T-Nation | Muscle Sorority

Why Can't My Wife Get Mo...

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:21:00 GMT

Please hold your "your a selfish prick" comments till the end. First off im not perfect, but i am in decent shape and working to get better all the time. My wife is simply not. She has put on a bit of wight in the last few years and only seems to be getting worse. Ive tried everything. I make suggestions I immediately buy her any fitness thing she seems interested in and i sacrifice my own comfort foods just so she wont see me eating things that she shouldn't be.

She tells me all the time how much she wants to get back in shape but all her efforts seem to be in spurts. A long hike here a gym membership there but nothing seems to stick. I am especially frustrated because when we started dating she was an all american D1 athlete and by all accounts in better shape then me. I love my wife and cherish her greatly but i just want her to be healthy. Please help ladies.

Fat Loss Priority Advice?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:42:00 GMT

Hello ladies,

I've been lifting weights for about a year, but just as an aid to get leaner and healthier. Then some things happened and I've been feeling depressed and ate carbs (I mean breas, cookies, icecream, etc) for 2 months and haven't worked out at all.

Now I think I've gained 10 lbs. Probably lost some muscle too, so it's probably like 12 lbs of fat gain. I need to stop and get that crap off of my body asap! I was never very lean, but I've managed to get pretty fit. My weight varies 125-128 lbs (in the morning). Now I'm 138 lbs.. :(

I need help and motivation. My priority is to lose fat, I don't think I've gone below 17-18% at my leanest, but I really want to be 15% ...

Any advice on how to get started, what cardio is best, what workout programs should I do?

Hip Thrusts - Are You Doing Them?

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Ok, so when i started doing these at the gym I got alot of funny looks, innuendos, and my dude friends made fun of me. I started doing them after reading an article on here, as I'd just had ACL surgery due to a powerlifting disaster. Hip thrusts work. I do them lying on the floor with a bar across my pelvis 155lb/20R/5x. No knee or hip flexor strain.

I haven't found any other exercise that torches the glutes and hams quite like this. And my buddies stopped laughing when they saw the results.

So, any other ladies out there doing these? How do you perform them and what is working for you?

Obese People In the Gym

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:34:00 GMT

What do people think of obese people when you see them in the gym working their ass off? Personaly I it's great that they have started training but I wonder if anyone of them would make fun of them.

Lowering BF Percentage

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:50:00 GMT

Just going to make it short and sweet. Im 5'9,220lb and my body fat percentage is between 20-23%. Im wanting to get down to 15% as fast as possible. Could anyone give me some details of what my diet needs to be as far as what I need to eat and also a workout plan that would get me to 15% as fast a possible? I currently work out everyday but dont think what im doing is going to lower my percentage like I want.

Also with the diet I dont think im eating like I should to get to where I want to be. Im having a special k protein shake for breakfast since its really hard for me to eat breakfast, lunch I get some type of protein in, and dinner is just my post workout protein.

As far as workouts that im doing now, I just work all the muscle groups throughout the week and do 2 of them a day, like chest and legs one day, triceps and shoulders the next,etc. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Pregnant Training

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:01:00 GMT

Hey everyone, I figured a subforum called Muscle Sorority would be a pretty solid place to put this question. I was wondering if anyone here trained while pregnant and if so how much did things change for you? I'm doing a project for class and have to make up a plan for a client who is pregnant and I know there are some contraindications listed by the ACSM but, I know there is a divide between a textbook and real life application. So if anyone has any comments or things they changed while training I'd love to hear them.

Jelena ...me

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:04:00 GMT

Hey guys some of you been contacting and asking if I'm around, yes I'm still here.
Been MIA because I went throught a lot this past year. Divorce with which came along stress and some health issue and of course getting ready for Arnold and Olympia just put so much added stress to my body

and you can always email me fitjelena@aol.com

thank you all
love
jelena

Back in The Sadldle

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:19:00 GMT

Where I am now:
5'1", 180, BMI-too much, mom of 3. I have osteoarthritis in one foot and both knees diagnosed when I was 38 years old. One surgery, two broken arms and quitting my paying job and I now weigh as much as when I had my last baby 2 years ago.

