I just really dislike carrying much body fat and to get the level of striation and vascularity that I like to have on a daily basis I find that my body stops functioning as well as it should.
Not that it's an issue at the moment, I'm carrying more than enough body fat right nowbut going on my past efforts I should be back in shape within 6 months and I want to try and reduce repeat problems if I can.
(the downside of being lean for us women is the loss of boobs, but I'd rather have a good physique and no boobs than a flabby tummy and tits lol)
This isn't meant to sound harsh, but honestly? I don't really care what someone else wants for my body. I train for me, to feel strong and fit and capable, not for someone else's approval (and certainly not to pick up- I'm a single mum, I don't have the time haha).
If they know me then they'll like me for me, if someone choses to judge me because I don't fit into their narrow definition of what a "real" woman looks like, screw 'em
I hope you don't think I'm having a go, I'm not. But life's too short to try and appease everyone's ideal of what a woman should be, y'know?
Em
This isn't meant to sound harsh, but honestly? I don't really care what someone else wants for my body. I train for me, to feel strong and fit and capable, not for someone else's approval (and certainly not to pick up- I'm a single mum, I don't have the time haha).
If they know me then they'll like me for me, if someone choses to judge me because I don't fit into their narrow definition of what a "real" woman looks like, screw 'em
I hope you don't think I'm having a go, I'm not. But life's too short to try and appease everyone's ideal of what a woman should be, y'know?
Em
Physical training and diet can change the way youI just really dislike carrying much body fat and to get the level of striation and vascularity that I like to have on a daily basis I find that my body stops functioning as well as it should.
That's your right, it's your body. I'm simply saying that if you want certain things, there is a price to pay. The price you pay for very low bodyfat is a severe strain on your present and long-term health. I'm a personal trainer, my first priority is always the health and safety of clients, there's no way I could support a goal of being very low bodyfat long-term. Nothing to do with what I find sexy in a woman, I'd say the same to a man. Health comes first, always.skram said:This isn't meant to sound harsh, but honestly? I don't really care what someone else wants for my body.
. By going to very low bodyfat (looks), you will sacrifice how you feel (health) and performance (lifts, etc).
...
You can have your health, or you can have very low bodyfat. Not both. Your choice. I encourage you to choose health.
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The middle ground in health terms is for a woman bodyfat in the high teens. Around 13-14% most women will start to develop health problems with long-term effects. Above 20% is not unhealthy, but is more bodyfat than is fashionable for the "fitness model" physique many bodybuilding women are after. So the middle ground is 15-19%. Which is hardly grotesquely fat and hideous to any person except those with eating disorders. Again, health first - this includes mental health.
Try and get as strong as possible... No problems there
My wife is 46, has been tested at 14%, where she pretty much stays year round.
She's had 5 kids, trains heavy ( 12 National powerlifting records, 4 World records) and has zero health issues.
She has lifted since 1988. Long term health is far more important to her than a few cross striations.
I know BB needs much lower BF levels, its important to to harm to yourself to win a $5 plastic trophy.
You seem like a smart girl, I'm sure you'll come out with the right conclusion.
Do you train at Pete's gym in Mornington? Adrenalin.
Welcome skram,
What does your coach say on the issue?
Amenorrhea is definitely a serious issue in competitive BB and I haven't heard of how one can avoid it in conjunction with getting down to really low body fat %'s... would be interesting to see what info you turn up.
It's your choiceI know plenty of female BB'ers and figure competitors but after seeing what they go through, it's not for me. I do admire their dedication though, it's certainly not easy.
All the best with getting back into it - I will be doing the same after I pop this baby out (officially overdue now, so will give birth in the next 2 weeks or so). Maybe you could start a journal on here to log your lifts?
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