Comments on: Defining Bulky, Once and For All

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:01:42 +0000

I don’t know exactly how you would define the look I like. I like Rachel Cosgrove’s look. What I don’t like is the look I see in pictures of fitness competitors on stage. Almost without fail their shoulders are broader than their hips, and their waists are almost non-existent. To me, that looks more like a small version of a man than a woman. To me, a woman should have shoulders in proportion to their hips with a well-defined waist. Muscle definition doesn’t speak bulky to me. To me if a woman has lost her overall feminine shape she’s too bulky.

By: Diana

Diana — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:41:07 +0000

I am very surprised that so few people prefer a muscular body, especially that they doesn’t even want the men to be muscular.

I love to look at my boyfriends muscles and I feel proud of having a strong boyfriend. I also want to have some muscles myself. Could somone explain why they prefer a weak look?

By: Women and Muscle « a knitted brow

Women and Muscle « a knitted brow — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:02:26 +0000

[...] Michelle Becker @ 9:02 pm The other day I published a link to Leigh Peele’s blog article Defining Bulky where she discussed how women define the term “bulky” and their thoughts on strength [...]

By: Fun stuff for Hump Day « a knitted brow

Fun stuff for Hump Day « a knitted brow — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:10:18 +0000

[...] following blog is entitled: Defining Bulky, Once and for all. and it basically looks at womens attitudes towards desirable body types, strength training and when [...]

By: Man Bangs

Man Bangs — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:29:10 +0000

I am naturally muscular and don’t exercise (at all) and I HATE HATE my body!!!!!!! I am totally paranoid about my upper arms and try and wear tops that cover them when I am out.

By: Lola

Lola — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:24:02 +0000

Great article. I was shocked to find this article from someone as well respected as you are in the fitness industry–and that you had the guts to write it and tell it like it is. Most fitness gurus will tell women to eat more and lift heavy weights–well, this leads to the bulky/pudgy look most women DON’T want.

I’m a pretty small person (5′6 107-110 lbs) and I wanted to get stronger so I started lifting heavy weights–however, I did not eat on a surplus of 500 calories/day like suggested by most trainers. Instead, I eat at maintenance and concentrated on making strength gains without adding too much size to my frame. I went from being a skinny chick not being able to lift her carry-on on a plane to doing un-assisted pull-ups and chin-ups and weighted push-ups wearing a 15 lb vest. My body composition changed, sure.. I have less fat, more definition, but at my weight I will never be considered “bulky” or “too muscular” I simply do not eat enough to create that big muscle look–and you can’t create muscle of thin air.

So is it possible to be strong without having huge popping muscles? Absolutely! Keeping your calories in check and maintaining low body fat is key–You can still be strong and have a sexy and feminine look.

I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:58:14 +0000

I don’t think that is a fair thing to say at all. Maybe they’re as “bulky” as you can get while still being skinny enough to be a movie star. But they are all pretty skinny. There are very attractive, normal looking women who would look fairly large next to any of them, but all of these women are professional sexy time entertainers. It is their job, forty hours a week (or more) to look good for those few hours when they are on film. They are not a normal range for women who (1) don’t have a particular genetic propensity and (2) have other things to do with their time.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:47:37 +0000

Amen, Josh and Rob

By: Women Health

Women Health — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:26:51 +0000

First of all hats off for this post it was very astonishing and at the same time full of knowledge as well. Each and every line was interesting and attention grabbing. I am surprised to see the courage and daring decision of that group of women in 1909 and secondly this women psychology survey was a great thing to know about. Even personally I am a great fan of Kate Winslet physique after watching “the reader” and Hilary Swank is all time favorite lady.

By: lindsay

lindsay — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:11:39 +0000

I think Andrew Jackson is rare, most guys DO prefer small very feminine looking women. My husband thinks Jessica B. is way too manly looking. But I think its so individual. But when I get a personal trainer, I hope they are not like this Andrew Jackson…MOST women just want to be SMALLER!