Fired my PT when he said my arthritis was caused by the weightlifting I had done as a younger person; dummy, it was breastfeeding three babies, birth control, low bone density and not having enough calcium in my diet that caused my arthritis. Sorry, I digress.

Where I am going in three months:
5'1", 140, BMI-35% or less, starting my Lifeguard Certification Class

How I am getting there:

1. Week two of a modified Velocity Diet scared 12 pounds off. I modified the diet because I am also hypoglycemic. Thanks to baby number 2 for gifting me with messed up blood sugar. Here's how I modified it:

Breakfast-half serving of whole oats, teaspoon of honey, 1/3 cup blueberries and a half scoop of banana Grow!.
Snack- Chocolate Grow! shake
Lunch- Chocolate Grow! shake
Snack- Apple
Dinner- Chocolate Grow! shake
Snack- Low-Fat Greek yogurt.

2. The swimming pool is my friend. Swimming, water running, swimming 45 mins per session 3 times per week.

3. Walking although I would prefer running. My doctor will not sign off on running until I have dropped my weight to 150.

4. Yoga 2 times a week. I have only done this 4 times now. It's not as boring as I thought it would be.

5. Body weight- Velocity Diet exercises on swimming days, not at the same time. Exercise in the morning, swimming in the late afternoon.

6. Supplements- Seven, B12, B6, Calcium, Vit D, Fish Oil

So happy to be back at the gym. Happy to see some familiar faces here. Looking forward to moving injury free into 40.

Vegan Body Builder?

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:11:00 GMT

Hey all - the recent news in the AP about New Zealand vegans who won't have sex with other non-vegans started a bit of a debate between myself and some friends. She's insisting that a vegan diet can still work for someone highly competitive in body building or sports...and I strongly disagree! does anyone know of any vegan body builders or athletes?? Thanks!

Women With Muscle 3.0

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 01:32:00 GMT

Let them not be lost over time. Threads dedicated to all the hard working women that bust their asses and mold their body into a work of art. Women that have a muscled physique are 100x more attractive then just being skinny or lean. Just their motivation and dedication to keep driving forward is what makes you, YOU!
Women With Muscle 1
http://tnation.tmuscle.com/...men_with_muscle
Women With Muscle 2
http://tnation.tmuscle.com/...76&pageNo=0

How Did She Get This Body?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:17:00 GMT

I was on Zuzana Light's website (www.bodyrock.tv), and I was wanting to know how she got into the shape she's in. I think she had to have done some weight training, but from the site it says that all she does is bodyweight workouts. My husband said you guys would know best, so what do you think? Did she probably do weight training in the past, or could she get in that kind of shape with solely bodyweight workouts?

Here's a picture for reference:

Wanted: Calf Development

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:09:00 GMT

I've been training hard lately and I've realized that I've really overlooked my calfs. It's not that its a stubborn body part, its just that I haven't been training them enough. But I don't have many ideas. Does any one have any good calf routines - especially circuits. FYI - I'm trying to obtain a figure athlete physique. Thanks in advance ladies!

Menstrual Advice for My Girlfriend

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 06:02:00 GMT

I figured more women check this forum than any others, so I was hoping I could get some womanly advice. My girlfriend has been taking birth control for a while now becuase it regulates her period.

She recently went to the doctor because before her period she gets, for lack of better words, crazy for a couple days. She just gets really emotional and sometimes depressed for no reason. I think she could have PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

I dont know the name of the birth control, but she takes the one where there are 4 rows of pills. She takes the first 3 rows, and the last row is just sugar pills which she takes while she is on her period. The doctor told her she could just take the birth control year round, so starting a new birth control packet instead of taking the sugar pills.

The doctor said this would only make her have 4 periods a year, which neither me or my girldfriend think is a good idea becuase im assuming that is pretty bad for you. The other option she gave her was to take prozac. I personally do not believe in anti depressants.

I mean, in some cases it is necesarry, but I think they are prescribed too easily in cases in which people really dont need them. My girlfriend also does not want to take them unless she has to.

My question would be if anyone else thinks that PMDD could be what she has? Also, could taking the birth control for so long(3+ years, she took like a 5 month break in that time period) could be the cause of her getting all emotional and stuff before her period?

