What an Extra 20 lbs of Muscle Looks Like : Busting the Myths
NOTE: The following article was inspired by a thread on Precision Nutrition member's only site between myself and "Coach Mike", Mike Demeter on Fitness Myths. Thanks Mike for the idea.
One of the biggest "myths" I hear is that if women lift weights they'll get big and bulky. Now, some of us (yes, I'm included in the "freak" category to some extent) will gain muscle pretty easily no matter what exercise we do. But the vast majority of women will not look like Dorian Yates or Sharon Hartnett by adding DB Curls or Squats to their exercise regiment.
I use my physique over the last 7 years of intense strength training as proof. In the first back shot, in Summer 1999, I weighed in at 118 pounds at my leanest and was a size 5 (maybe even a 3 in some stuff). Now at 137 lbs in Fall 2006, I am a size 5 still and my body fat is a little higher but we are talking maybe a percentage or two. I was likely 15% in 1999 and 17% currently. Big whoop! That means I can eat pizza now and again and have a clear mind (no low carb brain fog).
Don't get my wrong, some people probably think I look "too big"... but John Berardi said something a few weeks ago in a phone conversation that I wrote down and wont' forget: "I believe in working within your gifts". He meant many things by that, but it also meant to me, that if you are born muscular and genetically able to gain it easily... work with it! Don't try and be something you are not - you will only set yourself up for a life of disappointment.
- Lift weights without Fear
- Gain whatever muscle you are destined to gain
- Don't limit your potential by focusing on the wrong numbers (ie - your weight)
If I would have done what most women do and say "Oh my... I am at 125... that's my "fat limit" ... better diet", then I would not carrying the muscular physique that I have worked so hard for and am proud of today.
Pictures (above): 1999 & 2006 - Can you tell the 20 lb difference?
Pictures (above): 1999 & 2005 - In the 2005 photo, I am in a Ms. Greens (figure type contest, which I won) and am 1 week out from a powerlifting competition. Clearly, I was "leaner" in the 1999 pictures, but in the 2005 photos I am 14 lbs heavier (132). Does it look like it? Do I look "bulky"? Strength is Sexy!
Pictures (above): 1999 & 2006 - OK, there I see the difference! 20 lbs worth of arms perhaps?
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