How do you tell...

[KatieB]

if you have a "lagging" bodypart? I know where my real trouble spots are when it comes to fat deposition, but I have absolutely no idea how to tell if I am lacking mass in a particular area...

Anyone?

[CraveMuscle]

where do you build easier?

[KatieB]

where do you build easier?

I'd say my quads, traps and shoulders grow most easily and most quickly...

:shrug:

[Erik]

The mirror?

[mamaj]

The mirror?That's what I was thinkin.

[Blondell]

I compare sides. :shrug: My left side usually lags my right.

[CraveMuscle]

I compare sides. :shrug: My left side usually lags my right.

are you right-handed?

[Blondell]

:nod: I tend to use my right side more when training.

[Brandi]

I look down at my pitiful legs.

[KatieB]

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear... What I mean is, what the hell is everything *supposed* to look like???

I am definitely confused now.

[fitnesschick]

good question.

[Brandi]

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear... What I mean is, what the hell is everything *supposed* to look like???

I am definitely confused now.

If a tree falls in the forest... :lol3:

It depends on what your goal is. None of us can tell you what you are supposed to look like.

Be symmetrical and strive for the best YOU you can be. :shrug:

[Erik]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the question.

[Blondell]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the question.
I believe she is asking about symmetry.

[Erik]

I believe she is asking about symmetry.

Then I say, use the mirror, again.

[KatieB]

If a tree falls in the forest... :lol3:

It depends on what your goal is. None of us can tell you what you are supposed to look like.

Be symmetrical and strive for the best YOU you can be. :shrug:

That actually helps :) -- thank you.

[CraveMuscle]

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear... What I mean is, what the hell is everything *supposed* to look like???

I am definitely confused now.

so, you're asking for an ideal.

which is just that . . . idellic.

and your ideal will depend on what type of look you are going for . . .

figure: shoulders huge. lats huge. legs/butt large but not overly large. everything else isn't really an issue, and in actuality, how your bones are put together / shape is a huge factor in making certain parts look bigger/smaller.

BB: everything large.

PL: ?

everyday skinny woman . . . seems like small legs/waist is more 'important'



edit: damn you Brandi, you got to it first . . . lub ya though

[Brandi]

:flex:

I need to have no hips. Damn stupid hips.

[Blondell]

BB: everything large.


That's what I'm going for :lifter: :D

[KatieB]

so, you're asking for an ideal.

which is just that . . . idellic.

and your ideal will depend on what type of look you are going for . . .

figure: shoulders huge. lats huge. legs/butt large but not overly large. everything else isn't really an issue, and in actuality, how your bones are put together / shape is a huge factor in making certain parts look bigger/smaller.

BB: everything large.
PL: ?

everyday skinny woman . . . seems like small legs/waist is more 'important'



edit: damn you Brandi, you got to it first . . . lub ya though


Hellz yeah everything large lol. I'm pretty much rockin' "large" right now...

:oops: :funny:

[KatieB]

That's what I'm going for :lifter: :D


B, ur hyoooooooooooge!!!!!!!!!!11

[Blondell]

B, ur hyoooooooooooge!!!!!!!!!!11
:finger: Erik says I need to gain everywhere :mecry: :lol:

[Phoeff]

In regards to symmetry, is there a measurement ideal to strive for? Like waist 12 inches smaller than chest? Or calves and biceps the same measurement?
Quads x amount of inches larger than calves?

[sArAh]

In regards to symmetry, is there a measurement ideal to strive for? Like waist 12 inches smaller than chest? Or calves and biceps the same measurement?
Quads x amount of inches larger than calves?
Good question, I was wondering the same thing.

[Erik]

Steve Reeves used to say for perfect bodybuilding PROPORTIONS, that your calves, arms and neck should all measure the same.

Keep in mind that symmetry and proportion are not the same thing. The former is simply a comparison from left to right across an axis. So you'd be comparing your left arm to your right arm. Proportion is bodyparts assessed in the context of the development of your other bodyparts.

What is ideal in terms of physique development is going to be up to the preference of the trainee.

[sArAh]

thanks thunder!
Yeah, I'm not worried so much about symmetry mainly just proportion. Sorry for the hijack Katie. :shades:

[smuggie]

PL: ?
There are no criteria for a perfect physique in the PL world, because most PLs don't train for physique enhancement.

[CraveMuscle]

There are no criteria for a perfect physique in the PL world, because most PLs don't train for physique enhancement.

that's what I thought.

