Spinoff question for girls: fat guys

[29 forever]

I was reading the tall guys thread & found it interesting...

Anyway, this is why I ask. I'm 5'8" and used to weigh 290 at one point recently. Back when I was this heavy, I admit, I had a gut that stuck out so far that you could land a 747 on it, but I would get hit on by women left and right. I'm married, so it doesn't matter anyway lol. I have lost A LOT of weight recently & I'm down to 165-170lbs now. Thing is that I don't get hit on much anymore...darn. So I was wondering if most girls liked bigger guys or not? I know in the other thread the girls tended to be attracted to taller types.

Personally, I thought I looked like a disgusting pig when I was almost 300 lbs. and I'm glad I lost the weight.

[wordsmith]

I used to be primarily attracted to lanky, scrawny guys. Tastes change. Now, I've dated everyone from slender runner's build guys to big teddy bear linebacker types. It's not the prime consideration, no one physical characteristic is...attraction is such a combination of factors.

[kimmer23]

i guess some girls like the "teddy bear" look. like that ruben guy from american idol!

[MetFanL]

It doesn't really matter to me, although I'm not attracted to dudes who weight less than me -- it's my own insecurity. However, weight-wise doesn't matter, as long as you are healthy... like you work out or whatever. You don't have to be skinny or in perfect shape, but you have to respect and understand why I do it and that usually only happens if the dude does the same.

[Taza Tikha]

I prefer larger guys. Not obese, not overly muscled, just larger. Built like a soldier. I can't use scrawny guys as body pillows, nor do I get that warm fuzzy "he'll protect me" feeling from someone I can bench press.

[wordsmith]

It should be noted that the bigger guys are the ONLY ones I will allow to pick me up. When I was an R.A. in college, there was this football player kid who was a resident of mine, who used to pick me up and carry me away from my computer when he thought I was working too hard. There is a SMALL handful of people who are allowed to physically pick me up.

[and1grad]

You don't have to be skinny or in perfect shape, but you have to respect and understand why I do it and that usually only happens if the dude does the same.
Word. I'm definitely finding that to be the case.

[Cole]

I prefer a guy who makes me feel petite. I've dated several really thin (but tall) guys and that was okay, but I prefer a little more padding so that cuddling is actually comfortable.

However, one of my prerequisites is that the guy has to be able to keep up with me on a bike or out running. So padded, but healthy and athletic are important to me, too.

[wordsmith]

I wouldn't be surprised that if women often feel that men who weigh more are going to be more forgiving of them weighing more.

I haven't really found that to be the case very often, though, myself.

[depressed1983]

I will preface this to say that I grew up with an overweight father and that I refuse to ever let that sort of disregard for personal health enter into my life. I'm definitely attracted to men who are what others would consider a wide range of body types. Tall, short, big, small - the face & the mind are what matters most. However, I would not date someone who is "fat" by all definitions of the word. No one gets that fat by genetics, and it's possible to loose weight (at least some weight) in a healthy way if the person cares to try. I love how my current boyfriend is really health-concious (way more than me.) This is comforting because I know he'll never end up being unhealthy and overweight - he wouldn't allow it.

[Kitty]

To be totally honest, I like thinner guys. Its not to say that I wouldn't be attracted to a dude that wasn't totally thin - but I tend to prefer tall and thin.

[Skyblade]

Some people tell me I'm a chubby chaser. My ex bf weighed over 300lbs, my current bf weighs about 240.

[Deadend]

Well my experiance has been more or less, being leaner less does me better. I've never been like really REALLY big though (at least, not as an adult), I've hit the duece a couple times at most. I stand just over 6 feet.

Now I'm dropped a good 15-20lbs from there and get alot more smiles (don't worry liz, I never smile back ;)). I think I can see it most in my face though. My theory is that most women prefer cheek bones to chimpmunk cheeks.

[tina1979]

I prefer larger guys. Not obese, not overly muscled, just larger. Built like a soldier. I can't use scrawny guys as body pillows, nor do I get that warm fuzzy "he'll protect me" feeling from someone I can bench press.
Thats me!!!

