How to get curvy without getting dumpy?
April 4, 2013 8:08 AM Subscribe
I'm gaining weight for basically the first time. I'm happy about it- I've always wanted to be less of a stick- but I'm not happy about how the weight is sitting. Can I do anything about it?
Some women have a gorgeous, curvy, voluptuous figure that I want to achieve. For example, some women have big bottoms, but their bottom is a great shape. Or they'll have a belly but still have a waist. Or they'll be heavy but have a great hip-to-waist ratio.
I'm starting to gain weight, which is fine. But I don't like how that weight is sitting on my body- I'm looking a lot more dumpy and blobby and saggy than I am curvy and appealing.
Should I work out? How? I've tried some workputs in the past but i didnt really know what i was doing or have a goal. Can I work out to get a better shape without getting too much thinner, or without having visibly defined muscles? I've always been scrawny and a bit stick-shaped, and envied prettily round women, so now that I'm staring to gain I'd like some curves for a change!
Some women have a gorgeous, curvy, voluptuous figure that I want to achieve. For example, some women have big bottoms, but their bottom is a great shape. Or they'll have a belly but still have a waist. Or they'll be heavy but have a great hip-to-waist ratio.
I'm starting to gain weight, which is fine. But I don't like how that weight is sitting on my body- I'm looking a lot more dumpy and blobby and saggy than I am curvy and appealing.
Should I work out? How? I've tried some workputs in the past but i didnt really know what i was doing or have a goal. Can I work out to get a better shape without getting too much thinner, or without having visibly defined muscles? I've always been scrawny and a bit stick-shaped, and envied prettily round women, so now that I'm staring to gain I'd like some curves for a change!
It's really hard for women to get defined muscles, Especially if you have a little padding (or in my case, a lot of padding). While you can't really control where your fat will sit, strength will help you have a more balanced body - and it will make you feel amazing!
If you don't know what to do for strength, try searching the archives, there've been lots of good recommendations. I don't know about you, but I made my goal overall fitness, and I'm much happier with my body for being able to Do cool stuff.
posted by ldthomps at 8:18 AM on April 4, 2013
If you don't know what to do for strength, try searching the archives, there've been lots of good recommendations. I don't know about you, but I made my goal overall fitness, and I'm much happier with my body for being able to Do cool stuff.
posted by ldthomps at 8:18 AM on April 4, 2013
There isn't really that much you can do about where the fat goes, barring liposuction. Some people are just born lucky.
There is a huge amount that you can do with clothing though, and I suspect that the vast majority of curvy women you're admiring are achieving the effects by carefully selecting their clothing rather than being blessed with ideal fat distribution. If you google things along the lines of "accentuating your waist" and "clothes for curvy women" you'll probably find some helpful tips. And a good-quality, well-fitting bra can help a lot as well.
You'll also look better/healthier if you have a bit of muscle tone all over, which you can get with all sorts of different workouts, whatever you like - weights, pilates, etc etc.
posted by randomnity at 8:20 AM on April 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
There is a huge amount that you can do with clothing though, and I suspect that the vast majority of curvy women you're admiring are achieving the effects by carefully selecting their clothing rather than being blessed with ideal fat distribution. If you google things along the lines of "accentuating your waist" and "clothes for curvy women" you'll probably find some helpful tips. And a good-quality, well-fitting bra can help a lot as well.
You'll also look better/healthier if you have a bit of muscle tone all over, which you can get with all sorts of different workouts, whatever you like - weights, pilates, etc etc.
posted by randomnity at 8:20 AM on April 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
A corset will give you a great waist-hip ratio, if you don't mind the fact that it's temporary and uncomfortable.
posted by steinwald at 8:22 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by steinwald at 8:22 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I know what you mean. I'm deeply envious of women who put on weight in their hips while still keeping a defined waist. Sadly, my weight all goes to my gut.
You can't control where you put on the weight, that's a genetic thing. But working out will probably make a difference in your appearance.
Visibly defined muscles are HARD to get, and you aren't likely to see them without losing weight. We all have muscle but for most of us it's hidden under layers of fat.
Moderate exercise has a minimal effect on weight loss. If you start losing weight you will notice and can either adjust your exercise or take in more calories.
