DON'T WANT TO GET BULKY UNDER ARMS...

[Forever1969]

Hi FT community. I've recently started weight training to supplement my cycling routine. My question: what exercises should I avoid to prevent from getting bulky under my armpits. i.e. like the Mr. Olympias of the world. I'd like a skinny. chisled cut a la Bruce Lee or the Calvin Klein models where my arms and upper chest look normal and not bowl legged. All replies welcome. Thanks.

[Goodfortitude]

hahaha. Funny post. Well, a few things to be said about this topic. First, you have to keep in mind that a large part of how we look is genetically determined. In other words, if we have big biceps before we start weight training, then unless we do something awfully strange, we're going to have even bigger biceps when we are done. If we have tiny calves, then likely they will always be on the smaller side.

The thing is, if you bulk up, then every part of your body will bulk to some degree. And, when you cut, then every area will cut down. Over the long haul, you CAN train certain areas for mass and grow them MORE than other areas... but, that takes years to see a significant difference. Secondly, it's difficult to tell what you mean by "under arms". If you are talking about the triceps, then you wouldn't work your triceps as much. If you're talking about the lats, then you would train them less.

But, here's the thing. Most experts and people with experience would tell you to train every group equally. It's not recommended to offset the balance of your own musculature by doing some exercises lots and others very little. I know that's not what you want to hear, but trust me when I say that it truly is genetically determined.

The best recommendation I could give you is to train every part of your body, and keep strict tabs on what you eat and how much you eat. By controlling your diet (eating the right amount of calories and very healthy foods) you will be able to burn more fat, while building strength and hopefully chisel out your body to the lean look you want. Do that, and you'll be a step ahead of most!

[Forever1969]

Thanks, Goodfortitude!!! You gave me way more than I asked for but it's a wealth of info. I guess Mother Nature always gets the last word along with your parents genes as you mentioned in your reply. I suppose I WAS talking about my lats; the part that lifts your arms away from your pecs. I will follow your advice.

Any special workout routines you can recommend for cyclists? Thanks.

[Goodfortitude]

You're welcome!

Hmmmm, well interval training is the "going thing" right now. I, personally, like it due to the fact that it seems to be good for keeping testosterone levels high. You also get the added bonus of not completely tiring out during your session. Should be good for you since you want to cut fat. So, I would look up some things on "interval training" and cycling.

[blackdove212]

Which "under the arms" do you refer to? Lats? Triceps?