I tend to date the tall lanky guys somehow or other, but I am definately attracted to this more so.

[shimmer728]

I don't really have a size preference, but I'm a little girl. A 290-pound guy would have to be awfully careful with me when we're, um, doing stuff. ;)

[coll214]

I prefer larger guys. Not obese, not overly muscled, just larger. Built like a soldier. I can't use scrawny guys as body pillows, nor do I get that warm fuzzy "he'll protect me" feeling from someone I can bench press.
Same here, i've dated both, but more muscular I prefer. the last BF was a former soldier who admittedly though was a bit obsessed w/ keeping the same physique. But again, it's not a dealbreaker if he isn't...just what I seem to gravitate towards now...

[and1grad]

I don't really have a size preference, but I'm a little girl. A 290-pound guy would have to be awfully careful with me when we're, um, doing stuff. ;)
She means like playing hockey or on a see-saw. Just to clarify. :neutral:

[shimmer728]

She means like playing hockey or on a see-saw. Just to clarify. :neutral:

Haha!

Looking back, all the guys I've dated have been on the thin side of average, but not rail skinny.

[WeirdBrake]

She means like playing hockey or on a see-saw. Just to clarify. :neutral:

Keep thinking that. ;)

[Taza Tikha]

I don't really have a size preference, but I'm a little girl. A 290-pound guy would have to be awfully careful with me when we're, um, doing stuff. ;)

I think horses prefer lighter cowgirls. And I've found that guys are more dangerous when bones poke out everywhere.

[m-girl]

I don't really have a size preference, but I'm a little girl. A 290-pound guy would have to be awfully careful with me when we're, um, doing stuff. ;)

I hear ya! I weigh 105 pounds (no I don't need a meal :-) There is only 'so much' I can handle

[marcy]

I definitely prefer tall, lanky guys. I totally have a thing for rockclimbers.

I have ZERO interest in football players. I can't stand thick necks!

[marcy]

yummm and swimmers and tennis players! :D

I LOVE tennis players. I swear every damn one of them is SOOO hot!

[jdt141]

Holy shit ladies. Calm down! Do we need to hire a stripper so you can get it out of your system? I betcha WB will volunteer :D

[wordsmith]

I am SO not into football players.

hah, I should clarify..I am DEFINITELY not into football players. That BUILD, fine. But not if you actually play football (or even like watching it, really)! :D

[Deadend]

I see we've come up to debating which sport gives the best physique. Alright then, discussion done. What do women like? Jocks. el fin.

[wordsmith]

I see we've come up to debating which sport gives the best physique. Alright then, discussion done. What do women like? Jocks. el fin.

No, I actually hate them. Jock build? Okay, maybe. But I don't like sports, and I don't want to have to go watch them or organize my life around them.

[Deadend]

What about Luge-ists?

Bobsled team members?

Curlers?

Ariel skiers?

Skeleton racers?

Biathaloners? (Biatheletes?)



The olympics are comming, these are good questions!

[wordsmith]

We do have a curling club, actually. But, no.

[Deadend]

haha, curling is an excuse to have a few beers and play out on the ice without wearing skates and not be thought of as drunk.

Great game! But olympians? I think not. Even if it does nearly mean handing a extra pair of gold metals to Canada every 4 years.

[wordsmith]

It's mostly kids at our curling club... like, boy scouts and stuff.

[lilyflower]

It doesn't really matter to me, although I'm not attracted to dudes who weight less than me -- it's my own insecurity.

It's the same for me pretty much - which of course doesn't help my absolute lack of a dating life at all :rolleyes:

[girlinterrupted]

I'm attracted to personality and face more than anything, so I've dated all kinds of different body types. My BF now is lanky but muscular (but not too muscular). I like to run my hands over his abs, plus he has that great "cut" muscle below his abs leading into his... :redface: Um yeah, I like lanky guys. :)

[Ciderhillnh]

I cant stand guys who are not in shape. Im in shape and take time to eat right and take care of myself, and I want a guy who can keep up.
Plus I want to be able to have him lay on top of me and cuddle without my not being able to breathe.