She said she started taking it becuase her period was irregular, like sometimes she would get it the first week of the month, somtimes the second, sometimes the third. She was 16 when she started, played soccer for both her high school and a club team, and had a lot of family problems going on. Could all of that sress be a cause why it was irregular?

And if so, if she stopped taking it now, would that help with what I think is her PMDD? And would maybe now that she is older (19),after a while off birth control her period might be more regular? If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

Advice, New to Competing

Mon, 28 May 2012 20:06:00 GMT

Bit of a weird one here, Im a PT, more the oly lifting, endurance and funtional training (don't judge me to harshly) stuff rather than bodybuilding. A Friend of mine is currently in training for her first bodyuilding comp. Unfortunaly she has been forced to part ways with her current trainer ( who is very experienced in bodybuilding and competing) and has approached me about PTing her leading up to her comp.

I really want to do right by her and refused at first on the grounds that this isn't my area of expertise, she however said she wanted someone she trusts and who will push her. Both of these I Can do, however my knowledge of bodybuilding is limited to training i did 6 or so years ago all of which was mass buiding male area, so I would be immensly gratefull on any and all advice on female diet, supplementation and pre contest prep.

Info on the lass im helping shes 24, already very lean and well built, her previous trainer had stated she could compete right now ( previous coach had worked with a female oylimpia compeitor) but that she would come in perfectly with 6 weeks prep. good legs and has been told calfs should not to be worked on as already superb.

Also Im not charging her in any way for help on this as 1 shes a mate, and 2 Bodybuilding is a sport I am pretty inexperienced in and don't feel right charging her for any advice tha could ( for want of a better term) fuck her over.

Cheers for looking

Waking Up

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:48:00 GMT

I hope this is the right place to do the typical intro to the forums...

I have been a lurker since 07, but I swore I wouldn't post until I had pics to go with it. After finally hitting 185 for 3 reps on deads yesterday I thought I was ready to try some pictures (I am extremely camera shy).

I have to thank regulars like debraD, Cbear, Octobergirl, ouro, Sylar etc. for inspiring me to post some pics.

A little bit about me: I am a 31 year old single mom. I am also a recovering anorexic, so 2 years ago I was 110 pounds. At 5'8" that ain't a lot of weight. I used to pride myself on how far my pelvic bones stuck out; it was pretty bad. I also used to be a collegiate sprinter 10 years ago so I knew what it was to be fit and strong, but years of smoking, drugs and lager kinda derailed me for a while.

2 years ago I decided to quit smoking cigarettes and get my ass back in the gym. It has not been an easy journey. As a person who struggles with body dysmorphia it was tough to trade in my size 0 jeans. The only thing that kept me going was a memory of how good it felt to put up heavy weight.

I stumbled along the way (like when I tried to start sprinting again before I had addressed a serious lack of posterior chain development). I was constantly reading T-Nation and MWA/FA (back when they were still running articles) and the sites have helped me tremendously.

Today I am 20+ pounds heavier, but I feel incredible; I can't remember the last time I stepped on a scale. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin and my new found confidence is overwhelming.

So that's me in a nutshell. Hi.

Christina Rhodes - Three Weeks Out - NPC Nationals Bodybuilding

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:53:00 GMT

Just started

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:22:00 GMT

Have lifted in the past. Love the sport. All activity is good. Have returned to this type of activity. Did a trap bar dead lift seassion today wanted to share felt good. 1set 3reps 245 on the trap bar dead lift. started lifting the trap bar in march.

Typical Eating Plan for 21 Y.O. Female

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:31:00 GMT

Hey, so my husband is really into body building and we got married about 8 months ago. I have been drinking some protein shakes here and there, but would really love to get into figure modeling. Any suggestions for a good meal plan? Thanks!!

Help with My Fianc�e

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:22:00 GMT

Hey Ladies.

Need a little help. My fiance has recently showed and interest in working out and wants to start coming to the gym with me.

Goals:

Firm up
Get stronger
Drop some bodyfat.

By no means is she overweight or out of shape she just wants to get In shape.