Stumptuous is a great resource, especially if you have any interest in building strength. The writer often posts photos of herself in which her muscles are visible - but this is achieved through diet and not strength training. I've lifted more than many women realize they are capable of lifting but I am still curvy and not muscle-bound (though I would like to be).
posted by bunderful at 8:24 AM on April 4, 2013
You can't control where you put on the weight, that's a genetic thing. But working out will probably make a difference in your appearance.
Visibly defined muscles are HARD to get, and you aren't likely to see them without losing weight. We all have muscle but for most of us it's hidden under layers of fat.
Moderate exercise has a minimal effect on weight loss. If you start losing weight you will notice and can either adjust your exercise or take in more calories.
Stumptuous is a great resource, especially if you have any interest in building strength. The writer often posts photos of herself in which her muscles are visible - but this is achieved through diet and not strength training. I've lifted more than many women realize they are capable of lifting but I am still curvy and not muscle-bound (though I would like to be).
posted by bunderful at 8:24 AM on April 4, 2013
There really is nothing you can do to change your basic frame.
It sounds like you have a rectangle frame which is very common.
I've always been 'scrawny and stick-shaped' as you've described and despite being fit, when I gain even a slight amount of weight it sits solely on my love-handle area and looks totally ridiculous.
You may want to try instead: loving and accepting your body for what it is and learning how to dress and style your clothing to compliment your frame and create the illusion of curves.
posted by tenaciousmoon at 8:28 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
It sounds like you have a rectangle frame which is very common.
I've always been 'scrawny and stick-shaped' as you've described and despite being fit, when I gain even a slight amount of weight it sits solely on my love-handle area and looks totally ridiculous.
You may want to try instead: loving and accepting your body for what it is and learning how to dress and style your clothing to compliment your frame and create the illusion of curves.
posted by tenaciousmoon at 8:28 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Two things that might be useful for you are the body type calculator (first result when you google that...I'd link but I'm at work and that's a weird thing to show up in my work history) to figure out what shape you are, and then to read articles about how to dress your shape.
I'm one of those weird people who developed boobs way late in life, and during my adulthood I've been a pear shape, rectangle, and hourglass, depending on my weight and how much boobage I'm sporting. I have had absolutely no choice in the matter. It's just the way my body decides to work.
But, once you figure out what you are, you can make good choices about your clothes to accentuate the things you want to accentuate regardless of whether your body's working with you or not.
Protip: A lines are flattering on just about any shape.
posted by phunniemee at 8:28 AM on April 4, 2013
I'm one of those weird people who developed boobs way late in life, and during my adulthood I've been a pear shape, rectangle, and hourglass, depending on my weight and how much boobage I'm sporting. I have had absolutely no choice in the matter. It's just the way my body decides to work.
But, once you figure out what you are, you can make good choices about your clothes to accentuate the things you want to accentuate regardless of whether your body's working with you or not.
Protip: A lines are flattering on just about any shape.
posted by phunniemee at 8:28 AM on April 4, 2013
I think that strength training and Pilates (more than yoga) can go a long way into refining your shape. You might not get bigger boobs or larger hips, but what you do have can be presented nicely.
posted by Ideefixe at 8:32 AM on April 4, 2013
posted by Ideefixe at 8:32 AM on April 4, 2013
Most of what looks good on anybody, unless you're naked, is a matter of tailoring. Find clothes that fit your shape and accentuate the curves you have, and you're going to be happier with them.
posted by xingcat at 8:33 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by xingcat at 8:33 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to achieve. You say you're naturally stick-shaped and want to be more voluptuous, but don't want to have visibly defined muscle - are you wanting to be more "thick" or something like that?
I think thick or thin is a genetic thing and you can't change it. I used to want more than anything to be thick. I've been described as "skinny" and I know I'm petite, but I've never quite been a stick because I used to do a lot of ballet(calves! used to hate mine) then I was a gym rat for several years, so I've got muscle, however I will never be thick.
If you work out and try a variety of things you can probably become more curvy(in your body's own way) but you will probably have very limited control over how the curves present themselves. Clothing makes a big difference too.
posted by fromageball at 8:39 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I think thick or thin is a genetic thing and you can't change it. I used to want more than anything to be thick. I've been described as "skinny" and I know I'm petite, but I've never quite been a stick because I used to do a lot of ballet(calves! used to hate mine) then I was a gym rat for several years, so I've got muscle, however I will never be thick.