I dont like super skinny guys. He should be toned, and that doesnt mean a 6pack, but it does mean that he is strong. I dont like it when his muscles are so big he cant put his arms down or has lost his neck, thats just too much.

Mostly runners, guys who do yoga or pilaties, wrestlers that type. He should be taller than me 5' 10" or more, should have a nice butt, strong hands, and his torso should make a V from under his arms to where his jeans hang.

Most guys I date have a 32" waist - 35". Tallest was 6' 1" shortest was 5' 10".

[shaken25]

i play tennis, lift weights, and do yoga. helloooooooo ladies. ;)

[HereComes30]

i play tennis, lift weights, and do yoga. helloooooooo ladies.

I watch tennis on TV, own weights, and loved yoga in Star Wars! Helloooooo ladies!! ;-)

[Deadend]

It's mostly kids at our curling club... like, boy scouts and stuff.

So not commited alcoholics?

... No wonder you country isn't the one winning the olympic metals in it

[Deadend]

I cant stand girls who are not in shape. Im in shape (kinda) and take time to eat right and take care of myself, and I want a girl who can keep up.
Plus I want to be able to have her lay on top of me and cuddle without my not being able to breathe.

I dont like super skinny girls. She's got to have somt T&A after all, and that doesnt mean like a porn star, but it does mean that she is busty. I dont like it when her tits are so big she cant hide under the bed, thats just too much.

Mostly swimmers, girls who do yoga or pilaties, wrestlers, that type. She should be shorter than me 5' 10" or less, should have a nice butt, pretty face, and her torso should make an Hour-glass from under her arms to where her jeans hang.

Most girls I date have Been C-DD cup. Tallest was 6' 1" shortest was 5' 1".

/Just wanted to see how it would sound when I said it.
//Please, have a sense of humour about this one everybody.
///Not complaining... I fit her original description!

[WeirdBrake]

That was awesome, Deadend!! :razz:

[shaken25]

How tall are you? ;)

Sh*t, I was hoping I wouldn't get asked that. 5'9". Always wanted to be 6". Girls have skinny complexes, guys have height complexes. And by "guys", I mean pretty much just me.

[WeirdBrake]

Sh*t, I was hoping I wouldn't get asked that. 5'9". Always wanted to be 6". Girls have skinny complexes, guys have height complexes. And by "guys", I mean pretty much just me.

I know what you mean. I'm 5'9'' as well, and even though I know that's about average, I still feel like most guys are taller. Maybe it's just selective perception. I have a bit of a complex about it. :(

[Deadend]

I'm just over the 6' watermark and I feel about "average", even though apperently I am above. Just about all my best friends are nearly exactly my height. I'm not tall enough to be called tall anyways.

[shaken25]

I know what you mean. I'm 5'9'' as well, and even though I know that's about average, I still feel like most guys are taller. Maybe it's just selective perception. I have a bit of a complex about it. :(

Seriously! And then when I'm out with friends who are taller, I try to stand really straight so that I can be 5"9.02". But I bet I just look like a huge poindexter when I do that. I would like to be a lazy 6'2". Oh, and casually ripped also.

J-girl, nice Joey impersonation. My comeback would be a Steve Martin/Dan Akroyd swedish brothers outfit with guns a-blazin'..."Hello, Miss American Super Fox!" :cool:

[Winter Storm]

I prefer thin to stocky builds.

[and1grad]

Seriously! And then when I'm out with friends who are taller, I try to stand really straight so that I can be 5"9.02". But I bet I just look like a huge poindexter when I do that.
LOL! :lol:

Also, excellent post, dead. Funny how guys CANT say stuff like that.

[spokes]

personally i go at about 4.02 cubits (or .0018406 mils) tall, and i usually tip the scales at about 17 stone or 18 if i am retaining water.....

[shaken25]

personally i go at about 4.02 cubits (or .0018406 mils) tall, and i usually tip the scales at about 17 stone or 18 if i am retaining water.....

Yeah, that is me to a T!

( I actually have no idea what you just said.) :p

[ebruening]

The ideal for me would be someone with the build of Russell Crowe who's 6 feet tall, and who has a dark complexion. Yes, I'm one of those petite girls who has a wacky obsession with taller, bigger guys. If this hypothetical guy spoke Spanish, I'd probably die from happiness on the spot. However, having dated tall lanky guys in the past, I'm not opposed to that "type," either.