[Iron Will]

What i've always done beyond making sure everything is proportionate and symetrical, is find a body type that you would consider ideal. For me its, frank zane, phil heath etc. I then compare my pictures to them to see what is lagging or if i just need to bring up overall mass. (usually its the latter)

[KatieB]

:finger: Erik says I need to gain everywhere :mecry: :lol:

Then you get to eat a lot! There's always a silver lining, is there not?

:lol3:

[KatieB]

Thunder, Iron Will -- thank you, both of your answers make sense to me.

:)

[Beth66]

Steve Reeves used to say for perfect bodybuilding PROPORTIONS, that your calves, arms and neck should all measure the same.

I think I'll pass on bodybuilding. There's no way I want my arms as big as my calves! (I'm one of those genetically gifted calf people -- though I wouldn't call it "gifted" when I'm trying to buy boots.) :lol:

[Lynny]

Does anyone have a hard time using the mirror to find out this kind of info? I mean, I seem to be able to tell what I need to work on more easily when I look at pictures of myself as opposed to the mirror.... I don't know why that is. Or I go by what another knowledgable individual knows.

[CraveMuscle]

Does anyone have a hard time using the mirror to find out this kind of info? I mean, I seem to be able to tell what I need to work on more easily when I look at pictures of myself as opposed to the mirror.... I don't know why that is. Or I go by what another knowledgable individual knows.

sometimes looking in the mirror can play mind games on us . . . it's hard to be objective when you have past 'issues' that aren't quite resolved.

[strongchick]

Have someone else look at you in the mirror. ;)

[sArAh]

sometimes looking in the mirror can play mind games on us . . . it's hard to be objective when you have past 'issues' that aren't quite resolved.
Yep, I agree with that. I still see a chubby chick when I look in the mirror:oops: I need to get past that issue but its been a slow process.

[jaleena]

I think I'll pass on bodybuilding. There's no way I want my arms as big as my calves! (I'm one of those genetically gifted calf people -- though I wouldn't call it "gifted" when I'm trying to buy boots.) :lol:

Same here...except I don't think my calves are that large, more medium. Except my arms are already a fair size, and carry more fat than my calves, and are 2" smaller, so to even them out in a bodybuilding sense, I'd need more than 2" added to my arms...I just don't see that happening without adding massive weight, which would make my calves larger :shrug:

I'm so glad I'm not a physique competitor :p

[Beth66]

Same here...except I don't think my calves are that large, more medium. Except my arms are already a fair size, and carry more fat than my calves, and are 2" smaller, so to even them out in a bodybuilding sense, I'd need more than 2" added to my arms...I just don't see that happening without adding massive weight, which would make my calves larger

Just measured myself -- I've never measured my neck before.

Biceps: 11 inches cold and not flexed
Neck: 13 inches
Calves: 15 inches

Gaining 4 inches on biceps -- not without chemical enhancement
Losing 4 inches on calves -- not without surgery (or perhaps a broken leg that requires months of casting)
Meeting in the middle -- priceless.

[KatieB]

Just measured myself -- I've never measured my neck before.

Biceps: 11 inches cold and not flexed
Neck: 13 inches
Calves: 15 inches

Gaining 4 inches on biceps -- not without chemical enhancement
Losing 4 inches on calves -- not without surgery (or perhaps a broken leg that requires months of casting)
Meeting in the middle -- priceless.


:lol3: This is fun, I'm gonna do mine now!

Bi: 12.5
Neck: 13
Calf: 14.5

Hmmm...

[Iron Will]

Bi's: 17 3/4"

Neck: 17 3/4"

Calves: 17 1/4"

BoooYAH!!! 1/2in to go on the calves :D :lifter:

[Ana]

Bi's: 17 3/4"

Neck: 17 3/4"

Calves: 17 1/4"

BoooYAH!!! 1/2in to go on the calves :D :lifter:
:funny: :funny:

[Iron Will]

:funny: :funny:

Don't hate on my wittle calves...:uhuh:

[Jen]

Im working on bringing up everything. :lifter:

I have no idea what my measurments are :ninja:

[Erik]

Bi's: 17 3/4"

Neck: 17 3/4"

Calves: 17 1/4"

BoooYAH!!! 1/2in to go on the calves :D :lifter:

I'm pretty close as well. I think last I check my neck and calves were the biggest and in line, and my arms needed to come up a bit.