I completed the Strong Curves program and am looking to advance and focus more on a lifting program. But I’m petite and struggle with weights. Advice? [NSFW]

As the title suggests, I got through Strong Curves, and while I was happy with the results, I walked away excited to add a more lift-oriented routine as my next step.

For context:

Build: I’m petite (5’1”, ~95lbs) and struggle with 5lb increments. This leaves me with a lot of cable, band, and machine modified workouts. I’d love to get to a point where I can focus more on dumbbells and barbells, but don’t know how considering I struggle with 5lb increments. There’s a HUGE difference between 15 & 20 for me.

Diet: I try to consume .5g/lb of protein daily, with high carb/low fat on workout days, and the reverse on non-workout days. Plant-based protein shakes on workout days. Egg whites and water alone for breakfast.

Routine: Strong Curves offered three workouts per week for 12 weeks. I sometimes adhered to it, and sometimes added some sprints or bike into the mix. Maybe once every week I added? This is the routine I used. I tried introducing deadlifts, but the bar alone was a little heavy, so I did a modified on the “Smith” machine.

Progress:

Stomach (NSFW)

Back/Butt (very seriously NSFW - for best visual progress)

I gained 2-3lbs over the 12 weeks and sit around 96-97lbs while keeping a similar shape, which I felt good about.

Any advice for struggles with lifting, diet adjustments, or ideal programs for smaller people?

submitted by /u/NorthernToptail
[link] [comments]

* This article was originally published here