New to the Forum

[lexsea]

New to the Forum - Need Help

I am brand new to the forum. I have always wanted to have the sleek body of a bodybuilder. HOWEVER, I have battled with my weight all my life and right now I am 190 lbs (and only 5 feet tall!!!). Can I really have that body that I want? I've lost weight before and worked my butt off (literally) to do it, but I never came close to what ideally I would like to look like and I hit a plateau that I was stuck at for over 6 months and then came the attitude - "Why am I doing this if nothing's happening?" I'm totally confused about dieting more than anything to bodybuild? I did sign up for a female weight lifting class which starts next week on Tuesday and Thursday nights, so that's a start I guess, but should I lose some weight first with cardio before I start actually lifting weights? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated and anyone who can tell me if they have actually made the drastic change from being as heavy as I am to a bodybuilder would help motivate me too.

 

[wlmcrae]

Pick up a copy of Body for Life by Bill Phillips. This basic, easy to use program will answer all of your questions on how to train and eat to get to your goals. If you want details as to WHY this lifestyle will create the results you want, get the e-book Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto.

Alternately, check out the Shadow Plan in the stickies!

The Body for Life crowd has lots of websites with pictures of people who have lost huge amounts and are still HEALTHY. Google 'bodychangers'.

 

[s8nlilhlpr]

YES, it is always possible to get the body you want. Here's a sad fact though, dieting and cardio WILL NOT build a bodybuilders physique. What you want, is muscle plain and simple. Muscle is more dense than fat, so it weighs more, but looks smaller. Have you taken any nutrition courses, or low-fat cooking classes? If you want the body, you have to realize that this is a LIFELONG commitment. No fad 6 weeks carb-cutting diets here. Weight training is the same for women as it is for guys. Fullbody compound exercises will do a lot more for you, then trying to hit every muscle with a stupid machine.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507147

Crossy's log is awesome, he's made some great progress in a year!

I'm not sure about other women here, but learn how to squat, deadlift, and overhead press! And don't touch the smith machine!! Everyone here is a great help!!!

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9

If you have any questions on exercises ask away!!

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

^^ that website has just about every exercise with a quick little clip of how to perform it correctly.

Other good ones, are

www.crossfit.com
http://www.aceathlete.com/hatch/video.htm


Also, check out this link for simple diet advice
http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/nutrition/7habits.htm

GOOD LUCK!

 

[jenscats5]

Well I was once 170lbs (at 5'4" tall) and now weigh about 140lbs & have competed in 2 shows!! So, yes, it is possible to reform your body.....

 

[Sassy69]

Take a look at the "Are you new to EF Women's Board - START HERE" sticky at the top of the women's board. Don't EVER think you are stuck where you are. There are thousands and thousands of people who have changed their physiques - getting down to your dream size doesn't happen overnite, but there are all sorts of benefits that start very soon and the rest just comes. Often when you least expect it.

Bill Philips' "BODY FOR LIFE" book is a great intro to the fundamentals of diet & training - it isnt' just a "will power" thing and "starving yourself" - its all about eating optimally for your body & your activity levels - basically feeding your body what it needs to run because it WANTS to run efficiently. Not just randomly shoveling shit in or trying to starve down or whatever. Its all about consistency, persistence and intensity.

Its your body - control it! Don't let it control you!

Welcome to ef as well!

 

[lexsea]

Thank you very much for the information, encouragement and support. I completely understand that it's a the lifelong commitment - that's what I want! I want to grow old gracefully and HEALTHY. Thank you again for your support. I look forward to reporting to all of you with great results in the future. I'm on my way

 

[The Shadow]

I have to say that the Smith Machine gets a bad rap these days....you should NEVER limit yourself by stating "stay away from ______" or don't ever do ____________