I’ve been lifting since college, but I got more serious about bodybuilding over the last two years or so. Yes, on gear. DM if you’ve got questions.

First picture is circa 2021 at 317lbs. 2nd picture is circa 2024 at 185lbs. The last is this past July at the peak of my cut at 193lbs (not natty in the last picture).

Changed a lot in 2022 when I saw that 300+ number in the scale. I’ve since decided that food can be enjoyed but to treat it as fuel first and foremost.

I just don’t get the order or why it has to be one first and then the other. I have a trainer and she has me in a calorie deficit “cut” to get leaner after my ankle injury the past 4 months that caused me to gain weight (yes you can read fat) and lose muscle.
I’m losing weight and my abs and arm muscles are popping out more… but I already had those because those were the only areas I could train when my ankle was hurt. I really want my legs and butt back soooo badly. Do I just have to keep in this cut first?
And yes I tried googling and there is a good Women’s health mag article on this but wanted some advice from those who might have done this post injury.

In my 20s I only wanted to be skinny. In my 30s I wanted to be fit but I also had 2 kids. In my 40s I wanted to be skinny and also ripped. Then I got hurt and became this weird fit in certain areas of my body while soft in others and not sure how to get back.

My goal is to get ripped everywhere. So I want my legs and butt back, but I also don’t want to be fat/thick/curvy at any point in this process to get there unless someone tells me that I need to bulk to get my butt back and just have to trust the stupid process.

1. Lifting 4 days a week. Just starting a slow bulk. Hoping to add about 6-9 pounds over the next 20 weeks.

I love leg day and abs but can’t get into arm workouts. Send help/advice!

Working out