suggestions please

[lwseymour]

I am loving what weight training is doing for me (especially for legs, biceps, and triceps).

Problem is I tend to have a very broad upper back and shoulders. I even had this problem as a teenager and remember feeling like a football player at my prom in my prom gown. (Spaghetti straps are definitely not for me!) I only use 10 lbs dumbells for back and only 5 wimpie lbs for most shoulder work. Should I go down further in weight which means I won't even feel most of the work?

Could I leave off traditional back work and do only core/plank type work for my back and keep it strong enough? Or would this be a bad move?

I practically like my somewhat bulky legs, but not the wide back and shoulders. Suggestions please.

Lisa

 

[jgoycoolea]

I also have a very broad upper back. It is broad enough that I have trouble with clothing. For example, I need a size 10 dress for the top of me and only an 8, or even a 6, for the bottom!

Funny thing is though, I have always thought that because of this, it is particularly important to build up the shoulders to help balance the width of the back. I want larger shoulder muscles! I don't like the look of sloping shoulders, particularly not against a larger frame.

I still work my back. Granted I used to go a lot heavier than I do now. I made the decision to go lighter when I bought new bras and had to move up froma 34 to a 36.

I wouldn't omit all back work because it has to be important for overall strength and balance. Perhaps though it would be ok to keep the weight lighter and the grip a bit more narrow. Cathe says wide grips hit outer back and closer more central back. This is jsut a guess. I wonder what Cathe would say.

Jeanne

 

[lwseymour]

Thanks for your response. It's funny how I don't mind a bulky lower body - that suits me fine. Only my broad back bothers me. I never thought about how building the shoulders even more might help make the back look not so broad. That would be good news because shoulders are my favorite part to work. I'm the same as you, I have to buy a larger size just to fit my upper body then my slacks are too baggy in the rear and thighs.

Thanks again.
Lisa