I can not build definition no matter what I do!

intensitylisa

intensitylisa

Cathlete
;-) Cathe, when I look at you and the other crew on the "Supersets" cover, I wonder why my biceps don't look like yours. What am I doing wrong? I've bought a whey protein powder thinking my problem was lack of protein. Could it be my genetics are playing against me? I mentioned this to my mother and she said "well I have always had muscular legs, your brother calls me "Earl Campbell thighs". I always lift to the heaviest of my ability, but the definition is not there! HELP!
 
Definition has more to do with diet than exercise. Think about how many crunches people can do, yet only very few actually have a six pack. Point is, if you body fat is too high, then you won't see much definition. Sad but true. For me, my upper body gets lean quickly, but legs stay heavy until my body fat drops to single digits. Definition is created with more with your fork than with your weights.
 
I agree with Ickymoley about the importance of a good diet in order to see definition. I also think genetics has a lot to do with it. Mesomorphs (those, like Cathe, for whom it is easier to add muscle) usually have an easier time getting definition than endomophs (those who tend towards high body fat).

What type of weight workouts are you doing? If you are doing slow and heavy type of workouts, or strength-emphases workouts, you might want to try to switch to endurance workouts for a while. They may help to cut some definition. Do you have the Pyramid workouts? I think these are good for definition.
 
I'm not Cathe, but I have found an insight on this problem. One more important contributor to seeing definition is time: the number of years you're sticking with it. After a long time of working out your metabolism goes through several tweaks and the most stubborn fat starts to mobilize. So stay motivated.

I used to wonder how people stayed motivated after they reached their goals. No longer! I see now that there are some very desirable goals within reach that I didn't even consider myself worthy of in the beginning. I have only been exercising 3 years and I'm 44 years old.

-Connie
 
If Mesomorphs build muscles easier and Endomorphs have more fat what can an Ectomorph look forward to? Once a beanstalk - always a beanstalk? Or will I have every strand of muscle visible, kinda like a celery stalk - with no bulk at all?

Where are the female fitness instructors who are 5ft10 or taller?
 
Take a look at Keli Roberts. She's almost 6 feet tall and she sure is muscular especially in Step It Strong. I thought she looked better in Cherfitness and the Ultimate Step.
 
Thanks Hotspurt.
I had no idea that Keli Roberts is that tall. I checked her out and she does look good, toned etc. - not bulky at all. Actually, her body type is TOTALLY different from Cathe's.
 
I too thought Keli looked her best in the Cher fitness videos...but i also read an article about her saying that during those years she was very ill with eating disorders and that she was living on hardly any food in order to look like that. I think she looks great now too. Heathly, lean. I like Keli and think she is a great instructor. If you have never tired her Straight up Sculpt you're in for a real treat...oh hurts so good. Ps - i don't agree with the muscle maturity thing...sure it the longer you work out the better, but as i said, diet is the key...it really is.
 
:) I didn't think my body fat was too high! I am an endomorph (tendency to gain weight easy) and am 5'5" 130 lbs (small-medium frame). So, in order to see muscle definition do I need to starve myself and be a toothpick?:(
 
In order for YOU to get definition (an individual thing), you might need to follow some very strict diet regimen. On the other hand, instead of looking towards Cathe's physique as a goal for what you want to look like, you might choose a more attainable role model. Maybe you're built more like Cedie. She has defintion, but not as much as Cathe. And if you look at pictures of her throughout the years, it seemed to take her a while to get that definition.

Fitness and physical beauty come in many shapes and sizes, you just have to find an aesthetic that fits you.
 
:) I am a classic pear shape and have only been lifting weights since January. People I come in contact with always comment on how slim I am. Maybe I need to include weight training in all my daily workouts as this is not always the case. Some days I do just cardio. Friends of mine have told me I have to have hardly any body fat in order to see muscle, but I do not believe this. A co-worker of mine works out (not as often as I) and she is a little heavier than I, but yet her biceps are more visible than mine. My biceps aren't visible at all. I watch my fat content, but I am not a strict dieter. Whine Whine! I appreciate the help keep it coming gang!:)
 
Well said, Kathryn. I also think it is important to allow our bodies to be what they will be. I know for me, to focus on one particular look or body type, will sabotage my efforts. Accepting our body type takes a lot of pressure off of ourselves. I may not have definition like my hero, Cathe, but I'm ok with that. The health benefits of regular exercise far out way the need to look a certain way.

Take care of yourself and relax....wanted to throw out another angle.

Vickie ;-)
 
>I agree with Ickymoley about the importance of a good diet in
>order to see definition. I also think genetics has a lot to
>do with it. Mesomorphs (those, like Cathe, for whom it is
>easier to add muscle) usually have an easier time getting
>definition than endomophs (those who tend towards high body
>fat).
>

Actually Cathe herself has posted she's a Ectomorph with an apple build. Pretty amazing she's been able to work her diet and exercise into a program that's acheived such remarkable definiton considering.

Edith
 
I do agree with others who have posted who say that genetics plays a role. I think it's a combination of factors. For some reason, my biceps are pretty strong and are visible. I go as heavy, if not heavier than Cathe for biceps, but not quite as heavy for triceps and shoulders. I think we all have our areas that are harder to "make visible". I know that for a while shoulders were hard for me and were really weak. But then I tried really concentrating on them and working on them several times a week. I also tried to gradually go heavier. Maybe you could consider making biceps your focus for a while and experiment with heavy weights and endurance work.

Trust me, I am no expert at this. I am definitely not a strict dieter either and struggle with having a pear shape as well. I have only been working out steadily for about 3-4 years now, and I do think it also has a lot to do with just keeping at it. I have seen better results by mixing things up and not giving up! Hang in there, Sandra
 
Lisa, You aren't doing anything wrong except coveting Cathe's muscles! I am a strong woman but you would never know it to look at me. These muscles remain stringy and scrawny just because of my body type! Ectomorph. I have come to terms with it. I am fit and strong but look rather scrawny except for that midsection where I store my fat. Did I mention I am fit and strong? I can lift pretty heavy weights and still my muscles stay small so I go for lean! Cathe is naturally muscular and I think the people who enjoy that perk are either men or lucky women! Eat clean, work out and love your body even if it refuses to pack on the muscle!
Chicks's Rule! http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Bobbi
 
can someone show me where i find the info on ectomorphs and the ohter types of builds. i've seen comments here and there and never knew what they meant!
 
Hi Bobbi,

Thanks for posting that link. I now know what body type I am. I have wanted to know this for a while.

Thanks Again,

Terri:)
 
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