If you work out and try a variety of things you can probably become more curvy(in your body's own way) but you will probably have very limited control over how the curves present themselves. Clothing makes a big difference too.
posted by fromageball at 8:39 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Hi, I was you once.
My weight gain started because my metabolism changed, but it continued because I had crap habits - I was in the habit of Eat All The Things And Butter On Everything Because I Can Ha Ha and was not in the habit of exercising, so when Eating All The Things finally had an impact on me....yeah.
Fortunately, I learned that there is just enough of the old hyperdrive metabolism for me to actually do okay with dealable diet changes, and a fairly dealable exercise regimen. I'm not super-ripped and I never will be, but the exercise I do (30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week, one round through each of the weight/exercise machines at my gym twice a week) at least keeps the fat from building up too much and gives me some subtle definition. Also, I've learned that when I don't work out, I get weight collecting at my gut, and that's bad.
As for how to find a workout and how to use the equipment - a lot of gyms have a personal trainer on hand that can help you figure out what you need to do to achieve your goals. It's not neccessarily someone you see every day, just a couple times - they show you what to do and then they leave you to it. And some gyms are cheap - I use Planet Fitness, which is only like ten bucks a month, and it's geared towards people who are in a place of "I know I need to exercise in general because that's good for me but I don't want to be a model or a bodybuilder or anything and I want to have a life outside the gym too". They have a decent array of machines, including some for working the abs (which if you want the narrow waist, you need to do). But focus more on just working everything overall.
The only thing I've really tried to change diet-wise is just to eat a little more sensibly and use more plant matter. So, basically, a normal diet. Rather than pasta alfredo 3 times a week (and yeah, I used to do that), I just switched to pasta puttanesca. Or had a smaller serving and added a side salad. Slightly smaller pieces of meat, slightly bigger servings of vegetables.
I've been away from the gym a while (trying to get back on the horse now, in fact), but when I first started on The New Diet And Exercise regimen, I was looking pretty good. Not like wasp-thin waist, but there were curves, and I looked healthy, and that, ultimately, is what you should be focused on. Good luck.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:48 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
My weight gain started because my metabolism changed, but it continued because I had crap habits - I was in the habit of Eat All The Things And Butter On Everything Because I Can Ha Ha and was not in the habit of exercising, so when Eating All The Things finally had an impact on me....yeah.
Fortunately, I learned that there is just enough of the old hyperdrive metabolism for me to actually do okay with dealable diet changes, and a fairly dealable exercise regimen. I'm not super-ripped and I never will be, but the exercise I do (30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week, one round through each of the weight/exercise machines at my gym twice a week) at least keeps the fat from building up too much and gives me some subtle definition. Also, I've learned that when I don't work out, I get weight collecting at my gut, and that's bad.
As for how to find a workout and how to use the equipment - a lot of gyms have a personal trainer on hand that can help you figure out what you need to do to achieve your goals. It's not neccessarily someone you see every day, just a couple times - they show you what to do and then they leave you to it. And some gyms are cheap - I use Planet Fitness, which is only like ten bucks a month, and it's geared towards people who are in a place of "I know I need to exercise in general because that's good for me but I don't want to be a model or a bodybuilder or anything and I want to have a life outside the gym too". They have a decent array of machines, including some for working the abs (which if you want the narrow waist, you need to do). But focus more on just working everything overall.
The only thing I've really tried to change diet-wise is just to eat a little more sensibly and use more plant matter. So, basically, a normal diet. Rather than pasta alfredo 3 times a week (and yeah, I used to do that), I just switched to pasta puttanesca. Or had a smaller serving and added a side salad. Slightly smaller pieces of meat, slightly bigger servings of vegetables.
