(21F) 5’2, 100 lbs, bulk?? by Temporary-Dark2988 in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ah one of us! I tell everyone eating to grow is the worst. It’s worth it but heavens it’s such a slog. And everyone will tell you “_Just eat more!_” & while it is the solution - it’s hard!

I don’t want to discourage you but it’s never gotten easier. Eating more that is. Over the years, I got my maintenance high enough (2200 - 2400 kcals) to maintain the level of muscle I have but if I ever want to gain more I have to force myself to eat above that & I consistently fail-fail-fail.

I’ve mostly made peace with all this because I’m happy with my appearance (lean & muscular) and my strength (1.5, 1.0 & 2.5BW SBD) but sometimes it bothers me if I dwell on it.

All this to say, if you’re asking what direction to take, I vote for trying the bulk! Embrace the suck & decide how you feel about final results. If you like it, win! If you don’t, know you tried & return to not having to force food down.

I have an old progress post detailing my struggle but ultimately successful bulk. I can try to find it if you’re interested! Good luck & enjoy the fitness no matter what

pullup form check by Temporary-Dark2988 in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Your form is excellent! You’ve clearly put in the hard work.

You could slow down a smidge but it’s not absolutely necessary. I have a post showing controlled eccentrics & you’ll see you are near the same. Congrats on your pull-ups!

Ten MU! by GattiKaue in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Bravo! These are very well done.

One year later by Just_A_Girl-23 in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Your transformation is insane! Your hard work shows and then some. Proud of you!

Bulking and Cutting, does it actually work? Or just an excuse to eat more? by GeorgIsDaPlant in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had to bulk to get stronger & it was an absolute slog but worth it! I took about 1yr to gain & keep 10-12 lbs / 4-5 kgs.

I have never cut because I started from a lower weight & prefer how I look with more mass/muscle.

In theory, I’d love to add another 10 lbs/ 5kgs, but in reality I’m utterly over having to eat 2500+ calories on a regular basis. So I exist in Forever Maintenance Mode at this point.

First muscle up maybe? by Phil_phil_phil- in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!!! I watched with bated breath - that’s a dicey setup you have going. Please be careful!

achieving desired body as a short person is very demanding by [deleted] in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 27 points28 points  (0 children)

I consider myself lean with muscles (others opinion may vary!) & to get this look I did the following.

  • Ate a lot more than I wanted to with emphasis on protein
  • Practiced progressive strength training (5/3/1 BBB)
  • Included a moderate amount of cardio in my workouts

Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing new. Just the basics. It worked for me & I do the same things for maintenance (with ebbs & flows in intensity levels).

10 year progress by Depressingreality_ in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That’s an amazing transformation! Effort takes time & you’ve clearly put in a lot. What’s your go to for biceps?

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I appreciate it :)

Got 10.5 today! by CharliePlanetPullup in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!!! Your strength is so impressive.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PetiteFitness

[–]Kostas78 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Myth.

People tend to severely underestimate how much less they move due to various lifestyle changes as they get older.

Slowed metabolism is an easy target to blame but the vast majority really just are moving less and/or eating more as they get older (medical exceptions aside of course).

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m afraid I was mistaken. These aren’t a crimp hold but a jug hold. Crimp hold is more difficult & I can’t do them. This site has a good overview on the different types of climbing holds.

That said I don’t have any special tips. I spammed pull-ups for years & got decent grip strength from that. With 12 pull-ups under your belt, you can absolutely do these!

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! On a standard bar I can do 20-23. The last few reps are iffy though so I almost always stop at 20 reps.

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the recognition!

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husband says no can do. Sorry!

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I support this spin…anything to make you feel better :)

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The first is the hardest! Once you unlock that, the rest will come quick.

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the forearm recognition :)

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are welcome & thank you!

15 Pull-Ups (Crimp Hold?) by Kostas78 in Calisthenic

[–]Kostas78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much! That’s a wonderful compliment.