ASK THE INSTRUCTOR! 19 Feb 2010

Hi Lauren, I've been taking classes at Lithe Rittenhouse since September (my usual line-up is Sculpt, Armistice, Skinny Jeans, and Waist Not 2-3 classes/wk).  I've definitely developed a more muscular physique and stronger core. The only downside I've noticed is that my new lower body muscles are making my pants a bit snug. Are there certain classes that I should take or avoid to combat the Kim Kardashian booty I'm growing? 

GOOD QUESTION!  Good news is, there is no one Lithe Method class, or combination of classes that will make your bum bigger.  About the muscle development: Its totally normal for lithers to get a little "bigger" at first when they do not modify their eating habits. You're building these beautiful, lean muscles, but there is still that layer of fat sitting on top of them.  I am super active and love to eat.  Even when I take the last 5 lbs off, I shrink a full dress size, and you can see every muscle in my body.

During the first 6 months of moderate lithing (2-3 classes a wk), your bod is going through a lot of changes.  Once you hit 4-6 months (without changing your diet), that layer of fat will start to burn off the muscle as your metabolism increases. 

Wanna speed things up?  Diet and frequency...And use those bands! We'd love to see you 4-6 times a week.  Regardless, there are big changes ahead : )

In the meantime, try to watch your diet and change your classes if you can.  It looks like you need some more cardio (our cardio comes in the form of dance and cheer) based classes if possible (think: High Mini, Higher Power, Fat Free, Waspie, Barlesque, Hot Legs & Split).  Now don't get me wrong, if you're working properly, you'll sweat your head off in a good Skinny Jeans or Sculpt, but they are our more sculpting-based workouts (and very necessary!). So, if you're doing you're doing a lot of our more sculpting-based classes every week, you need to switch it up! 

Image of Lauren Boggi  via Dominic Episcopo

Comments

[Megan]

It's true! I've been lithing for 3+ yrs and also experienced that "bulk" before the slim down around the 6-9 month mark. Then my body completely changed its shape - the wait is worth it! Keep it up :)

[Alison Stein]

I would say the same thing. Remember, Lauren, when I said to you that I felt more toned but my pants were actually getting tighter? That was around 6 months, and then, all of a sudden, I started slimming down. I also think making yourself do High Mini (or some similar class) once a week makes a difference.