Height: 5'2
Weight: 120lbs

Experience.
None really.

My question is where do i start her off?

She will be working out maybe 3/4 times a week.

The main lifts?

Military
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Core work.

Any help would be appreciated.

Just so i can throw a basic plan together for her so she can crack on in the gym without it interfering with my workout and programme.

Thanks ladies!!

Weight Lifting Shoes

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:25:00 GMT

Hey there
I'm 14 and have been training for about 4 months now. Some of the people I train with recommended that I buy proper weight lifting shoes. They claimed this would help my form a lot as I tend to lift my heels up slightly when squatting. The thing is I have no idea where to start looking, or what to look for. I was wondering if anyone could give me any information on good makes or tell me what to look for?

Thanks xxx

Roman Chair Orgasm

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Ha! Now that I've caught your attention...um...has this happened to anyone else at the gym?

Seems on my third set of 15 reps, if I crank out a few more reps and go to 20, well, yeah, I can have an orgasm! [and noone notices trust me] I actually looked this up on line and it seems to be a fairly common phenomenon. Fess up ladies!

p.s. I was a little embarressed to post this, but what the hell, it is pale in comparison to what some of the men post in the "sex and the male animal" forum, so let's start our own.

****I'm adding a picture here so there is no confusion. Doesn't she look happy? Her legs need to be fairly straight though, one foot crossed over the other. And there is a moment when you are so tired and don't think you can lift anymore, and it's in THIS moment, and this moment only, that if you continue on and do about 7 more that it happens, but it's only when you're really taxing those muscles. Happy roman chairing ladies!

I NEED Help with Competition Poses!

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:59:00 GMT

I just signed up today. Ive been on this site for about 3 years reading articles and checking out pics and so on. I have a dilemma. I'm getting ready for my first body building NPC competition and I don't how to pose yet. The show isnt till the end of July, but I'd sleep better at night knowing that I actually have a clue on how to pose! Are there websites that can teach me cause if there are I haven't found them? I have friends that have won competitions before but they live in other states then mine. I feel like I don't have alot of time to perfect those poses and to also get my evening presentation down. Someone, anyone...can you please help.

Thanks

Lady Friend Can't Squat Properly, Even Unweighted

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:34:00 GMT

I have a female friend who's getting interested in lifting and asked for my help. Most of it went fine, except for squatting. Even unweighted when she goes to squat it's almost entirely knee bend/knees moving forward. If she tries to sit back into a squat she can't even make it within 5" of parallel before her body gives out and she falls backwards. Any suggestions from women who experienced the same thing?

Getting Married in 6 Months!

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:19:00 GMT

Hello, my name is Molly, new to the boards :o) I'm getting married in about 6 months and looking for some help & motivation for getting myself ready for the big day! I'm nowhere near as in shape as most of you probably are, but I'm 5'8, 165 pds, I follow a clean diet for the most part and workout-not as much working out as I probably should LOL. I'd like to drop about 10-12 pds before the big day, wanted to see if you all could point me in the right direction on supplementation (any kind of OTC supplement I can take to assist with weight loss?) and/or different training/diet routines to jump start a weight loss. Please help! Thanks! :)

Supplements For Women?

Fri, 20 May 2011 23:47:00 GMT

Hi All,
My wife is trying to lose BF. Although she's been working out for years she wants to speed things up a bit. She's got a good program but I'm wondering about supplementation. I use Flameout, Surge and Grow! but I'm wondering if she should be taking it too. I'd imagine yes but at different amounts from what I take.

Any thoughyts or advice?

Thanks!!
J.

Pull-Up and Dip Questions

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:29:00 GMT

Before anyone asks I did a fairly extensive search and cannot find anything that addresses my specific questions, which are:

1) Pull-Ups: I'm trying to build up the strength to do unassisted pull-ups. I use a standard apparatus at the gym with an Iron Woody band. I have 3 bands which offer various levels of assistance. I've only used the fat gray band (the most assistance) and can squeeze out 5 wide grip pull ups and 6 narrow grip.

