Is it true that when you are building muscle, you get bigger before you get smaller. So, you build muscle, then you cut. Also is there an awkward stage....i dont really know what i mean by that, but as a woman i am feeling puffy and huge. For instance my abs are sticking out!!!! Is that because i am building muscle there? Any help?????? :wave:

Well, if you are building muscle and not burning fat, you'll never get smaller. Think about it like this: You have a pillow (your body) and you put rocks (added muscle) in it. The pillow is now harder, but it is also larger. The purpose of BUILDING muscle is to increase the size of your muscles. If you want to maintain the same amount of muscle, but improve definition, your intention is probably to tone your muscles. Regardless, if you're not burning fat, there will always be that casing of flab overtop of the muscle, which will make you look larger. So, it's best to do both cardio and strength training in order to burn fat. If you burn off the fat, you will be left with the lean muscle and a sculpted body.

Also, if you're just beginning and have yet to burn off the excess fat, then be patient. It will come off - assuming you're eating and training correctly.

I'm not an expert, but that's my opinion.

If you build muscle, your metabolism will increase, so you will burn fat faster. You may have some sort of an awkward stage in between where you want to be, but fix your diet and your workout routine and you will see the results you want. Maybe you are eating too much bad food. Diet is the most important factor in weight control.