[ebruening]

I hear ya! I weigh 105 pounds (no I don't need a meal :-) There is only 'so much' I can handle

Ditto on that, m-girl. It isn't fun when height/weight differences cause problems in the bedroom :neutral:

[wordsmith]

LOL! :lol:

Also, excellent post, dead. Funny how guys CANT say stuff like that.

Girls can't either, unless they're bitches.

[WeirdBrake]

Girls can't either, unless they're bitches.

And1... I do believe she's tryin' to pick a gender war fight with you. Don't take the bait! LOL :p

[wordsmith]

My point was that, when I read ciderwhateverhernameis's initial post, which Deadend satirized, my first thought was "Wow, that's bitchy...a guy couldn't write the equivalent." So, basically, I'm agreeing. Not picking a fight. A girl can't write the same thing, either...unless she's being a bitch.

[WeirdBrake]

My point was that, when I read ciderwhateverhernameis's initial post, which Deadend satirized, my first thought was "Wow, that's bitchy...a guy couldn't write the equivalent." So, basically, I'm agreeing. Not picking a fight. A girl can't write the same thing, either...unless she's being a bitch.

Good save. :p

[wordsmith]

Nothing to save. You misinterpreted.

[WeirdBrake]

Well, at least you have a sense of humor about it! :twisted:

[shimmer728]

I also thought it came off as quite bitchy. Deadend's version was pretty funny. :cool:

[Kitty]

My reaction was pretty much: "good luck with that :rolleyes: "

[ebruening]

Well, at least I know that if I say something bitchy, people will call me on it. Seriously, that's a good thing to know. I don't deal well with passive/agressive people.

[shimmer728]

Well, at least I know that if I say something bitchy, people will call me on it. Seriously, that's a good thing to know. I don't deal well with passive/agressive people.

I can't imagine you saying anything bitchy. :)

[ebruening]

I can't imagine you saying anything bitchy. :)

Aw, thanks, Shimmer. :) You're one of the most welcoming people on the boards, and I think that says a lot about your personality. I don't act bitchy, so much as I avoid talking to people when I'm really stressed, hence my not being on QLC as much these past few weeks. However, if I do talk to people when I'm stressed, I tend to fly off the handle and be completely irrational :neutral:

[wordsmith]

Seriously, I can't imagine you being a bitch, either. Cider's post left me w/a mental image of her running around with a tailor's measuring tape, sizing up shoulder-to-hip ratios. Good luck w/ that, indeed.

[shimmer728]

[QUOTE=ebruening]Aw, thanks, Shimmer. :) You're one of the most welcoming people on the boards, and I think that says a lot about your personality. QUOTE]

Oh, thank you! :)

[pisces2473]

Seriously, I can't imagine you being a bitch, either. Cider's post left me w/a mental image of her running around with a tailor's measuring tape, sizing up shoulder-to-hip ratios. Good luck w/ that, indeed.
Ditto to what Words and Kitty said. What does Cider do? Have the guys in a lineup room before she'll go out with them? "Oh, you're 5'9.75"...not 5'10"...I can't go out with you...Next!"

[Bugsey34]

I have dated mostly slim guys I guess, but I must admit I like a cuddly guy, taller than me preferably, big enough to feel comfortable in his arms.

[yankeeyosh]

Hmmm...I'm 5' 9.5", and three years ago, I was 250. Just plain obese. Never got anything close to a look. I slimmed down to 187 (which is still a good 15-20 over what I should be, but much better than before). I still scare off girls. So this doesn't apply to me.

[crystal_dance]

My ex used to be really critical about looks. She's one of those girls who take a person's appearance very seriously. We broke up over a seriesf really stupid issues - like why I don't want to work out at the gym until I tear a muscle. I'm very fit. I play tennis, soccer, ultimate frisbee (west coast thing), hike, bike, trek, and have been doing yoga for the last 5 months (oddly enough, I can't swim. Drowning incident at the age of 6 scarred me I guess). I don't have those "cuts" that she wanted. One time, I was sitting shirtless on the couch and she said "From here, it looks like you have man boobs" :eek: :confused: :mad:

lol, I stay away from women who make a big deal about physique. It makes me angry.

