Female Bodybuilding

[oddehc]

A female is asking my advice on what she should do to put on muscle and drop weight. I am not quite sure how do accomplish this without putting on muscle and retaining weight. She is currently 5'7" and 165lbs. She would like to be around 117-120lbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. =)

[Kitara]

First explain to her that "weight" is a non-issue. BF% or the way you look in the mirror is the bigger issue.

As far as how she can "lose weight and gain muscle" that's way way WAY too broad of a topic to go into. I would suggest first searching through the boards about diet and nutrition because without a good diet that weight is not coming off. Then search for good weighlifting routines because they have been posted numerous times.

With a good diet and a good weighlifting routine she can drop her BF%.

edit: Good golly I can not spell

[cursor]

... it's past your bedtime, Kitara ...

Fat-loss is what she's after ... not weight loss. Keep in mind that the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. Body composition determines fitness: how much fat you have, as compared to your lean body mass. If she's out of balance, then she'll look and feel out of shape.

So ... the question is, "how can she reduce her body-fat so that she looks and feels more fit and confident." At least that's what I'm guessing. Is that about right?

[oddehc]

I believe she is more interested in feeling good about herself. If she wants to look like she-hulk, she can work on that later. I have been reading many of the posts on this site and I'm getting closer to understanding what she needs. My only fear is that I give her the wrong information because of my inexperience, so I'll keep reading. Thanks for the advice and the site rocks!!

[cursor]

Does she currently have an exercise program, and does she make any deliberate attempts at controlling food-flow?

[Timbers]

Would it be better if she exercised and dieted (or adopted a healthy eating style) first, THEN, went in to a more serious weight training?