Thinking about changing routine--opinions?

LauraMax

LauraMax

Cathlete
I've been lifting heavy for years now, but over the last year or so I've upped the weights quite a bit. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the results. It's hard to judge when you see yourself every day, but I think I've gotten a little......dare I say it?.......ahem.....bulky. Especially in the thigh/glute area. I have put on a little weight but I'm pretty sure that doesn't explain the fact that I can't get last year's pants past my thighs. :eek: I've even torn the sleeves of 3 dress shirts over the last few weeks. How crazy is that?

Those of you who saw me over the w/e, please chime in w/opinions & be honest, don't worry about offending me, I'm from Jersey. We're not easily offended. ;) Too bulky? A little, ummm, unfeminine perhaps?

So I'm considering changing my routine & instead of doing 3 sets 10 of each exercise, taking the same exercises & doing one set of 20-25 with about 80% of the weight I'm currently using. At least for legs if not for everything (so strange b/c I've been struggling w/my genetic a$$lessness all my life, now I'm having the opposite problem). I'm hoping it'll give me a leaner, more feminine look. Any thoughts on this?
 
Hi Lauramax,

Maybe you could try some of the high rep low weight workout like Slim Series.
I personally got more definition without increase in muscle size doing a 3 or 4 week rotation with SS and some circuit workouts like Cathe high step intermediate. I also started doing Callanetics and really enjoy it and feel great after. The Callanetics seems to have toned, tightend and firmed my hips, butt and thighs like nothing else has. Just my input, I'm not an expert. Just a 47 year old woman 5 ft 2 in tall and want to look more on the lean femine side than puffy. If you don't like the changes you can always go back to heavy lifting. For me, variety is the key.

Cindy
 
Reducing the poundage will probably help with whatever bulk you feel you've accumulated, but in any case...you're gorgeous and look fan-freakin'-tastic!
 
Hey Laura - do you have any recent pics that you'd be willing to share? I thought you looked really good in your picture trail, but I know those are older. I'll give you an honest opinion! :)

But yikes - you're ripping your shirts? You must be looking mighty impressive!
 
Laura,
I think you're one buff, beautiful lay-day! It might be interesting to see what results you get by switching up your poundage and reps, but I wouldn't do it because you think you look too "bulky". You certainly don't.

Hey, when CATHE tells you your arms are amazing, I think that's pretty darn good! She was crazy about your body last weekend!
 
Laura -- I thought you looked amazing last weekend!!!!! I did not think "she looks bulky" -- I thought "Wow, why can't I look like that!!!" That's my two cents, but I'm sure you'll look fabulous even if you make some changes.
 
Lauramax, post a pic and let us see you! If Cathe is raving, then by god woman what in the hell are you worrying about? I think Cathe has the best little bod I might have ever seen and respect her opinion!

No offense to the Slim Series fan at all...but I would pay someone to take this snoresville series off my hands! I hated these workouts so much I almost threw my very light 5 pound dumbbell at the TV.:eek: Its cool you are getting results, but I simply cannot force myself to do these...cannot stand the boredom factor and the instructor bugs the bee-jeezus outta me!

However, I am really getting into the kettlebells...you might look into these total body workouts for something different. I am the same as you, I fear the "bulky or whatever its called" look, I can go there too. But congrats on finally getting a booty! That is wonderful, I love me a big ole round tushy I do!:p
 
OMG I have to add you all to my buddy list! LOL! I have no pics from the RT, they all turned out pretty crappy. :( I still can't post pics in the message, but I'll try an attachment & see how that goes.

Holy crap! It worked! That is SO COOL!!!!!!!!!
 

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Hi Laura,

I saw you over the weekend and I thought you looked great. I didn't think you were bulky at all. I don't really have a lot of advice since my goals are different!

Good luck.
 
Thanks Gayle! Love the article. It made me a little weepy. I hope that doesn't take away from my strength. :p

Now, where can I find pants that really fit???????
 
Laura:

I don't know you, but I did see a few pictures of you from RT that were posted. I think you look great :) not bulky at all :)
 
I think your beautiful and look amazing! You look like you workout...fit and healthy. Isn't that the goal? I like the way you look!
 
You look great

I love the pic you posted, great arms! Change is good, so if you want to try the new routine for a little bit and see if it works, go for it! You can always go back to the heavier lifting! And I love that article posted, awesome! I think we're all too hard on ourselves (at least *I* am!). And wow, Cathe commented on your arms... incredible!!

Jess
 
Gayle, that article was great!

Laura, I've looked at your picture trail, have seen pictures of you at the RT, and just looked at the picture you posted and I think you look AWESOME! You don't look bulky at all. You look healthy and beautiful! :)

I'd be super happy if I looked as good as you!
 
Laura, you look fantastic!! Seriously, you do not look bulky at all, and I would love to have your muscle definition! :)

Gayle, that article is great! Thanks for posting it! I think I'm going to print it out and put it with my workout logs for when I need a nice pick-me-up!
 
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Laura, did you see my reply to you over on the "Step Boxing" thread? Go check it out!

I am amazed at your gorgeous you are, and I think your muscles are beautiful and I ENVY them! I do NOT think you look bulky at all.
 
Laura I also think you look amazing, beautiful and not bulky. But here's a thought -- did you order STS? Why not switch up your routine to go lighter wts higher reps till it comes out? Take pics of yourself at that point and then post STS and see what YOU like better. Of course if you didn't order STS -- never mind.
 
Hi, Laura!
I thought you looked great at the roadtrip!! No, really! You did not look too bulky!!! Your arms are really cut, and you have a tiny waist. Ya look good! As a matter of fact, you look much better in person, I think. It was great to meet you. ~~Nancy J.~~
 
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