[Bugsey34]

lol, I stay away from women who make a big deal about physique. It makes me angry.

Good idea.

[wordsmith]

My ex used to be really critical about looks....I don't have those "cuts" that she wanted. One time, I was sitting shirtless on the couch and she said "From here, it looks like you have man boobs" :eek: :confused: :mad:

Yup, your ex is another one of those charming girls, I see.

[esgdt]

Sh*t, I was hoping I wouldn't get asked that. 5'9". Always wanted to be 6". Girls have skinny complexes, guys have height complexes. And by "guys", I mean pretty much just me.
Heck, I wish I was just 5'9" instead of 5'6". Guess that's what I get due to my dad being 6'0" and my mom at 5'0".

And no you aren't the only guy with a height complex.

[29 forever]

Heck, I wish I was just 5'9" instead of 5'6". Guess that's what I get due to my dad being 6'0" and my mom at 5'0".

And no you aren't the only guy with a height complex.

I have a height complex also to an extent.

Since I've lost weight & have been working out my body has seemed to go through this metamorphisis. I started out being a complete lardass at 290, then when I got down to about 210, I started to look like an NFL running back, and now at around 165 lbs. I look like a lot of baseball players I'd say.

Some people have compared my change to that guy Matt who won on this last seasons's The Biggest Loser show. Except he lost the weight faster.

[Southern_gurl]

I don't really have a size preference, but I'm a little girl. A 290-pound guy would have to be awfully careful with me when we're, um, doing stuff. ;)

I agree with shimmer...I'm 5'3 125 ilbs, so I'm not oppose to it, but I would have to be on top ;) ...

[3point1four]

When I was playing ball I was 350lbs (I stand about 6'3" and never had my weight guessed by anyone at anything over 235) and I couldn't walk into a bar without meeting someone. Of course I was dating someone at the time, and I was a pro athlete, but now that I've dropped 60lbs I don't see it the same anymore.

I think it's my own confidence. I liked being huge. I liked knowing I was the biggest strongest mother fucker in a 10 block radius and now that I don't feel like that anymore I am less confident.

[Forecaster18]

I've always been a big guy, but I'm also hopelessly dense, so I never really know if a woman is interested or not. It is a curse. :(

I'm 6'2", and was 387 lbs. when I graduated college 18 months ago. (Like the previous poster, no one had any idea I weighed that much.) I'm sitting at about 300 right now (an old friend had me pegged at about 240, and was shocked when I told her that I was well above that) and feeling great, but either the ladies aren't interested or I'm just too dumb to notice. Then again, I've yet to find many women in their early 20s who aren't incredibly shallow (I realize this goes both ways, girls, believe me), but I hope that becomes less of a problem with age.

I'm pretty quiet and I don't like to make small talk, though, so that could be part of the problem.

[bridgetjones]

"Originally Posted by deadend
I cant stand girls who are not in shape. Im in shape (kinda) and take time to eat right and take care of myself, and I want a girl who can keep up.
Plus I want to be able to have her lay on top of me and cuddle without my not being able to breathe.

I dont like super skinny girls. She's got to have somt T&A after all, and that doesnt mean like a porn star, but it does mean that she is busty. I dont like it when her tits are so big she cant hide under the bed, thats just too much.

Mostly swimmers, girls who do yoga or pilaties, wrestlers, that type. She should be shorter than me 5' 10" or less, should have a nice butt, pretty face, and her torso should make an Hour-glass from under her arms to where her jeans hang.

Most girls I date have Been C-DD cup. Tallest was 6' 1" shortest was 5' 1"."

Actually I meet most of those standards! Ha ha ha!!! Ok you'd have to reject me since I merely have a full B cup and I still have 10-15lbs to lose to be at my normal fitness levels. Sorry I'd need to surgically alter myself to have a full C cup and have the low body fat ratio you require.

