Clothes don't fit after weight training

[Gobstopper1]

I've always been a runner, been at the gym for over a year to start lifting weights which I love. But I'm finding it a struggle to fit into my size 10 jeans and feel I look stocky. I've always had a big bum and it has got bigger as has my thighs. I'm 46 and 5ft.

Current routine is gym 2/3 times a week. Cardio for 35min, 90min weight training. Arms - 8kg free weights/15kg pully machine. Weighted lunges and squats - 15kg/20kg. Weighted hip thrusts - 15kg, weighted leg extensions - 10kg.

I eat protein bars after my workout and really watch what I eat. When I'm not at gym I'm on a calorie deficit of 1350 calories. Then I don't have any energy, get headaches etc. I cba to keep watching what I eat.

I love how strong my body, I love weight training but I do want to fit into my clothes. I want to be strong and lean.
I've decided to get some sessions with a PT.

Why won't our rotten brains let us celebrate how much effort we put in and how great and strong we look and give no fucks to buying a size 12? Fucking evil brainy bastards 🤣

that aside I've no idea op as I am exactly the same 😊

I think that means your routine is working! Buy new clothes?

Yes, I love my gym classes but it’s given me stocky legs. Not sure what the answer is

Dd3 also weight lifts she has given up on most jeans for similar reasons. She is only 60 kilo too so you wouldn't think it would be an issue.

‘Stocky’ (muscular!) legs look great imo.

Do you do any stretching type classes or exercises?

Ha, maybe I should throw my old clothes out! I've been counting calories since my 20s, really cba with this now. It's depressing. And I've constantly chased being petite. I stopped weighing myself when I started at the gym. I thought maybe I increase reps and lower the weight?

Stretch after my workout but no specific classes.

It's common to have issues with standard denim jeans fitting when weight training as our glutes and thighs get lean mass. There was a fantastic American brand called PZI denim that made jeans that fitted bottom hips and thighs without a waist gap. Some still for sale on resale sites.

Also another American brand called Poetic Justice caters well..
https://www.poeticjusticejeans.com/

Also was a brand called Fran Denim not sure if they are still going.

I would add some lengthening classes & as you said increases reps & lower the weight will help.

I bet you look amazing @Gobstopper1Strong women are sexy. Ignore social media and the emphasis on being skinny. I’ve started weight-training at 54, and I love my little muscles 😊

Maybe it's time to start appreciating your body for what it can do, and celebrate your power (that you worked hard to gain!), than moan about your old jeans?

Nothing wrong with your body at all - change your expectations instead!

You've built up muscle, that's a good thing. Just size up on your jeans.

I have the same. My thighs get too big and I can't get trousers or jeans to fit. I have to go careful on squat weights these days.

What do you change regarding your squats? Is it more reps less weight?

Really cba to keep counting calories, it's so boring.

A cardio session then a 90 minute weight session is quite a long one. Do you really need to do all of that?
Maybe just do less on your lower body. A good PT will help you do the right exercises to get the body you want.

Celebrate your strong body and get new clothes!

I started working out seriously with weights in my sixties and was able to start wearing sleeveless dresses again. Very empowering!

NB: suggest you eat a boiled egg or two after your workout. Protein bars are UPF and not very healthy… often full of sugar.

I just do fewer squats and less weight. I do walk everywhere and carry heavy shopping though, my legs are pretty functional tbh.

When I go through phases of body pump (several over the last 20yrs) I do it for a while, then get fed up and uncomfortable as my trousers don't fit. New trousers don't stay up, to get over my thighs the waist won't touch my sides and slips down.

Weight lifting sounds the wrong exercise if you want to look petite I think.

Best strength and muscle would be something like ballet or Pilates. Strong but with muscle lengthening. And flexibility means you move better.

All my runner friends look amazing though. I’m sure you look fab chunkier or not.

Also protein bars are UPF. That can’t be great.

Seamstress opinion: buy clothes which fit your largest part and get them taken in to fit the smaller parts. Ignore the size on the label.

Weights have made me limb-heavy, but if I avoid breaking bones in my 50s/60s like DM it will be well worth the inconvenience of having shoulders too snug on tops that still sag off my small bust.

I always naturally thigh/ bum heavy compared to my waist anyway. The world is still not ready for my combination of size 2 feet and 15" of solid calves. This makes socks and boots a nightmare challenge- plus I'm short so there's no spare length between my ankles and muscle bulk. I can't even pull socks up- no trendy long crew socks for me!

It is frustrating creating a heathy body shape but finding clothes are badly cut to fit it.

I wear a lot of sleeveless tops and dresses in the summer. other than that, I get whatever I need to accommodate my lovely muscles and often wear them with a belt. Having a tight core is an additional benefit of weight training, so I can get away with belts at my advanced age.

like @BogRollBOGOF I had a mother who became seriously frail as she got older. At my age, she was an old woman, and when she fell and broke her hip she never recovered. Spent the last 15 months of her life in a nursing home. Whereas I’m still skiing, ice-skating, cycling, playing tennis etc at the age of 71…

Focus on what matters……. health and fitness!!

Thanks for all the lovely messages everyone. I took some pics of myself in my pants and bra 😆and can see how strong I look. Maybe I should ditch the old clothes. I spoke to my DM about it and she told me that this is why she doesn't lift weights because 'no-one wants to be big'.🙄 No wonder I have issues...

I really don't want to give it up but will get a PT to sort out diet etc.

I recommend https://chrissmithnutrition2020.com/