I've been away from the gym a while (trying to get back on the horse now, in fact), but when I first started on The New Diet And Exercise regimen, I was looking pretty good. Not like wasp-thin waist, but there were curves, and I looked healthy, and that, ultimately, is what you should be focused on. Good luck.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:48 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oops, forgot to clarify - I did have curves when I was at my skinniest, but the rest of me was so stick-thin that that was the part people noticed. I have a hunch that that's what you're talking about - I'm seeing people in here are responding to your wish to be "voluptuous" with the assumption that you're a rectangle shape, but...my hunch is it's more "no, I had curves and stuff, but I was just really really really skinny." That was me too.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:51 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:51 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't mean to pry or read into your post things that aren't there, but it sounds as though you've been vaguely unhappy with your body for a long time. First you were "scrawny" and a "stick," and now you're "blobby" and "dumpy." It sounds like one way or another, your body has just never felt right to you. And that's absolutely the norm in our society, which actively encourages women to hate their bodies and feel like they never look good enough. A lot of the time, I feel the same way.
The times when I've felt the best about my body, regardless of my weight or how I looked, were times when I was exercising regularly. Yes, exercise makes virtually everyone look (and feel) healthier and less "saggy," since it helps build muscle, which is dense and lean. But for me, mostly, it's about how I feel in my body and my pride in what it can do and my excitement about trying to get it to do new things. That's what's made me love my body, not having a butt that looks like JLo's (who, by the way has tons of the "visibly defined muscles" you say you don't want, especially in the curviest parts of her body--women's muscles don't tend to look like men's unless you're taking steroids).
You seem to have a really specific idea of what is beautiful, and your body always seems to come up short. Unfortunately, there are not really exercises that will change the basic layout of your body. Just like you can't exercise to get taller or to make your shoulder blades narrower, you can't exercise to change where your muscles and fat deposits are. But you can give yourself the healthiest, strongest body you have the power to develop, and you can make yourself feel great in a way that transcends your genetic shape.
Again, sorry if I'm prying. The answer to your direct question is, no, you can't get a body like Kim Kardashian's through exercising like Kim Kardashian (who I'm guessing does a ton of exercise to get those muscular curves). That's just not how body composition works. But the answer to your indirect question, about being happy with your body's shape, is to value your body for what it can do just as much as for how it appears. So that's what I'd recommend for you: weight training and radical self-acceptance.
posted by decathecting at 8:54 AM on April 4, 2013 [8 favorites]
The times when I've felt the best about my body, regardless of my weight or how I looked, were times when I was exercising regularly. Yes, exercise makes virtually everyone look (and feel) healthier and less "saggy," since it helps build muscle, which is dense and lean. But for me, mostly, it's about how I feel in my body and my pride in what it can do and my excitement about trying to get it to do new things. That's what's made me love my body, not having a butt that looks like JLo's (who, by the way has tons of the "visibly defined muscles" you say you don't want, especially in the curviest parts of her body--women's muscles don't tend to look like men's unless you're taking steroids).
You seem to have a really specific idea of what is beautiful, and your body always seems to come up short. Unfortunately, there are not really exercises that will change the basic layout of your body. Just like you can't exercise to get taller or to make your shoulder blades narrower, you can't exercise to change where your muscles and fat deposits are. But you can give yourself the healthiest, strongest body you have the power to develop, and you can make yourself feel great in a way that transcends your genetic shape.
Again, sorry if I'm prying. The answer to your direct question is, no, you can't get a body like Kim Kardashian's through exercising like Kim Kardashian (who I'm guessing does a ton of exercise to get those muscular curves). That's just not how body composition works. But the answer to your indirect question, about being happy with your body's shape, is to value your body for what it can do just as much as for how it appears. So that's what I'd recommend for you: weight training and radical self-acceptance.
posted by decathecting at 8:54 AM on April 4, 2013 [8 favorites]
Echoing the statements here about dressing for your new shape making a huge difference, but also wanted to mention, as pure anecdata...
When my diet has been heavy in 'good' fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated stuff, like avocado and EVOO and such, i seem to get more squishy around my hips and booty- in a good way.
When my diet has been too heavy with sugar and refined carbs, i seem to develop more of a gut.
And it can't hurt to emphasize calories from good fats over calories from sugar and other 'empty' carbs.
posted by leemleem at 8:56 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
When my diet has been heavy in 'good' fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated stuff, like avocado and EVOO and such, i seem to get more squishy around my hips and booty- in a good way.
When my diet has been too heavy with sugar and refined carbs, i seem to develop more of a gut.