If I want to progress should I keep going with the gray band until I can knock out 7, 8, or 9 (or 12) pull ups before going up to the next harder band? Or should I go up to the next harder band now, which will mean going back to square one and being able to only knock out 1-3 real pull-ups, until I've developed the strength to do more? I was really proud of myself last night, forcing out that 6th complete pull up for the first time. But it really has me wondering now.

Before you ask, I've avoided using the assisted pull-up machine because I never really felt It was helping me to build anything. And everything I've read (here and elsewhere) convinces me I was right to avoid it.

2) Dips: The unassisted type. Can't do 'em but I won't stop trying :). I use the plain old dip station and can maybe lower myself a few inches, for 3-4 reps (If I want to be able to get back up!) or I can get down really low and pull myself all the way back up once. For me, it's ridiculously hard, probably because I'm still a heavy girl (I weigh a lot more than I look like) - and It's not like they make Iron Woody bands for dip-doing.

Some young punk girl at my gym suggested I use the Assisted Dip machine because I could "get down a lot lower." No, I wasn't asking for anyone's advice. Still, she got me wondering later on if maybe I SHOULD try some combination of unassisted and assisted dips, in hopes I can eventually work up the strength to do repeated unassisted dips.

Good idea? Bad idea? Or is there a better way to build up the strength to do repeated unassisted dips? I've never read anything discrediting machine assistance for dips but I don't really trust that it's the best method...

Thanks in advance.

Good Articles for Former Anorexic?

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:04:00 GMT

So I have a friend who has, in addition to hospital-inducing health problems, is also a recovering anorexic. She's been doing pretty good with getting in a healthier mind-set and I mentioned I could help her put on some pounds in a healthy manner and without getting very chunky. I wanted to start by getting her a few good articles to read about clean "bulking" in general, but also ones that apply especially to women. I like people to know at least a little bit of the nutritional science behind what's going on (she's a grad student in NOT chemical engineering, so the better the article is at "dumbing down" the chemistry, the better).

I figure a "slow" bodybuilding style approach is probably what she needs not only to go from "completely un-gym'ed" to "muscle gal" but also from painfully skinny to deliciously meaty. I figure I can handle the training myself (even though there's almost noooooooo bodybuilding articles around here...) and the key is just going to be keeping the weight gains slow to keep her brain from regressing.

Any/all advice is welcome.

Chrissy Garcia

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:24:00 GMT

IFBB Figure Pro Chrissy Garcia

Boob Job

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:17:00 GMT

After I lost a fair amount of fat in the gym, I decided to get a boob job. This week will be 6 weeks and my doctor said I could slowly start lifting weights again. After doing some research, I have found some women do not do any direct chest work after getting implants. I have also found sub-muscular implants (what I had) are more of a pain when it comes to direct chest work. I'm the type of girl who loves to really hit the weights, I don't like short cuts and I love to break a sweat. I'm writing this to see if any of you have had an experiences in this area and if so, do you have any advice concerning beginning to work out again...what I should avoid doing (if anything)...if I should look out for certain problems, etc. Your advice would be appreciated!

The T-Vixen Articles

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:20:00 GMT

I've been going through the archives and I found a handful of articles focused on women so I thought I would post them in case anyone missed some of them. If you have any to add, please do so!

4 Things Your Girlfriend Should Know
http://www.t-nation.com/...c.do?id=1490871

The T-Vixen Roundtable
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=460532

The T-Vixen Roundtable, Part II
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=460533

T-Men Are From Mars, T-Vixens Are From Venus
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=459767

Fun With Women!
My new pastime (and how women should train)
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=459296

Hard Body Training
"Ms. Beast" tells how to develop a shapely, firm physique
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=551074

How to Build a T-Vixen
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=459789

8 Exercises for a Rock Hard Female Butt
Killer Movements for the Glutes, Hams and Back!
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=675263

The Figure Program
Waterbury's diet and training guide for figure competitors and the women who want to look like 'em!
http://www.t-nation.com/...c.do?id=1493093

The Mod With the Bod
An interview wth one of T-Nation's sexiest moderators!
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=634722

The Real Testosterone Vixen
An interview with Mariam Power
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=460040

Real People, Real Muscle - Patricia Smith
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=459217

