Trying to get fit, but I've gained weight and bulked up massively

**marello** · 05-02-2011 05:09 AM

Hi,

This is my first post, I've been looking for a forum somewhere that can give me some advice on this. I've been trying to get fit and I've been doing 30 mins of cardio twice a week (I aim for 3 but that's probably more honest) and finished off with a few weights.

I gain muscle very easily so I've kept the weight machines light and only done a few reps. I do a chest press, a lat pulldown, hamstrings and glutes (I got that list for a workout book I have).

However I've gained 4lbs and when I flex my arms I've got bigger biceps than some of my male friends! Is there anything I can do? I was ideally hoping to slim down a little with this excercise, not get bigger.

**meggalette** · 05-02-2011 07:00 AM

Part of exercising to lose weight is eating right. How do you eat? Eating right and doing me cardio and aerobic activity should help to melt off the pounds with out bulking up. Something I learned from a trainer on a workout video, if the weights you are using are light enough that you can easily do more than 15 reps per set, that will be the weight that gets you toned. If after 8-10 reps on your weights you are maxed out, then you will notice some bulk. Lower you weight and up your reps to maintain tone and not gain bulk.

**marello** · 05-02-2011 08:44 AM

I eat extremely healthily, between 5-8portions of veg a day and all my food is cooked from scratch. As I said, the weights I'm using are the lightest options on the machines, and I can do them easily, I've not increased them as I don't want to get even more bulky.

I was a UK size 8 (US 4?) and am now a 10.

**Mighty Grasshopper** · 05-02-2011 04:14 PM

if you're that prone to gaining muscle skip the resistance training altogether for a month and see how things go. focus on cardio only, maybe look into pilates/yoga instead of resistance training. and yes, eating is key, but i get the impression your body just turns everything into muscle. (Lucky you!)

**rouge** · 05-18-2011 11:37 AM

Wow, I'm on the forum for the SAME reason! :O

**snooks** · 05-19-2011 02:26 AM

Try some stretching exercises to lengthen muscle rather than bulk them up. What Mighty Grasshopper has to say is good advice. I do both yoga and pilates and find them extremey useful in giving me a toned supple body without all that obvious muscle you talk of. Good luck and do report back.

**caterpillar79** · 05-19-2011 07:55 AM

Heavier weights, max out at 8-10 reps = bulk

Lighter weights, max out 12-15 reps or more = leaner/ toned muscles

The thing is, find the weight that's "enough" for your goal. And it's better to do a holistic approach: weight/resistance training, endurance, flexibility, balance and agility exercises. That's in addition to healthy diet.

I've seen so many men in my area who are "top heavy", huge biceps, muscular shoulders and chest but undeveloped calves and thighs - yuck.

I hope things workout for you.