And it can't hurt to emphasize calories from good fats over calories from sugar and other 'empty' carbs.
posted by leemleem at 8:56 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Definitely begin working out, weight training can do great things for your body and general appearance. Squats will give you a rounder, more lifted, higher butt, developing your back and shoulder muscles will contribute to an hourglass shape and defined waist.
It can only do so much, though, as fat distribution is different from individual to individual.
Also cutting down on certain foods and drinks can help with this- sodas and many carbs tend to make me feel bloated and lumpy, personally, and eating lots of fresh food and low-ish carbs makes me feel leaner and less heavy around my waist/belly.
I will say this- even though I am lucky to have a natural hourglass shape, it can look more lumpy and 'flabby' if I'm lax on the exercise and diet, and definitely more curvy/voluptuous/in shape when I'm working out steadily and eating well.
Oh, and since I've started lifting weights, my butt has started to look AWESOME. Just a data point.
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:58 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
It can only do so much, though, as fat distribution is different from individual to individual.
Also cutting down on certain foods and drinks can help with this- sodas and many carbs tend to make me feel bloated and lumpy, personally, and eating lots of fresh food and low-ish carbs makes me feel leaner and less heavy around my waist/belly.
I will say this- even though I am lucky to have a natural hourglass shape, it can look more lumpy and 'flabby' if I'm lax on the exercise and diet, and definitely more curvy/voluptuous/in shape when I'm working out steadily and eating well.
Oh, and since I've started lifting weights, my butt has started to look AWESOME. Just a data point.
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:58 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Not a lady, for what it's worth.
But one thing that people have not mentioned is that, while you cannot tell the fat where to go (leemleem's anecdata notwithstanding, you can (as far as I can tell) adjust to some extent how it sits when it gets there, and that is where weightlifting comes in.
Heavy weight training, preferably.
So if you're trying to get a rad butt, I would recommend that you jump straight to doing barbell squats and deadlifts. The same for your legs. If you're trying to get your boobs to, well, whatever it is that they're supposed to be doing: overhead press and bench press.
If you decide to go this route, remember this: you have to get a little bit defined before you get completely cut and huge, so do not worry about getting muscle-y and bulky. If it were that easy every dude on the universe would be running around with 24" pythons, and they aren't.
Most of the ladies I know who look curvy-good are in the gym moving heavy weights. Who knew! A lot of the ladies I know who are in the gym and you can't tell are doing cardio and/or low weight-high reps workouts.
On board with rachaelfaith: Giving your fat a foundation to work from can do insane things for your appearance.
posted by Poppa Bear at 9:03 AM on April 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
But one thing that people have not mentioned is that, while you cannot tell the fat where to go (leemleem's anecdata notwithstanding, you can (as far as I can tell) adjust to some extent how it sits when it gets there, and that is where weightlifting comes in.
Heavy weight training, preferably.
So if you're trying to get a rad butt, I would recommend that you jump straight to doing barbell squats and deadlifts. The same for your legs. If you're trying to get your boobs to, well, whatever it is that they're supposed to be doing: overhead press and bench press.
If you decide to go this route, remember this: you have to get a little bit defined before you get completely cut and huge, so do not worry about getting muscle-y and bulky. If it were that easy every dude on the universe would be running around with 24" pythons, and they aren't.
Most of the ladies I know who look curvy-good are in the gym moving heavy weights. Who knew! A lot of the ladies I know who are in the gym and you can't tell are doing cardio and/or low weight-high reps workouts.
On board with rachaelfaith: Giving your fat a foundation to work from can do insane things for your appearance.
posted by Poppa Bear at 9:03 AM on April 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
As leemleem says, it's the good fats that give you...well, good fat. Or at least, for me that's true as well. Eat complex carbohydrates and try to stay away from processed ones, like white flour and sugar. A handful of almonds makes a better afternoon snack than a candy bar, in a lot of different ways. Too much alcohol also seems to contribute to a spare tire.
Someone recommended a corset, but there are lots of shaping garments that can help smooth and define curves where otherwise "lumpy" fat doesn't seem to respond to exercise or diet (or while you're waiting for it to). Much more comfortable and lightweight than the old-fashioned girdle. I especially like the ones that have "cutout" fronts that allow you to wear your own bra with them.