T-Vixen training thread
http://www.t-nation.com/...ic.do?id=473941

Fat to Figure: 16 weeks of contest prep with Ms. New Jersey
http://www.t-nation.com/...c.do?id=1132766

The Jamie Eason Experience: An Interview with Fitness Bombshell, Jamie Eason
http://www.t-nation.com/...c.do?id=1233149

Gina Aliotti: Supergirl
http://www.t-nation.com/...c.do?id=1267243

Help with Quad Dominance

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:04:00 GMT

i've been lurking on the site for several months and am trying to put together a plan that will help me accomplish my fitness goals. I'm currently 5'7 and 127.8 lbs 18%bf. measurement 34-27.5-36.5. I'm hoping to get down to 125 lbs and only like 16-14%bf with measurements 34-25-38. the reason i don't want to lose much weight is because i want to build um my upper body plus i like strong able looking bodies ex most athletes, figure competitors, etc.

right now i'm trying to focus on making butt bigger and my thighs smaller. i do NOT want thin waif like legs but i hate that my legs are so muscular from years of being an athlete (basketball,track and now martial arts). my legs don't seem to fit in with the rest of my very lean body. so im trying to lose so muscle from my legs esp my quads.
after i get my legs and bf% on track i plan on adding some bulk to my upper body but i'll focus more on the upper body later

thanks for any advice

Women's Physique Competitions

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:22:00 GMT

Ever since women bodybuilders began actually looking like bodybuilders back in the 1980s the federations have been searching for a way to turn muscle competitions for women into something more resembling conventional beauty contests. Bill Dobbins

O.K., I've read the article dealing with the figure competitor and waded through the two threads which eventually degenerated into pissing contests. I thought I would start a new thread where we could discuss the subject of women's physique competitions without getting bogged down in personalities and personal attacks. So let's play nice, shall we?

Allow me to preface this by saying that I don't compete. I've never wanted to. What follows here is my opinion based on my observations. I may honk a few folks off here, but remember this is just my opinion. Your observations and conclusions may differ.

As most of you know, I've been around a long time and have watched women's physique contests evolve from the early eighties to what they are now. I always had an issue with women's bodybuilding competitions, due mainly to the subjective nature of the judging and the sexism that is so pervasive throughout the competitive bodybuilding world.

When fitness competitions came along, I tried to remain open minded and thought it was good that they added a performance component to the judging. Some of the competitors exhibited very impressive skills although there was a "cuteness" factor to it all that kinda bothered me. It seemed to be tailored to the gymnasts and cheerleader wanna-bes. Too much focused on the costume or appearance.

Then when figure competitions came along, I was aghast. I saw them as nothing more than a way to get slim, un-intimidating females on stage in bikinis and high heels in an effort to put more butts in the seats. A glorified bikini contest, offering nothing more than T&A. The figure class opened up competition to a whole new group of females who, for whatever reason, cannot compete as bodybuilders or fitness competitors. To me, this was like lowering the basket, so that more short guys could have a shot at the NBA.

Now that these competitions have been around for awhile, I have had a chance to learn a little more about them, to see what these women look like, how they train and what kind of physique wins. The question that keeps pestering me, is whose idea of a female figure are they using? Just as the professional female BB's have reached an extreme, figure competitions reward those who go to an unnatural extreme.

I looked up the judging criteria for an NPC figure competition, and this is what was stated:

NPC WOMEN'S FIGURE COMPETITION GUIDELINES

When judging a figure competition the judges shall assess the athleticism of the physique. This is not a bodybuilding contest. A SMALL DEGREE OF MUSCULARITY WITH SEPARATION IS DESIRED, WITH NO VISIBLE STRIATIONS. The muscle tone should appear firm and round with a small amount of body fat over the muscle, and no excessive leanness. The figure competitions provide alternatives for athletic women who (a) Train. (b) Do not wish to gain muscle size and vascularity and (c) do not have a strong gymnastic / dance background. .

