Gym guys and girls, help me?

[LaureenVO]

Hiii! For all the gymrats out there, I need your help! First a little back story of me, about my physique in the past. Right now I am 20 years old (F). I am 5'8/5'9 tall and 145lbs. As a child, I was always severely underweight. Not because I wanted to, I just couldn't gain weight no matter what (probably because I kept growing lmao). When I was 17, I was 5'8 and only 100lbs. I used to pass out all the time and didn't feel good in my body at all. But I did feel special. Not many people were as skinny as me. Once I turned 18, I started gaining a bit of weight. I quit my sport and started taking birth control (for health reasons). Now 3 years later, I barely recognize my body. I'm definitely not fat, but my belly has started to show. I would like to become fit again and lose some weight. I do not want to return to my past weight! Because I wasn't healthy. My goal is 120lbs with a toned body. I want to be slim again.

I've been doing workouts from 'Nikola's pilates' on yt for the past 5 days. I'm wondering if anybody knows whether they are good workouts? Because I want a workout, that does not make me look bulky. I want to be slim. I do want muscles to look toned around my arms, legs and waist, but I do not want a sixpack! I will show some examples.

As pretty as this women above me is, I do not want the muscles like this. What I want is more like this:

Do you guys see the difference? This one has those lines of muscles, and not really that bulky effect (I don't know how to explain it lmao). In the past I used to look like that, bc I was just so skinny that the little muscles I had were showing. This time I want it to look like this in a healthy way, due to the muscles that I'm growing. But only those muscles. Not the other. One more thing:

She is also super pretty, but I don't want my arms to look like that, more like this:

Please help me with advice. Thank you all!

[Viola_456]

The best way to get to this physique will be gym i think. If you dont want to look bulky just dont use heavy weights, instead do more curls with smaller ones. Include some cardio and start rating more protein. Things like pilates is not a Bad thing but you will get to your goal sooner in the gym. I workout my whole life so if you have any questions, DM me ☺️❤️ Good luck

[robocop666]

men love thick legs on women. YOU WANT BULK!

[LaureenVO]

Thank you so much for the advice! I appreciate it :) What kind of exercises in the gym would you recommend then?

[LaureenVO]

@robocop666 My boyfriend loves me no matter what :)

[Viola_456]

DM me please ❤️

[Anonymous]

Why would anyone want to look like that?

Looking like a real woman is the better option.

[LaureenVO]

What do you think a 'real women' is? Weird comment

[BigTex53]

I think you’re on the right track. A toned, but not overly muscular body looks great. It’s my preference for women.

[LaureenVO]

Yesss I love it. I looked like it once, so I can definitely do it again haha

[In_Trance]

It's all about your diet, nothing else.
You need to count your calories and your macros and remain in a deficit

[LaureenVO]

Thank you!

[Oliverlogan263]

Okay, I got you love! As a fellow gym-goer, I can definitely relate to your goals and the struggles of trying to find the right workout routine.

First off, props to you for taking the steps to get healthier and more toned. It's awesome that you have a clear vision in mind for the kind of physique you want to achieve.

The workouts from 'Nikola's Pilates' sound like a great place to start. Pilates is awesome for building that long, lean muscle look without getting too bulky. Definitely keep those up, and maybe even mix in some light resistance training a few days a week.

The key is going to be finding the right balance - you want to build muscle and definition, but not get too big. Focus on exercises that target the smaller stabilizer muscles rather than going super heavy on the big compound lifts.

Stuff like bodyweight exercises, kettlebell work, and cable machines are perfect for that sleek, toned look you're going for. Avoid getting too heavy on the barbell exercises. And make sure you're fueling your body properly with a balanced diet.

The examples you shared are great visuals for what you're aiming for. Looks like the key is developing that nice muscle definition, especially in the arms, legs and midsection, without getting super bulky or shredded.

It's gonna take some trial and error to find the sweet spot, but trust the process and listen to your body. You got this, girl! Just be patient, stay consistent, and I know you'll be rocking that toned, healthy physique in no time. Wishing you all the best on your fitness journey!

[LaureenVO]

Thank you so much for the advice! I will definitely be using it!

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re very welcome madamé my pleasure 😊

[DryGermanGuy]

Sit-ups, crunches, burpees and stay away from sugar water and burgers. 👍

[LaureenVO]

I just ate a burger... oops. Thanks for the advice haha