And speaking of bras, make sure you're wearing the correct size and that your straps are adjusted correctly. It makes a lot of difference to your figure and overall appearance.
posted by tully_monster at 9:12 AM on April 4, 2013
Someone recommended a corset, but there are lots of shaping garments that can help smooth and define curves where otherwise "lumpy" fat doesn't seem to respond to exercise or diet (or while you're waiting for it to). Much more comfortable and lightweight than the old-fashioned girdle. I especially like the ones that have "cutout" fronts that allow you to wear your own bra with them.
And speaking of bras, make sure you're wearing the correct size and that your straps are adjusted correctly. It makes a lot of difference to your figure and overall appearance.
posted by tully_monster at 9:12 AM on April 4, 2013
Pilates can tone your body and improve your posture, increasing your strength without bulking up muscles. Plus it just makes you feel better about yourself psychologically.
posted by matildaben at 9:54 AM on April 4, 2013
posted by matildaben at 9:54 AM on April 4, 2013
Please note that a well fitted, well boned corset is not automatically going to be uncomfortable. If you want a sharply defined waist, they're a great way to go. I wear them regularly for bust support and they're more comfortable than a bra for many top-heavy ladies. The cheap ones you get an lingerie stores will be uncomfortable, just like a cheap shitty bra is uncomfortable.
Look for steel boning, decent lining, a thick band on cotton "tape" around the inside, the part that sits on the waist, and closely spaced lacing holes. Avoid plastic boning, widely spaced lacing, and only one layer of fabric. Cotton is best because it'll breathe.
Fat goes where it wants. Corsets and other shapewear shoos it to where you want it.
posted by Jilder at 9:59 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Look for steel boning, decent lining, a thick band on cotton "tape" around the inside, the part that sits on the waist, and closely spaced lacing holes. Avoid plastic boning, widely spaced lacing, and only one layer of fabric. Cotton is best because it'll breathe.
Fat goes where it wants. Corsets and other shapewear shoos it to where you want it.
posted by Jilder at 9:59 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Another boost for good foundation garments.
Let me tell you, getting a well-fitting bra, makes a HUGE difference in how you look in your clothes.
So head to Nordstom and see the bra-lady. You won't be sorry.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:01 AM on April 4, 2013
Let me tell you, getting a well-fitting bra, makes a HUGE difference in how you look in your clothes.
So head to Nordstom and see the bra-lady. You won't be sorry.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:01 AM on April 4, 2013
Oh, and since I've started lifting weights, my butt has started to look AWESOME. Just a data point.
* snerk * I feel uniquely required to weigh in on this particular point as well: while I do use the weight machines and such at the gym, the Empress's secret to her Callipygos has more to do with doing a hell of a lot of walking. (I've lived in fourth-floor walkup apartments for 20 years now.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:08 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
* snerk * I feel uniquely required to weigh in on this particular point as well: while I do use the weight machines and such at the gym, the Empress's secret to her Callipygos has more to do with doing a hell of a lot of walking. (I've lived in fourth-floor walkup apartments for 20 years now.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:08 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Meaning: depending on your town or city layout and your transportation system, you may be able to get in some extra cardio in just in the course of going about your errands on the weekends or just getting to and from work every day if you just get off the bus a stop earlier and walk or bike more places.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:09 AM on April 4, 2013
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:09 AM on April 4, 2013
Based on my own experience of dumpiness, the way you dress can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. You weren't crazy about the body you used to have, and you're not used to the one you have now...I'm thinking you might not have figured out how to dress in a way that you like. The part that feels good is choosing colors, styles and details that please you, not ones that make you look like some other person whose shape you covet.
And based on my experience with exercise, a fitter body feels more energetic and graceful, and has better posture as well. I don't work out strenuously, but enough to make me feel stronger. Somehow, I'm more confident because of it.
Many of those prettily round women probably wish their bodies were different, too.
posted by wryly at 10:10 AM on April 4, 2013
And based on my experience with exercise, a fitter body feels more energetic and graceful, and has better posture as well. I don't work out strenuously, but enough to make me feel stronger. Somehow, I'm more confident because of it.
Many of those prettily round women probably wish their bodies were different, too.
posted by wryly at 10:10 AM on April 4, 2013
Poppa Bear's got it:
Heavy weight training, preferably.
