Fitness advice for 5'2" female feeling stagnant

[jessica50332]

@lumomolo Yes those are things that I have been thinking about to. Lift to maintain my upper body, not build, and then cardio more during a cut phase.

 

[dawn16]

@jessica50332 Your upper body doesn’t look large. Is it possible you feel that way because your shoulders are slightly broad? As in your shoulders are wider than your hips.

I know that is the case for me. To help balance my broad shoulders I’m attempting to build up my lower body to match.

 

[jessica50332]

@dawn16 Yes I think that's exactly it. I wish I could build my hips out but I think it's just genetic.

 

[dawn16]

@jessica50332 You can build your quads and glutes

 

[marytx0]

@jessica50332 I’m also not wanting to invalidate you, but no part of you is bulky! You’re lean. I can show you some bulky arms, traps and thighs (my own lol)
If you want to lean out more, because that’s an aesthetic goal you have, add some cardio and try a small cut. But you don’t look to have much body fat to lose. If you want to balance out your physique you can work to build your lower body. That can help give you a more defined X shape. But you look really good right now, so don’t be so hard on yourself

 

[jessica50332]

@marytx0 Yes I think having more focused leg days might help me achieve my shape!

 

[tblake87]

@jessica50332 You look amazing and not bulky at all!

 

[danilog]

@jessica50332 I don’t think you look bulky at all and I actually see a lot of room for muscle development if that’s what you are after. You look more lean than muscular.

 

[jessica50332]

@danilog Definitely going to push myself harder in the gym for muscle growth. I didn't really track my protein until recently and I definitely think I was undereating protein.

 

[lm231]

@jessica50332 You look very good and are well proportioned without any noticeable bulk. In fact, just a reality check, I would not really look at your physique and guess that you lift. It’s really tough for women to build upper body muscle. They are some seriously strong women at my gym who lift very heavy and I’m amazed they don’t have bulgy muscles at all. In fact one is stick thin! Those who do build big arms and shoulders are genetically blessed (and they look fantastic).

 

[jessica50332]

@lm231 Wow that's so interesting to hear! I guess growing up with asian parents always made me feel very aware of my body and how I've gained muscle haha. But thank you for the perspective! I can totally see where you're coming from.

 

[skifan]

@jessica50332 Add Pilates! I love Kara Duval Range natural way to promote lymphatic drainage & work your slow twitch muscle fibers.

 

[jessica50332]

@skifan Thank you!!! I will definitely check Kara Duval Range out!

 

[clava]

@jessica50332 I think you look perfect, I don't really have any advice except if your arms bother you a tiny calorie deficit would eventually lean you out overall. Can you drop your weight lifting routine and how heavy you lift/ how often please?

 

[jessica50332]

@clava Yes I think a small cut might help me lean out a little. Def have plans to do that after my lean bulk!

For my weight lifting routine, I follow Natacha Oceane's workout plans! I am terrible at thinking of what routines to do at the gym so her work out plans really help me out with that! Plus you can log how much you lifted and see your progress!

I work out 4-5 times a week for an hour and a half. Mostly hypertrophy based, with some functional training. My usual split is full body power/strength, upper body strength and functional training, rest day, lower body functional and strength training, full body strength and functional training, then rest day.

Let me know if you have any other questions!