Hey, Everyone! I'm a 5'8" female, who is naturally muscular(though i have my genetic flabby parts). I go to the gym four times a week and do 40-45 minutes of cardio and 20-40 mins of weight training. I also rock climbing 2+ days a week for about 2 hours each time. I heard that sometimes when you build muscle it grows under the fat, making you appear even larger. I was wondering if based on the routine above, do you think i will get larger and more muscular with fat on top, or smaller and leaner with strong muscles. Oh... and if to determine this you need my weight and diet... I am 140 pounds and eat approx. 2000 calories a day.

Sarah

Being a female you are highly unlikely to get bigger from weight training. Your muscles will get stronger and you will look leaner IF you lose the fat layer covering the muscles. Otherwise, what you will have is a nice muscular foundation which will remain hidden until the extra fat comes off. Diet and cardio is the only way to lose the fat. 2000 calories seem like a bit more than you would need to lose weight. Try cutting it down to 1500 and you should see a 1 lb/week weight loss. However, you being 5'8" and 140 lbs looks to me to be just about right weight for you and perhaps dieting is not necessary at all. I would first find out you body fat percentage and if it too high then you can try to get it lowered through a leaner diet and continued cardio.

[This message has been edited by rita (edited 01-05-2003).]