It sounds kinda like a good place for an athletic female to exhibit her physique, doesn't it. Aside from some of the pros, these women do not look athletic to me. They just look scrawny and it makes me wince. Apparently, the part about excessive leanness is not being enforced, and what we wind up seeing are these emaciated women on stage with little or no appreciable muscularity. Sure, you could take any average twenty-something female and diet her down to single digit percentage body fat and she's gonna show some muscularity; that's how our bones move. Now every female that has been training for six months thinks she can diet her way to a trophy. And that's what these competitions have turned out to be - dieting contests.

Answer me this - if these contests are for women who do not want to gain muscle size and vascularity, why then do they all diet down to a point where you can see their ribs? In a bodybuilding contest it is done so that the judges can see the muscle development. In a figure contest, there is no muscle development, so what is the point? I just don't get it.

Now the gyms are filled with these stick women who do endless hours of cardio, hundreds of reps and treat carbohydrates like they are poison. I'm sorry, but if you have 11 inch arms and 18 inch thighs, you do not need to go on a diet. Good god, women have enough body image issues without these competitions encouraging the "Heroin Chic" look.

This is not a slam against the women who compete in these contests. I understand that some women are driven to be competitive and do what they must to win. That is their choice. This is a slam against an industry that cannot hold a female physique competiton without making it into a beauty/dieting contest. If it were a true physique contest, there would be no designer suits and no 5" heels. But you have to remember the industries motivation: money. It's all about selling tickets, entrance fees and product sales.

Just for a minute, imagine if there was a male version of this type of competition. All the 135 pounders with abs would be dieting down to "get ripped" so that they could step on stage and win the Abercrombie Open. How would you guys react to that?

Tried Tribulus?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:02:00 GMT

Any women out there have any comments regarding tribulus terrestris supplements? I tried using the powder version once, but stopped taking it after about 4 days. It tasted horrible, and on day 4 I began to feel a bit odd. Spaced-out, and uncomfortable. I associated it with the tribulus, so I quit taking it. Within a day or two, I was sick with the flu. So, in hindsight, it was probably the flu that made me feel that way.

Still, I would love to hear from women who have tried tribulus. Has anyone noticed any side effects? Most of the studies have been on men, it seems, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

EATING DISORDER vs. ORDERED EATING

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 04:41:00 GMT

Christmas Eve...didn't have any plans (save your pity, thanks!) so I made it a carb-load day after 5 days of hard dieting. Last minute invite to a friends' dinner and I make it a point to show up after they've eaten (as I'm stuffed to the gills with oatmeal.) I enter and join folks still sitting around the table, wherein I'm encouraged to eat the leftover decadent meal. I say no "a few times" but still am being pushed to eat. (ANYONE ELSE HATE THIS???)

So, hoping to shut them up with a solid answer, I start in on "I carb-loaded earlier as part of my fitness regimen" and "this is why I usually don't attend social dinners." And some guy says "Wow, did you just confess to an eating disorder? This conversation is getting too deep for me." Well fuck you all!!

I used to live in Orange County, where appearance is paramount and discussions of diet are completely ordinary. Now I live in San Francisco and am socializing with artists who embody a different kind of beauty...none of whom are athletes.

Frankly, YES, I have had eating disorders. I don't mind talking about it. But it certainly doesn't justify people trying to force me to eat. I'm also extremely sensitive to insulin so "just a bite" of processed carbs at the wrong time is bad for my overall PH. Nutrient timing anyone?? Not in this new crowd.

What to do what to do???

Got MILF?

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:17:00 GMT

Alright, I have to admit I really want that certificate, so here goes. :P

Today I changed a poopy diaper, dropped a clinging 4yo off at preschool/camp, took the baby for a long walk, picked up pissed off 4yo, put baby down for nap. Tonight I'll play softball and tomorrow I'll do db snatches with 35lbs. I'm striving for milf, vixen-style.

Let's see some pics from the T-Vixen Mommies! I can think of half-a-dozen of you off the top of my head and there must be some lurkers, too. C'mon Ladies!!!

Best Workout DVD?

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:18:00 GMT

My better half has expressed interest in starting an exercise routine, but I'm still working on breaking all the weight training misconceptions and dogma haha. She's very intelligent, but, as you're all too aware, the fitness industry constantly propagates the myth that weight training will make women bulky. I'm slowly de-brainwashing her, but for now she is interested in a home workout DVD she can do from home.

