Hello
 

I call myself farmwoman bc I grew up on a farm and still identify with that lifestyle even tho I live in an urban area. I must have inherited some good genetics as I am naturally strong and have been all my life. Having no sons my dad ensured my sister and I be fit and strong by wrestling with us forcing us to free ourselves from his grip and do 'man' pushups. None of this was difficult for me and having muscles was just a part of my petitie but mesomorphic physique.

I am quite feminine and can clean up pretty nicely when I go out so being strong has been bittersweet, as I always believed a woman should be gentle and strength and muscles sometimes give the opposing view. I must say I get off a bit on a power trip when challenged to some strength feats.....I tore apart a med. sized glossed and slippery catalogue, broke an apple apart...there is a trick to it but it is not easy, I have lifted over 40lbs with one finger and have crushed cans. The first time I ever deadlifted a barbell I was successful, approx 100lbs, not difficult at all. When I took self-defence I was the only woman in the group that punched like a man, sorry ladies but I don't think the sparring I saw in class could save them in a dire situation. Me on the other hand could hold my own. In fact when my cousin and I used to fight as teens, not that often, I instinctively would flex or tense my lower arms and shield off kicks and punches and felt no pain on my arms. So why am I here?

My difficulty is burning off the fat I have put on with middle age....I don't eat alot but have some stomach fat and love handles on the sides of my already muscly thighs which an ex used to refer to as 'monster thighs'. My arms used to have some definition and were better toned. When I flex I look like a female weightlifter or wrestler, lightweight and will likely never have that trimmed toned muscularity. That is ok I don't need or even want a six pack, I just want to get rid of the stomach and love handles. I walk daily, and swim alot in the summer. I have just returned to the gym for a summer membership after a very long hiatus and lift heavier than most women my size as it is the only way I feel any burn or muscle work but I know I likely will bulk than tone. At home during the winter I have an ab roller, ex bike, some lightweight dumbells which were all collecting dust until recently. I do leg lifts daily.....lying on my side and raising my one leg, is that a leg lift? I do about 70-300 per day easy but still no results. I eat well but am often hungry after I eat so I must be lacking something.

I confess, I like my breads but I don't eat more than maybe one piece a day and I enjoy my beer and wine. After all I am a farmwoman. Any advice to burn some fat would be appreciated. Sorry for the lengthy introduction.

Hi farmwoman! :welcome: Wow! I'm afraid I don't have advice to offer because you are in such better shape than I ever have been. However, be sure to check out the fitness forum and threads here. There may be someone who can give you some great advice. Good luck!

Thanks jacqui, just bc I am strong doesn't mean I like myself in the mirror all the time and as late I see too much flab in my mid section but thanks for the welcome and I look forward to reading the forums.