Gaining muscle

[fitnessfanatic]

Most women my age (I'm 35) don't have my problem, but I want to GAIN muscle to look more shapely (especially around the buttocks and thighs). I've had a dreadfully slender lower body--even after two children--all my life and I want to get bigger. Unfortunately, I've heard fitness expert after fitness expert claim that women should not be afraid to use weights in their fitness programs because women simply CAN NOT gain large amounts of muscle. Is there any hope for a person like me who is discouraged by those claims?

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Although you can't fight your genetic make up you certainly can influence it. If genetically, you have had a hard time putting on any size in your lower half, then you will just need to become much more focused at this task. It will probably require more than an average effort for you(due to your genetics) but if you make this goal your priority(or atleast one of your priorities

), you will definitely see improvements.

Focus heavily on doing squats and lunges with heavy weights two times per week. Obviously you will need to start out with lighter weight to let your body safely acclimate itself to this new workout, however, after about a three week period of lighter weight, gradually increase your weights every two weeks. When your at the point of lifting very heavy weight for squats and lunges, I would space your leg workouts out, allowing about 3 days between these workouts.


There will eventually come a point where your legs will be able to lift a heavier weight than what your upper body can lift up onto your shoulders(to provide this leg challenge). At this point, I suggest that if this is something that is very important to you, that you hire a qualified personal trainer. They will be able to design a program specifically for you and to meet your needs. If affordable, I would also recommend that you hire them to assist you with your workouts so that they can keep an eye on your form and also spot you when you attempt weights that are too hard to manage on your own. Good Luck!

 

[fitnessfanatic]

Thanks! I've already started

It sounds like there's hope for me yet! I started PS Strong Legs & Abs as soon as it came in the mail yesterday so I think I'm on the right track. By the way, I love your video. It's a real challenge and you're a great "personal trainer". After a couple of months of following your workout, I will hire a personal trainer. Thanks for the advice and the great website!

P.S. If you have any tips on what one should look for in a personal trainer, I'd really appreciate it. I've tried one before, but he felt that heavy weights were not "appropriate" for women. He suggested that I stick to light weights, aerobics, and simply eat more (since, in his words, I had "super low bodyfat").