Hi Fitness Freak!!!!!!

[wonderwoman]

Hi there you seem very popular and also verrrrry knowledgeable so I thought maybe you could answer my question. Im happy with my upperbody(I even have veins lol) my lower body is a different story. Do the lower body muscles take longer to show if so why? I've been doing the rotations for about a year already and Im growing more and more fustrated with my legs because the muscle's dont want to come through. I want that tear drop muscle!!! So what should I do? Is patience the key here? I also heard that the upperbody muscles are smaller thats why they pop out faster and lower body muscles are bigger therefor taking longer. THANK YOU sooo much for taking the time out to read and maybe answer. Lilly

 

[Fitnessfreak366]

Hi Lilly!
I'm the same way, my upper body gets really cut and veiny, but my lower body doesn't. I have muscular legs but you can't see the muscles. I have to really get cut for my lower leg muscles to show. So my suggestions are:

Exercises to concentrate on:

Full form squats: Make sure you are going down to parellel, this really engages the quads. Keep your feet close together to work the teardrop muscles directly. Push up with your heels each time to work the glutes. You can even put your heels a light elevation (5# plates) to work the quads a bit more.

Stiff Legged Deadlifts: These create excellent shape in the hamstrings. Finish them off with Hamstring curls to create the hamstring bicep muscle. Go heavy/low reps with deads, go lighter/high reps with hamstring curls.

Sissy Squats: These really work the quads as well but you have to be careful doing them. If you don't know what they are, google them.

Diet:

Keep it clean clean clean!!! Try to eat more protein then carbs. I keep my macros to 30% fats, proteins at 40% and carbs at 30% or lower. Don't be afraid to raise your fat and protein intake. I usually try to get around 100 g. or lower in carbs and then one day a week I shoot it up to around 150 or 160 grams.

This also great depends on how your body responds to carbs, so you need to see what works for you.

 

[tricia]

Hi, Debbie & Lilly,

Wow - I've noticed a big difference in my hamstrings since starting the 4 Day Split rotation that Cathe posted. Must be those Deadlifts, huh? My DH was commenting on how "defined" I'm looking from behind!!

Debbie, have you seen the video clip somebody posted doing "Burpee's"? IF so, what are your thoughts on that move? (I think it was a YouTube clip.)

Just wondering, since you are very informed on the different exercises. Also, I'm wondering if you've previewed any other instructors that you like...I got Jari Love from Netflix and was a little surprised at how much I didn't like it! I guess when I see names in the Open Forum, I think it will be comparable to Cathe!!

Thanks for your input,
Tricia

 

[wonderwoman]

Wow thank you for answering me and thanks again soooo much for all of your suggestions. I will take everything to heart. Have a good evening...... Lilly

 

[Fitnessfreak366]

Tricia, sorry I didn't see your question before now.

I haven't seen the clip on the burpee, but I think that is a power move. Kind of like a clean and press. I'm not too big on those types of exercises. They are for building "power" only, not strength or muscles. That's just my opinion, however.

Other than Cathe, I'm not a big fan of any other instructor right now. I've tried some Amy Bento, wasn't impressed; I have one Jari Love DVD, not impressed. I'm not saying they aren't good instructors, or good workouts, I just find no interest in them. If you can't give me heavy workouts, don't bother. As for cardio, Cathe's is top notch. Why would you want any other instructor?

 

[tricia]

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for the reply. You know, I see these other instructors mentioned on the boards, and I wonder about them. However; since viewing one of Jari Love's workouts I wasn't interested either. Like you said, I'm sure she's good instructor and she seems to be getting a loyal following - but I'm going to stick with Cathe! I am REALLY looking forward to STS!!

Happy Spring,

Tricia