too much muscle mass?

**bulkybabe** · 01-06-2011 01:54 PM

Hello ladies, I am new to this forum and finally got to the desparate point where I need to know what all you gals out there are experiencing. I am 39yrs old, Asian and have always had a stockier build compared to my Causasian friends. As I age, I have discovered a few disheartening things 1) my metabolism has come to a screeching halt 2) when I work out, I seem to pack on the muscle and I hate it! It makes me want to stop working out. I take a toning class no more than 2x a week, jogging and step/cardio the rest. I exercise 3-5 times a week. I know how to eat properly and no silly fad diets. I do not use heavy weights - 12lbs max for squats, 8-10lbs for arms. I weigh about 155lbs and wear size 8-10 pants. I get off the treadmill after a 3mile run and my legs are huge!!! Bodybuilders would love my problem! It's getting worse as I get older. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I think I need to see my doctor.

**WildChild** · 01-06-2011 02:20 PM

Do talk with a trainer and/or doctor. You might check out the Classical Stretch program, she teaches how to develop long lean muscle rather than short bulky muscle.

**bulkybabe** · 01-06-2011 04:28 PM

Thank you. I will look into that. I have never heard of it before.

**LMA** · 01-06-2011 07:42 PM

I don't believe running would build muscle like that. Usually when I see runners, they are very lean and not bulky at all. I've heard of people retaining water from working out and to me it kind of sounds like that. Like you said you are not using heavy weight, so I don't think you would be getting that big. How much water are you drinking throughout the day?

**bulkybabe** · 01-07-2011 06:58 PM

I drink a lot of water - sometimes as much as 4 cups by noon and then more throughout the day and evening. I have at least a full cup with every snack/meal. I very seldom drink carbonated drinks and if I do, they're 0 calorie ones like Coke Zero, I don't drink coffee or any fancy cafe drinks and the last time I drank fruit juice was like a month ago. I can't help but wonder if its just my perception but no, its very real. Do muscles get bigger temporarily after exercise because they're fuller with blood?

**jessie1234** · 01-14-2011 08:23 PM

they sure do
i wouldnt worry so much! running will increase the size of your muscles as you need them all to propel yourself
i also put on muscle easy - just how things are! im caucasian and also around 155....
just how you are instead of trying to fight it work with it