Help With STS Meso 2 - Is this normal?

[Newwmn3]

I am hoping for a little guidance (reassurance?) here. I am on my second week of STS Meso 2 on the full 5 1/2 month rotation. This is the first time I have ever done a heavy weights program like this. On one hand, I am LOVING it! It is a serious challenge and it keeps me from doing the constant super-intense cardio marathons that I was doing for so long. All good stuff. I'm seeing some changes in my upper body that I love but my lower body? Not loving it so much. Instead of getting more toned, I am seeing an increase in size - especially in my thighs. To make matters worse, it's size without the nice "cut" definition that I used to have. Am I doing something wrong? Is this normal at this phase? Any help or advice would be soooo appreciated! I'm really trying not to get discouraged.

 

[Justinef]

It happens to my thighs, too- and it's an area I could do without the extra bulk...:-(
I'm currently week 2, meso 2, on my third round of sts. From previous experience the thigh - swelling gets worse through meso 3. BUT it is temporary. After a couple of non-sts weeks, my thighs lose their pump and look better.
I add in extra leg days every week (cardio leg blast, rwh legs etc). I can't really give you any advice, but I'm hoping someone will have the answer.....

 

[desertambrosia]

It happens to my thighs, too- and it's an area I could do without the extra bulk...:-(
I'm currently week 2, meso 2, on my third round of sts. From previous experience the thigh - swelling gets worse through meso 3. BUT it is temporary. After a couple of non-sts weeks, my thighs lose their pump and look better.
I add in extra leg days every week (cardio leg blast, rwh legs etc). I can't really give you any advice, but I'm hoping someone will have the answer.....

This happens to me as well. I can be ripped to the bone, upper body, but my legs take forever to come around. They gain muscle, but any definition takes time. I think there are a lot of women with the same problem. A lot of it depends on your body type. When I gain weight it's usually in my hips and thighs, and so my lower body is the last to respond to weight training. Keep going with the workouts, it does take time, the bulk is temporary.

 

[nckfitheart2009]

I am glad you have had answers. The so called "bulk" is not PERMANENT neither is it an extra size gained which later on transform itself into FAT.

Please don't let the MYTH on lifting heavy discourage you. Only extra calories can expand/enlarge your thighs!


All the very best.

 

[nckfitheart2009]

To add what I have experienced myself.

I started weight program in total format. I did it for years.
When I started split program, I had this "bulk" and it was temporary.
Thanks God I did not listen to the B...S.

Fact is you are not at ALL going to gain a size because you have started lifting heavy.
Only extra fat due to extra calories and/or lack of activity can cause a size gain!

http://cathe.com/weightlifting-myths-debunked
http://cathe.com/why-lifting-light-weights-isnt-best-for-building-muscle-tone
http://cathe.com/weight-lifting-for-a-toned-defined-physique

 

[Newwmn3]

So do you ladies find that, once you are done with STS, that the "bulk" goes away and you're left with nice, muscular definition? I'm wondering if my bulk is caused by swelling of some sort or water retention or something. I eat ridiculously clean and, if anything, probably am still not eating enough to put on serious muscle weight. I'm slowly working my way up there with the help of a Dietician. I'm sure my age is working against me a bit, too, but man oh man, am I loving lifting heavy weights! Never thought I'd say that but I'm saying it loudly now and a HUGE thanks to Cathe!!!!

 

[nckfitheart2009]

Yes you go Newton new woman.
Brag about lifting heavy ;-)

 

[jnka825]

Are you doing Plyo legs for meso 3 or squat rack? Plyo legs will slim down the legs for sure, while giving your legs that cut look

 

[Newwmn3]

Are you doing Plyo legs for meso 3 or squat rack? Plyo legs will slim down the legs for sure, while giving your legs that cut look

Ooo, I hadn't thought about that yet but, based upon this great little tidbit of info, I think I'll be doing the Plyo legs! Thank you!

 

[nckfitheart2009]

Ooo, I hadn't thought about that yet but, based upon this great little tidbit of info, I think I'll be doing the Plyo legs! Thank you!

When you get to meso 3 plyo, I suggest you do not do any steady pace long cardio often.
It could intefere with your goal. Plyo has some cardio already.
Adding more steady pace could be too much ending up in breaking muscles.
Especially knowing you are ectomorph. To be honest you won't need any long steady pace.
Keep cardio short and sweet;-). Hiit short burst do not break down muscles.

 

[Newwmn3]

When you get to meso 3 plyo, I suggest you do not do any steady pace long cardio often.
It could intefere with your goal. Plyo has some cardio already.
Adding more steady pace could be too much ending up in breaking muscles.
Especially knowing you are ectomorph. To be honest you won't need any long steady pace.
Keep cardio short and sweet;-). Hiit short burst do not break down muscles.

I've been keeping the cardio to 3 days per week (the days that I don't do STS). Typically, 2 days of Hiit kept to 45 min or so and 1 day of kickboxing. Do you think that'll be too much once I hit Meso 3?