Women who love building muscle!

[HerArtMaterials]

I don't do this myself as already into other things (yoga/dance/hiking), but I have noticed it has become super crazy popular in the western world to want to weight train and build muscle! (yeh yeh I am late to everything )

I'm really interested in what this looks like - is it the sort of thing you might see on instagram where there is very well defined abs, and large muscle gain, or is it something more moderate like a lean runner's physique? I understand everyone will be different, so there's likely no definite answer, but would love to know more.

Do you love it and feel it has changed your life (feeling good about yourself) or do you think it is a trend that will eventually drop out of favour? I have noticed a lot of discussion on MN about it, so presuming it is popular here.
If you love it, is it the strength that appeals to you, the aesthetic, or both?

I would genuinely love to know more, who knows, I may eventually have a little try!

Is the image people work towards like these pics, or something different? The pics range from quite defined muscle to just very lean.

And if you really don't like it, what is it that puts you off?

I do a lot of squats/lunges and I’ve ended up with chunky thighs, I think they look fat.

I’m quite fat. No amount of diet or exercise will make me look like any of those pics! However, in my late 40s I know that building muscle protects your bones from the effects of aging and can also help prevent worsening of lymphoedema, which I also have, so I have bought myself a home gym to do weight training. For me it’s not about how I look, but how I feel and the impact on my overall health.

I was really interested after reading a thread about female strength being a feminist issue - how many women carry injury and weaknesses as they age that a bit of strength building could mitigate. It's really interesting to think about. I wish my mum had known this when alive, she was never advised to work on mild strength exercises to help her osteoporosis.

I noticed a lot of old aches went away after I got into yoga in my 40's, which seems to have turned my muscles into springs and increased my agility and strength in so many ways.

Thanks for sharing.

Weight training has changed my life. I'm in my 60s and fitter than I was in my 40s. I'm not bulky, but my thighs are rock-hard and my biceps and triceps are defined but not bulky. I have way more energy and stamina than before.

Have a look at Caroline Girvan. Her weight based workouts are legendary. And no, you won't end up as muscular as she is unless you want to and put in years of lifting really heavy weights.

There is a long running thread - I think it's in the Exercise part of MN - in which people discuss her workouts. Definitely worth considering!

That's quite inspiring, thank you, will check out the thread!

Here is the current thread - I think it's the 3rd!

www.mumsnet.com/talk/exercise/4545436-getting-fitter-and-stronger-with-caroline-girvan-all-welcome