She is interested in the new Kim Kardashian exercise DVD. I am assuming this is because Kim is "curvy" looking while still coming across as fit. In any case, I can't imagine Kim is much of an authority when it comes to exercise, and I don't like any program that makes outlandish claims like "fit in your jeans by Friday!"

Honestly, I'm thrilled to see her taking an interest in getting active, so I don't really care what she does. Just out of curiosity though, does anyone have a DVD they'd recommend. I know nothing is gonna match a real weight training program, but there surely has to be some good DVD's out, right?

Thanks so much and my apologies for the long winded post! ;)

Tighter Obliques

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:24:00 GMT

Hi everyone. I'm new to this site, so hopefully I'm posting this in an appropriate section :).

I'm young, only 17 but I'm already into health and it's importance. My interest in fitness at such an early age is because of my mom. She's a body builder, and she looks amazing at age 47 I can honestly say I'm jealous of her body. She's been a great role model to me, and I hope to be somewhat like her when I'm older. Since I've been young I've played literally every sport out there, however recently my rep soccer finished and I've really been focusing on gym workouts. My mom, has big muscular arms and she does weight lift alot. Slthough she likes the look of them I'm not so fond of them. I'd rather just have small, petite arms, her tight curvy core and muscular legs.

Recently I've started to incorporate alot of ab excercises into my workouts, in an attempt to tighten my stomach. I hoped this would make my stomach smaller, however it seems to be doing the exacty opposite. Although I can now see definition, my obliques are slowly getting wider, not slimmer. It's not fat though, I feel like it's muscle developing. I took the time to stop and think about it because when I do ab exercises, with weights wouldn't it do the same as when I do quad exercises- build muscle? I don't want to build obqlie muscle, I want to have a smaller waist for a more hour glass figure. But I dont want to cut ab exercises completely out of my workouts because then I'm afraid my stomach wont be tight at all.
Any advice ? :)
Thanks

Oh yeah and here's a picture of my mom. Doesn't she look amazing!

Holy SH*T - It's Been a Few Years

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 05:31:00 GMT

Hey all! I can't believe I've been gone for...4 years maybe? It's been a crazy ride and I'm finally getting back into the game. Since I left Japan, I've lost a ton of strength, had a few more shoulder surgeries, been hit by a car and a ton of other lame excuses for not spending time in the gym :/

I'm now down to 113lbs (12ish less), probably at 18-19%BF, and just did my second set of squats this week. I'm waddling. OH, HOW I MISSED THIS!

Jillybop? You still around?

*waves*

erin

Midnight Munchies/ Binge Eating

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:58:00 GMT

I've been working on building my physique for the last year, and have been following Christian's carb cycling program for a few weeks. I'm noticing some nice muscle development, which is great, but I'm having some issues with late-night eating. I eat really clean during the day, but I find myself eating late at night, not really because I am hungry, but just out of boredom.

Occasionally, I end up in an all-out binge, and I feel like I've just ruined my entire day's progress and need to work out twice as hard the next day to cancel out the binge. I end up eating lots of carbs when I go on these binges, so I am wondering if this is just from craving carbs as a result of the strict diet, or should I be concerned about a more serious eating disorder?

I know the easy answer is to just not eat at night and not give into the cravings, but can anyone suggest any ways of avoiding the cravings in the first place?

Joke For Our Ladies in Uniform

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:52:00 GMT

While the C-5 was turning over its engines, a female crewman gave the G.I.s on board the usual
information regarding seat belts, emergency exits, etc.

Finally, she said, 'Now sit back and enjoy your trip while your captain, Judith Campbell, and crew
take you safely to Afghanistan '

An old MSgt. sitting in the eighth row thought to himself,
'Did I hear her right? Is the captain a woman? '

When the attendant came by he said 'Did I understand you right? Is the captain a woman?'
'Yes,'! said the attendant, 'In fact, this entire crew is female..'

'My God,' he said, 'I wish I had two double scotch and sodas. I don't know what to think
with only women up there in the cockpit.'

'That's another thing, Sergeant,' said the crew member,
'We No Longer Call It The Cockpit'

'It's The Box Office.'