Actually I have known of guys who are bitchy like that only most of them do not broadcast it on the web. If anything guys are more into a girls looks and shallow. I have seen middle aged chubby/ goofy looking men be harsh to pretty women who happen to be abit heavier. :mad: :mad: :mad: They think it but do not say it. Heck I have had guys that have almost called me fat and I am merely not a twig by no means fat.

[Forecaster18]

Heck I have had guys that have almost called me fat and I am merely not a twig by no means fat.

You sound HEALTHY to me. I don't get the obsession with a "perfect weight" that even medicine has pushed on us. A woman is supposed to be soft. ;)

Maybe I'm just an easy guy to please, but there are few women that I don't find attractive in at least some way. If we all lightened up a little bit, I think we'd be a lot happier. :)

[bridgetjones]

Well they ALMOST called me fat bc they were not thinking. You know when they look at the TV and make comments about JLo being fat or liking Kate Moss abit tooo much. Or like being very picky about what they'd accept as datable in terms of what a girl shoudl look like. I knew one ex-model that dated a guy that was looking at a plus size fashion show on tv saying oh man those girls must wieght like 120 lbs in disgust. Ummm.... Hello... Calling J.Lo fat is warped. Sometimes I look at those guys and think you are no Brad Pitt asswipe!

Ugh... I'd still need to lose 10-15 lbs to look like JLo! Hence the moniker Bridgetjones.

[K-man]

I got an opposite problem -- I can't gain weight anymore no what. I used to weigh 116 all through high school (running track & cross-country can do that to you) until I started lifting weights in college and brought myself up to 135. Ever since graduating though, I just can't seem to break 140 -- hell, I even tried taking weight gainers for a while and it still didn't do jack.

I'm 5'8", so my weight doesn't make me look too skinny...but it'd be nice to have little more meat (maybe 150). Anyone else have hyper-active metabolism like me?

[Forecaster18]

Anyone else have hyper-active metabolism like me?

No, and I hate you. Just kidding. :p

[Brillo25]

I got an opposite problem -- I can't gain weight anymore no what. I used to weigh 116 all through high school (running track & cross-country can do that to you) until I started lifting weights in college and brought myself up to 135. Ever since graduating though, I just can't seem to break 140 -- hell, I even tried taking weight gainers for a while and it still didn't do jack.

I'm 5'8", so my weight doesn't make me look too skinny...but it'd be nice to have little more meat (maybe 150). Anyone else have hyper-active metabolism like me?

5'10", 143 lbs my friend. I feel your pain. ;)

[bridgetjones]

Ha! I'd say lucky you if you were a girl! I cannot seem to go below 130 :p

I once got to 120 but that was when I was watching what I ate constantly and working out like 1-2 hours a day. Not a fun way to live ppl...

At least you might fill out nicely with age - that is the ticket. ;)

[K-man]

5'10", 143 lbs my friend. I feel your pain. ;)
Thx :) I guess our metabolism comes in handy this time of the year -- we can eat anything and everything without getting a gut.

I'm not sure I'll gain weight even when I get older though. My dad is 66 and his frame looks the same as he did twenty years ago...must be the Japanese gene/diet, because I know he doesn't do anything for weight control.

[shaken25]

I too have that fast metabolism issue. I'm 5'9 and usually weigh around 150. Last year I actually tried to gain weight by eating a ton of peanut butter and topped out at about 162 while lifting weights. I actually looked pretty good with a shirt on because I gained some upper body mass, but unfortunately got a bit of a pot belly to go along with it. I think that type of body is called an "ectomorph". The "mesomorph" has that lucky athletic, V-shape build, and the "endomorph" is the heavy-set physique. You can figure out which one you are by wrapping your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap - ecto, just meet - meso, and don't reach - endo. Usually people are a combination of two.

I realized that I would look best if I just tried to get real cut - lifting, but still working to get and maintain the ole 6 pack. That's where I am now and am happy with it, but I'm contemplating trying weight gainer for about a month or so. I'd love to get to a fit 160.

