Help needed ladys!!

[NoExcuses]

So I have heard many things about female training and I need some help from woman who actually work out. I appreciate all your reply's and the time you ladys are taking to help a brother out. So question... Do women have to train any diffrently than men? My fiance has been lifting with me for about 2 months now. I train hard and I train her hard. She does everything I do except for deads. I try to work her in the 12-15 rep range and a weight at where she wants to quit at 12 but I push her through to 15. Everytime we are at the gym people are looking at us like I am doing something wrong?? Am I? Men and women have the same muscle groups right? The trainer's at the gym look at us to? Like with who is he, or what the heck is he doin, facial expressions.

I dont want my soon to be wife to be big and bulky, but I do know that for results you really got to push it. Can you give me some help or recomendations? Thank you in advance!

[Hawkwind]

If she likes to train hard, let her train hard. I train as hard as I'm capable of and the guys at my gym have gotten used to me.

As for her getting bulky. It depends on her genetics. It is usually quite difficult for a woman to get bulky. As in any training you keep an eye on your progress and adjust as you go along.

Anyhow...don't worry about what others are possibly thinking as long as your fiance is happy with her progress that is all that matters. Training takes hard work and dedication and it's pretty awesome that you can train together.

[jennyd]

I'd also say train her the way you've been training her. She's not going to get bulky.
She'll get muscular (depending on the weights you're using)...but there's nothing wrong with a female having muscle.

I know what you're saying though...I train like a guy (well, compared to the females that go to my gym), and I get comments and stares all the time from men and women. I can't tell you how many times guys have come up to me and commented on the way I train. Or as I'm working out, they're sitting there talking to each other about me. It's a little awkward, but I'm used to it.
And I'm definitely not big or bulky.

Like Hawkwind said, just monitor her...because even though she won't get big and bulky, she may become more muscular than she's comfortable with. There's still that fine line to me with regards to being lean and muscular and a little too muscular...It's rough.

[hrpiii]

why are you leaving her out on deads? There is a couple in my gym that workout together, actually she's helping him train for the NPC Jr's next month. She was doing 315 partials in the rack yesterday along with him (he was just going more reps). Before I left, there was a girl working with a trainer to help with her form on deads.

Encourage her to keep on going.

don't worry about the bulky part. No chance she will get this way due to the homonal difference in your body composition.. you have testosterone, she has estrogen. She will become more 'fit'. You, based on your diet have the 'potential' to get bulky.

[GetFit]

I disagree guys, women can get bulky if their genetics dictate so.

[fitme]

Originally Posted by GetFit

I disagree guys, women can get bulky if their genetics dictate so.

Right now, I'm a little bulky cause my diet is off a bit! :-)

[HammerTech]

I would have to agree with what's already been posted here...great replies. Encourage her, and let her train as hard as she wants. And let the rest of the people in the gym think what they want...doesn't really matter.

[ktinspired]

Yep thats right...there's nothing wrong with a strong women. Women can and should train hard. Most of the women around here train like the guys.

As far as the deads..unless she has a medical reason...she should do them.

As far as "bulky" I have found usually the women who look that way are on something. OR thier bodyfat is too high causeing a big layer if fat over the muscle.

[jennyd]

I think that the bulkiness in women can vary depending on genetics.
Say, for instance, if I had naturally thicker legs than your average girl, working them out insanely would make them that much bigger, causing a little bit of a bulky look.

I tend to be on the small side all around, so it doesn't really matter how much I work out...especially since I'm fairly lean...I don't have that bulkiness to deal with. Maybe if I had a little more bodyfat, I'd look bulkier than I'd want to look....So, maybe I should have stated that in my previous post.

If a woman gets more bulky than she'd like to be, there are probably things she can do to remedy it a bit....diet is key because then, like KT said, you won't have the extra bodyfat covering your muscles to cause that look. Extra cardio can help with that too. Even something like Pilates, or intense stretching can help elongate and lean out the muscles, giving you a leaner look.

So...maybe woman can get 'bulky'...but not 'huge' like a guy unless they're on something a little extra.

[NoExcuses]

Thank you for all your help! I just wanted to make sure I was doing the best thing for her. She loves the intensity we train with and its really an awesome time to bond as we push and motivate each other. Sometimes she gets a little edgy when its "too hard" but she always thanks me when we are done and I love to see her determination in the gym. Its super hot and we both look forward to our wedding date when we actually get to see the fruits of our labor. Watch out now its hard to wait!

[FoRuMbOaRdS360]

Originally Posted by GetFit

I disagree guys, women can get bulky if their genetics dictate so.

Ok let me lay this out for you in the easiest terms.

Woman lack the amount of a crucial hormone to build muscle and get bulky... its called testosterone.

Us guys have PLENTY of it. And you, as a guy, and hopefully someone who is trying their hardest to gain muscle, should know its pretty hard for us to put on quality muscle. It takes men YEARS of extreme lifting to bulk up. For a woman it is nearly impossible.

Now to the original posters question. I dont see anything your doing wrong. Just keep it up and you dont have to worry about her becoming bulky.

[CubanChick]

Originally Posted by Hawkwind

If she likes to train hard, let her train hard. I train as hard as I'm capable of and the guys at my gym have gotten used to me.

Anyhow...don't worry about what others are possibly thinking as long as your fiance is happy with her progress that is all that matters. Training takes hard work and dedication and it's pretty awesome that you can train together.

2 nice comments Hawk.. Training hard its what its all about. Every week I train harder and my strength has been increasing. No more girly pink dbs like hrpii likes to use (JK, bro). I train with 2 guys and I am no longer the Biotch of the 3. I am there 5 days a week, loading/unloading plates, spotting, focused and motivated. I never ever disappear on the crew and am the first one to arrive ready for action Having a training partner that has the same mindset will keep a woman motivated and dedicated.

I agree with the part of not worrying what others think, but to some extent. Once you have helped her to change and improve her physique, the comments will be even more motivating. The comments I have gotten thus far keep me coming back for more, more, more.

Good luck, your girl is lucky to have you stick by her and support her in her journey.

Holla!