

If you have the body type that builds muscle easily, you may get larger lower body muscles than you desire. I would advise avoiding truly heavy weight workouts in favour of greater frequency of lower body training for endurance.

Clare
 
I was just thinking about this very thing...

I have had three weeks off from working out. I hurt my rotator cuff and felt I needed a break from working out. I have atrophied a bit and my arms look so much better then when I was working out! I too build upper body mass easily. I love, love, love to lift heavy; but it does seem counterproductive to what I want to achieve which is a nice trim arm that looks strong, not necessarily 'pumped'. So I am going to concentrate on my lower body for heavy weight (I am proud of my legs and lower body...it responds to weight training very well) and do more endurance, kick box and high rep weight work for my upper. I am tired of my arms not fitting in some of these blouses with the little button sleeve! UGH! I am not sure about you, but I can left really heavy for my upper, but I need to find some other way to consistently just touch those muscles to keep them tweaked a bit.

I can't figure myself out...ever! :) Good luck; you are not alone!
Oh, and my 3 week break was long overdue. I recommend it to everyone. I am back fresh and strong and motivated. I intend to take a week of every three months from now on. I am the same age as Cathe, but God bless her, I need a rest now that I am aging to prevent injury.

Becky
 
Hey Becky and Maddiesmum,
Thank you so much for your responses. I think I'm not going to lift heavier because what's the point? I want to be strong and toned, not build tons of muscle. I know some might find that strange, but right now, I'd like to build muscle in my legs and maintain the muscle in my upper body.
 
This picture was taken about 4 or 5 years ago (way before my Cathe life), I should update it....as a few more wrinkles have creeped in....BELIEVE ME!
 
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