I can't quote any studies but I do know that you can't (as a women) make yourself too big (unless you're taking steroids). You should be lifting heavy weights to failure at about 6 to 8 reps. High reps are worthless unless you are doing a curcuit workout at a fast enough pace to be aerobic. Check out some of these websites where you can get expert advice bodybuilding.com and leanandstrong.com. Body For Life also has a great website.

Nelie:
CONGRATULATIONS on your amazing weight loss! I hope I have half the patience you do. I'm horrible at "plodding along" sometimes. I just want results yesterday, that's all. Is that too much to ask? Thanks for passing along your experience, and continued success to you.

tooaud2:
Thanks for your response. I usually do 10 reps, instead of 6 or 8. It seems that all of the big boys at the gym are doing 6 or 8 reps, and just pumping up. I just want to make sure that I don't do something "wrong" while doing resistance training and end up all bulky.
Although knowing that I'm sturdy, strong and capable is good for my self-esteem, having other folks think that of me at work, makes me feel like a workhorse when I'm so much larger than the other women, even at 5'4".


I'm so glad I happened upon this website. Thanks everyone!