So if you're trying to get a rad butt, I would recommend that you jump straight to doing barbell squats and deadlifts. The same for your legs. If you're trying to get your boobs to, well, whatever it is that they're supposed to be doing: overhead press and bench press.
If you decide to go this route, remember this: you have to get a little bit defined before you get completely cut and huge, so do not worry about getting muscle-y and bulky. If it were that easy every dude on the universe would be running around with 24" pythons, and they aren't.
You need some body fat, everybody does. It's not the fat that makes the shape, it's what it wraps. It seems many women are afraid of strength training, because they think it will "make me look like a man", or "give me big thighs", or "make me sinewy." This is too bad, because it's flat wrong.
How wrong? The next time you are in the gym, look at the ladies who have the best (curvy!) physiques. They all have one thing in common: you will find them by the free weights, giving the guys a run for their money.
posted by rhombus at 10:26 AM on April 4, 2013
Heavy weight training, preferably.
So if you're trying to get a rad butt, I would recommend that you jump straight to doing barbell squats and deadlifts. The same for your legs. If you're trying to get your boobs to, well, whatever it is that they're supposed to be doing: overhead press and bench press.
If you decide to go this route, remember this: you have to get a little bit defined before you get completely cut and huge, so do not worry about getting muscle-y and bulky. If it were that easy every dude on the universe would be running around with 24" pythons, and they aren't.
You need some body fat, everybody does. It's not the fat that makes the shape, it's what it wraps. It seems many women are afraid of strength training, because they think it will "make me look like a man", or "give me big thighs", or "make me sinewy." This is too bad, because it's flat wrong.
How wrong? The next time you are in the gym, look at the ladies who have the best (curvy!) physiques. They all have one thing in common: you will find them by the free weights, giving the guys a run for their money.
posted by rhombus at 10:26 AM on April 4, 2013
If you want a bigger butt that looks good, pursue weightlifting that targets the gluts. Use more weight with fewer reps. Work to muscle failure.
You also have to stretch. I think it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who said that. I think when he was really huge, he could bend straight-legged at the waist and put his hands flat on the floor. I remember reading an article where the point was made that if you want good muscle definition, you also need to work on flexibility.
I think a nice belly has a lot to do with good gut health. I will Nth healthy fats, complex carbs, and generally learning more about food chemistry. If you are prone to bloating, I will also suggest hot peppers. They cause sweating by chemically opening a channel in the cell at a lower than normal temperature. My medical condition predisposes me to bloating. In the last two years, I eat hot peppers semi regularly. I still don't have a flat belly, but I no longer look high pregnant. (I peed a whole, whole lot the first few months. I got the biggest impact from eating hot peppers and then taking a long walk.)
Broad hips are often a consequence of childbirth. (I am not recommending it as a method.) It is also common to gain a cup size with having a baby. I also was temporarily a 36DD after steroid use for a medical condition. However, I first got incredibly fat and did not look at all busty during that time. It was only after the weight started coming off that, surprise!, I had a showstopping rack. It only lasted six months, just long enough to go "That was fun -- and I never want to do it again."
I have heard that lots of sex can make your bosom fuller, presumably because of hormones. I have heard that more meat can also basically expose you to more hormones. So while I would not have a baby or take steroids to get a bust, I might be willing to eat more meat to see if that helped (assuming that was a goal, which it is not for me). It fits with what I know of the impact hormones can have on a woman's body and seems relatively benign.
Also, you might pick up a copy of "David Kibbe's Metamorphosis" to help you dress better and do a few nude self portraits to work on your body image.
Best of luck.
posted by Michele in California at 10:31 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
You also have to stretch. I think it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who said that. I think when he was really huge, he could bend straight-legged at the waist and put his hands flat on the floor. I remember reading an article where the point was made that if you want good muscle definition, you also need to work on flexibility.
I think a nice belly has a lot to do with good gut health. I will Nth healthy fats, complex carbs, and generally learning more about food chemistry. If you are prone to bloating, I will also suggest hot peppers. They cause sweating by chemically opening a channel in the cell at a lower than normal temperature. My medical condition predisposes me to bloating. In the last two years, I eat hot peppers semi regularly. I still don't have a flat belly, but I no longer look high pregnant. (I peed a whole, whole lot the first few months. I got the biggest impact from eating hot peppers and then taking a long walk.)
