Sorry to be so slow... I really have nothing to add as far as further references. The guys have done a great job so far, and a great deal of what I know about the science of growing muscles has come from reading and posting at this site.
What this question tends to do is send me off on rant
which I have done on several occasions and so will try to keep it short and sweet this time...
Almost without exception, every woman who joins a gym
needs more muscle. Almost without exception, not a single one
wants it. It's mostly about societal conditioning and lack of information... and can be very frustrating for trainers.
From the 30 something who wants only to "tone" (what a ridiculous concept that is) to my 40ish client who squatted her way into those size 4 leather jeans (she looks
great!! ) to the 50 something who lost two dress sizes without losing a pound (redistribution of the wealth) to the 60 year old Parkinson's patient who needs to learn how to get on and off a chair (squat lessons), my "girls" need muscle.
At some point, I gave up trying to convince clients that they needed more muscle and just helped them to grow some
On the rare occasion that there was some protest, I told them that 1) they were unlikely to have the right kind of hormones to get HUGE, and 2) if they ever did feel they had too much muscle, that muscle is a way too simple thing to lose...
Never has one of my "girls" asked to lose muscle once she is wearing the stuff.
My advice to guys who would like to help their girlfriends in the gym: Keep them away from the scale and don't let them spend too much time on the cardio equipment. Give them "toning" exercises like one legged squats and weight assisted dips and chins. They really can't know how sweet it is to be wearing female muscle until they have done it. In the meanwhile, calm her fears and let her think she's toning
As to my background, that'll be in the next post. Gotta refill the coffee mug first...
Here's to his and her hypertrophy!
Kate