I don't think those body-type guides are the end-all, be-all though, because I have a cousin who was 130 lbs (5'7") all through high school. Then in college he just put his mind to lifting and gaining weight. Now at 23 yrs old, at a very muscular 175 lbs., he regularly wins weightlifting competitions. His fingers overlap on the wrist test so he's an ectomorph like me and probably most of you guys, but you would never think that by just looking at him - he looks like he has a naturally large build. So it can be overcome (with a lot of lifting, eating, protein shakes, and maybe even some weight gainer to start off).

Overall, though, I'm realizing that a fast metabolism is quite a healthy thing to have, even though it usually doesn't lend itself to intimidating size or anything.

[Ederratic]

Funny you mention that K-Man. I'm 5'9 and close to 150 but I look super skinny and cannot gain weight or muscle for the life of me. I say 150 but most people guess closer to 120 or less. I'm also 1/4 Japanese and look 20 even though I'm 26.

Go figure.

I might try a personal trainer so I can gain some more permanent muscle mass but in the mean time I'll enjoy eating everything in sight without consequence. :D

[Brillo25]

I've actually been weight training for about 10 years now, and it's the hardest thing in the world for me to bulk up. I went through the same thing shaken did where years ago I went through a period of big eating while training, bulked up to 165, but it came with a pot belly and love handles. So I trimmed back down and I've been 140-145 ever since despite lifting. But I have made progress all the sudden in the last year, like adding 25 lbs or so to my bench press, so hopefully it's finally coming along.

[K-man]

Overall, though, I'm realizing that a fast metabolism is quite a healthy thing to have, even though it usually doesn't lend itself to intimidating size or anything.

I'm with you -- which is why I've stopped thinking so much about my weight (or lack thereof). One of my passions in life is cycling, and I know I wouldn't be riding fast if it wasn't for my lean & mean physique :D

[TheBeve]

I actually looked pretty good with a shirt on because I gained some upper body mass, but unfortunately got a bit of a pot belly to go along with it. I think that type of body is called an "ectomorph". The "mesomorph" has that lucky athletic, V-shape build, and the "endomorph" is the heavy-set physique. You can figure out which one you are by wrapping your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap - ecto, just meet - meso, and don't reach - endo. Usually people are a combination of two.


My thumb and middle finger overlap, so it looks like I'm an "ecto-1" as well... get it? Ecto one? Ghostbusters Car?
I'll be here all week y'all! Don't forget to tip your waitstaff!

But seriously, what you said does explain a lot.

[wordsmith]

I think it's diff. for women...I'm a mesomorph, by this definition, which for women is more hourglass shaped than v-shaped:

Mesomorphs: They tend to be athletic looking with broad shoulders, narrow waists, and broad hips. Mesomorphs appear to be more muscular and the distribution of their weight may be more evenly presented. However, they do tend to gather weight around their hips and thighs. Many women get upset about carrying weight on these areas, but what they don't know is that it is much healthier to carry fat on the hips and thighs, unlike the endomorph; who is more likely to carry fat around their abdomen. Fat around the hips and thighs are located on the outer layers of the body, unlike abdominal (stomach) fat; which lies much deeper in the body's tissue.

...yet, my fingers do overlap when placed around my wrist...just because I have spindly wrists and ankles, in comparison the rest of my body. Most people aren't purely one body type, however, but a combination of two.

[shaken25]

Right, words, it is different for men and women, but I'm not sure of the specfics women-wise. That wrist test can be misleading also, like you suggested. It is just a starter test. And yes, most people are a combination of two of these body types. There are actually a bunch of measurements that you can take that measure a lot of different ratios of your particular skeletal system (i.e., femur to torso ratio). These can give you a clearer idea of your own body type. And for all the skinny guys, I just bought a book - check it out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594860882/qid=1135799804/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-8934782-6403054?n=507846&s=books&v=glance

That's where I just read about those ratios and what they mean. This book (it is geared towards men) goes over exactly how an ectomorph should eat and train to gain significant muscle mass. (Should this thread go into the fitness section?) From what I can tell so far, it also covers how you should eat and train according to your own skeletal measurements (i.e. you should do squats differently if you have a large femur to torso ratio). It looks promising and seems to make sense so far. And a somewhat easy read.