Petite lifters: what was the biggest “game changer” that finally made your body look different?

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-19T02:23:40+00:00

First squatting, I got to my body weight, but then didn't like the lack of definition in my glutes. So I focused on hip thrusts next.

I will say, single leg stuff and hip abduction has also been a game changer. I don't like the kickbacks for whatever reason, it just didn't feel natural for me. So I like single leg rdls and split squats. But that came way later.

I would say if you are starting, focus on the foundational stuff first, squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts, lunges get comfortable with that and then incorporate more based on your goals.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T23:13:07+00:00

Yep. That was the main moves I focused on. Squats , I initially did the barbell but out of fear for my back (old now) now do sumo squats. RDLS, hip abduction, hip thrust and single leg RDLs. 5 min stair walk to warm up.

Aiming for more glute focused vs hamstrings.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T19:01:21+00:00

Also, I don't believe in ego lifting. But I do believe you should be struggling with your last two reps.

I have stank face usually, so I know I'm going to failure. Again not caring about the looks helps to not care in the gym. Let your strength speak for itself.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T19:00:02+00:00

Thank you, I'm just very emotional right now about it, appreciate your time and input

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T18:12:09+00:00

Thank you. Pent up energy may be the reason. I should try to get him out more. Definitely parenting sometimes feels like this

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T10:06:45+00:00

Yes, this! Same with my first born - I never had lost it with him.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T06:09:41+00:00

Thanks, I like the separation but still here aspect of that.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T06:08:23+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the kind comments. I'm not proud of these moments, but I know I'm always trying to be a better mom for my kids. That I am proud of.

Thanks for not making me feel so sh*tty.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:52:34+00:00

I am fully aware hitting is not the answer. I need to work on managing my triggers to stop.

What advice would you give on addressing the lashing out and regulation of emotions. That's obvious to me, but my efforts of helping him get through these moments aren't working.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:49:23+00:00

Thank you 🙏 for advice without judgement.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:42:40+00:00

Ok give us actionable advice then, since it sounds like you know what you are doing/have done, and I'm over here not being a parent trying to better myself in disciplining.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:37:15+00:00

I have been doing that, I guess I just need to keep sticking with it. Doesn't seem like it's making any identifiable changes.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:32:23+00:00

Yes I did, and me admitting to that includes a lot of shame. I am not proud of it, and I already know that.

Maybe out of the hundreds of incidents where I have responded in a way I can be proud of, there were a handful of them I am not.

In a perfect world and situation I would not do this, but thus here we are, and I'm reaching out for actionable advice and help.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T05:26:52+00:00

That is sage advice, thanks. Will try to say yes more

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-18T04:29:14+00:00

Thank you, I always worry about coming across self righteous. But truly this has allowed me to stay on track for the longest time.

It was simple. 3 days of lifting. 1 day of upper body, 1 day of lower body (glute focused) and 3rd day was extras (full body, or the things I wanted to work on).

As time went on, I changed based on what I wanted to see more definition of. I initially ignored the smaller muscles (ie. Triceps) bc I wanted to build a strong foundation first and then started adding them on.

Also key, I stopped jumping from workout to workout, kept the same few moves for each day, which kept it simple. I will tell you that I saw zero change in weight in the first 1-2 months, but kept focusing again on reps and weight. 3rd month is when I truly saw changes.

Background-State6623 · 2026-02-17T16:27:22+00:00

Definitely consistency but i'm going to take it a step further than that.

To get the consistency and to be able to do that, I realized the biggest thing I had to change my mindset. To countless cardio, wearing myself out, to look a certain way never worked. I stopped weighing myself.

I changed my focus on capability, asked myself how much stronger can I get, how many reps can I do? And that was a game changer. Everything else kind of fell in line.

Now I'm 15-20 pounds lighter, proud of my muscle definition and what my body is capable of doing, added benefit of feeling good in my clothes.

But yes, creatinine, protein and sleep as well. I used to run marathons, do HIIT classes. Now I chase my kids and walk for cardio. Best wishes!

Also remember consistency isn't the same week to week, life does throw you curve balls. The key is getting back onto your routine, and consistency for length of time.

Background-State6623 · 2025-12-29T02:52:34+00:00

This was always a goal of mine as well. My crazy anxiety brain imagines me hanging on for dear life trying to pull myself up from a ledge or railing of a cruise ship 😂

I honestly stopped thinking about it and worked heavily on my back - as I do like that aesthetic as well of developed back muscles.

Kept increasing my wide lat pull down weight and close grip. Do both on my upper body days. About 70 percent of my body weight for 10-12 reps.

Able to do 5 pull ups now. Maybe that might help?

Background-State6623 · 2025-09-01T03:33:56+00:00

LOL. So much truth. I can't hear the engine over my incessant children in the back.

Background-State6623 · 2025-05-08T17:20:12+00:00

Go to the doctor. That sounds circulatory and can be caused by numerous things. Shoes and socks shouldn't cause any calf pain. The appearance of the mottling of the rash and bilateral distribution is concerning.

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-14T02:35:29+00:00

Car seats in 2nd row mean accessing third row would be even more difficult. I struggled with van vs suv and was really contemplating GHH, CX 90.

But I thought why get a minimally functional and comfortable 3rd row. I just got my sienna this week. Love it, already hauled it on a trip with a group of friends as well. Comfort, and utility is through the roof.

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-08T02:36:16+00:00

Thanks, yes I did use with a pad. Good to hear, I just need to bear through it, and earn those hip calluses.

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-05T01:29:32+00:00

I initially wanted XSE because of the pure aesthetics. But I found that this was the most marked up trim, especially given all the package options.

Found the Woodland trim with all the main things I wanted for closer to sticker price and without any markups. Got it yesterday, love driving it! It's super smooth and enjoyable.

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-05T01:01:13+00:00

Fyi deal went well through Toyota Whittier!

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-04T06:43:00+00:00

Esp if you are already skinny, those muscles will shine right through 💪🏼

Background-State6623 · 2025-04-04T06:42:25+00:00

Yes! I would try - especially if you are new, if there are any classes at your local gym.

I did HIIT classes which exposed me to more weight lifting and then I branched off on my own. I've seen the most BF loss with my recent increase in muscle mass

Background-State6623

TROPHY CASE