Broad hips are often a consequence of childbirth. (I am not recommending it as a method.) It is also common to gain a cup size with having a baby. I also was temporarily a 36DD after steroid use for a medical condition. However, I first got incredibly fat and did not look at all busty during that time. It was only after the weight started coming off that, surprise!, I had a showstopping rack. It only lasted six months, just long enough to go "That was fun -- and I never want to do it again."
I have heard that lots of sex can make your bosom fuller, presumably because of hormones. I have heard that more meat can also basically expose you to more hormones. So while I would not have a baby or take steroids to get a bust, I might be willing to eat more meat to see if that helped (assuming that was a goal, which it is not for me). It fits with what I know of the impact hormones can have on a woman's body and seems relatively benign.
Also, you might pick up a copy of "David Kibbe's Metamorphosis" to help you dress better and do a few nude self portraits to work on your body image.
Best of luck.
posted by Michele in California at 10:31 AM on April 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
My Girlfriend and I started doing Crossfit together last year, and both of us absolutely love it. She's really pleased by changes its made to her shape and both of us really enjoy the varied class-based workouts. YMMV, and I know its not for everyone, but if there is a Crossfit gm near you I suggest checking it out.
posted by prentiz at 11:02 AM on April 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by prentiz at 11:02 AM on April 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
Depending on my diet, I'm pretty lucky in how I put on weight. If I overeat but still watch my refined sugars, then I can gain weight and still have a defined hourglass shape. If I'm limiting my refined carbs my weight goes on in this order: bust, thighs, hips, butt, gut.
However, when I shift my diet to include more daily sugar I put on weight in my trunk and gut. No delicious curve, just the thick trunk. It's not immediate, but after a few weeks I'm decidedly rectangular.
Refined sugar is very cruel to me. It makes me gain weight very quickly and it puts it on me in an incredibly unattractive way. I don't know if this holds true for other people. My endocrine system went wonky a few years ago and even with medication I think that has negatively impacted my ability to deal with sugar.
posted by 26.2 at 11:24 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
However, when I shift my diet to include more daily sugar I put on weight in my trunk and gut. No delicious curve, just the thick trunk. It's not immediate, but after a few weeks I'm decidedly rectangular.
Refined sugar is very cruel to me. It makes me gain weight very quickly and it puts it on me in an incredibly unattractive way. I don't know if this holds true for other people. My endocrine system went wonky a few years ago and even with medication I think that has negatively impacted my ability to deal with sugar.
posted by 26.2 at 11:24 AM on April 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'm like 26.2 above - I can gain weight and keep an hourglass shape, but only if I limit my refined carb intake. Weight goes on to my waist area last, and is where it comes off first if I start exercising or limiting my food intake. People say you can't spot reduce, but I get a flatter tummy without noticeable reduction elsewhere when I reduce carb intake and eat a lot of leafy greens and other high-fiber foods along with protein.
The most extremely hourglass-shaped person I encountered was a female weight-lifting instructor I once had, who had an incredibly tiny waist, curves in all the right places, and no jiggle anywhere. When I used to lift regularly, I did not have visibly defined muscles, it just made me look shapely and toned. Only doing cardio gave me a flat butt, though.
posted by needled at 6:15 PM on April 4, 2013
The most extremely hourglass-shaped person I encountered was a female weight-lifting instructor I once had, who had an incredibly tiny waist, curves in all the right places, and no jiggle anywhere. When I used to lift regularly, I did not have visibly defined muscles, it just made me look shapely and toned. Only doing cardio gave me a flat butt, though.
posted by needled at 6:15 PM on April 4, 2013
If you want your bust to grow, eat Greek yogurt for breakfast every morning for a year. Doing that did insane things for me in that regard. I also gained some weight in general from that, so beware, but man...it's crazy what a lot of milkfat can do.
posted by limeonaire at 6:55 PM on April 4, 2013
posted by limeonaire at 6:55 PM on April 4, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
2) You can determine, to some extent, which muscles are developed; the ones you use.
3) You are a skinny woman. You will not get defined muscles without intensive, sustained strength training. And if by some miracle you do start to get more muscle than you want, it's easy to reverse by letting up on the intensity.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 8:16 AM on April 4, 2013 [19 favorites]