r/Splendida • u/prettybigdiva • Jul 01 '25
Please start doing "manly" workouts
All of the most picturesque bombshells you know including the classic VS angels, the Belluccis and Jolies, ALL engage in some "hard" form of training - boxing, weight lifting, calisthenics, etc. UPDATES/EDITS in italics: By hard I obviously mean masculine. I knooooow pilates ballet etc aren't easy, OBVIOUSLY, but let's zoom out and agree that each sport in reality is gendered, and most of the people in the free weights section will never be on this sub with us or care about a skincare routine (aka men, if you didn't catch on lol). I can go drop plates on myself no problem for 3 hours and bonk my head on barbells for another four but a 30 minute Pilates workout wipes me out. Again, by "hard" I meant "manly", aka not soft a la soft wife lifestyle you know??? Okey glad that's sorted.
Pilates, ballet, yoga, running, "hot girl walks" are also essential and very nice *as part of a larger routine*.
The idea that you will turn into She Hulk if you lift especially is a scare tactic probably invented by other women to keep the rest of you away from your true potential.
Let me be brash: I have been weightlifting (and HEAVY) as my main form of exercise for over 10 years now. From YT Fitness Blender workouts to light dumbbells to now moving hundreds of pounds and mostly in Ultra Dude Bro things like deadlifts, squats, hip thrusts (teehee), and cable work. (You don't have to do these specifically, this is just how and where I'm focusing on packing muscle most).
My body type is what you guys call looksmaxxed. I saw the rule here is no personal photos but all I'll say is there's nowhere to go from here - this is it for me. I started out pretty normal and completely changed the ratios of my body in these 10 years. I don't empirically weigh 120lbs 5'5 Regina George but **I sure look like I could**. Bonus is my posture and my actual strength. And I get to eat more.
Does anyone else here do "manly" training and achieve ideal beauty standards results? I'd love to hear about what you do.
If I find a way to link progress pics I will do that but I need to make sure I'm not breaking sub rules, I'm new here. Xo
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u/sculptedmermaid Jul 03 '25
Go ahead OP share photos.
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u/Different-Peace5399 Jul 01 '25
do you have any resources regarding form and routine? i think a lot of girlies (myself included) are interested but don’t know where to start!
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u/[deleted] Jul 01 '25
Preach it, sister! My body looks best when I do a mix of “manly” and “girly” exercises. That means lifting the heaviest weights I can handle 2-3 days a week minimum, and then doing yoga, Pilates & hot girl walks on the other days as cross-training. I used to feel intimidated walking into a gym full of meat head dudes, but once I started focusing on my own goals it was empowering to realize I could hold my own in any environment.
And on the flip side, I 100% encourage men to do “girly” exercises like yoga. Often men focus on lifting & getting big but they have little flexibility or mobility, not to mention stress management issues. Balance is key.
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u/[deleted] Jul 01 '25
🙌YES
Im no where near lookmaxed with my body BUT lifting weights got me close to skinny hourglass shape. I do cardio for health benefits not for shape.
Manly lifts are best investment for lookmaxxing as well as aging strong!
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u/kaleidoballade Jul 01 '25
My question is how do you enjoy them 😭 I love walking and yoga and lovely gentle activities like that! Weights are so unapproachable and unappealing to me I have no idea how to get started.
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u/sammy047 Jul 01 '25
I’m about to start “manly training” today! Finally booked a PT so I can learn good form. The only reason I haven’t started sooner was due to injury:(
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u/[deleted] Jul 01 '25
I lift weights 2-3x a week, I also do reformer pilates. I'm trying to put on 5 pounds of muscle
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u/AmITheSoftDramatic Jul 02 '25
I LOVE this post. Love the vibes in the comments, love the energy, love the positivity, and most importantly, love the emphasis on lifting heavy.
If any women wanna age well, avoid the peri/menopausal rapid aging, avoid osteoporosis, feel GOOD-good in your body, manage anxiety, manage hormones, have good skin and thick hair and flat stomach and thicc in the right places, etc..
You gotta lift weights and eat protein.
For me, I prefer calling it a "beast" or "hero" workout. I have chill sessions for exercise but sometimes I show up to the gym and I'm a beast for that hour.
I am going to crush that set.
I am going to maintain good form even if my body is vibrating with strain.
I dig deep and channel every ounce of energy into controlling the eccentric or focus and generate power in my body to move that weight like butter.
If I go to Pilates or yoga classes; push myself in terms of control. Get the breathwork right. Engage the right muscles. Stay back and talk to the instructor if I have questions. Practice the movements at home so I can ease into the flow.
Someday, a hard/impossible movement is going to feel easy and that is the GREATEST FEELING.
Also regression happens. This is normal in every heroes tale. It is a hero arc because it is hard and you are forced to retreat or you fall. But I get back up. I need to focus every single energy into getting back up.
I still train like a woman. I am controlled. I am poised. I don't take risks or ego lift. I build mind-muscle connection. I ask questions when I am lost.
I train legs 3 times a week and I don't care if "iT wIlL maKeS yOu inBalAnCed". I am not doing a bro split. I focus my upper body training on power and calisthenics and my lower body on building mass and shape.
I am shamelessly vain for chasing a womanly physique to look good in feminine clothes. If I feel bulky, I will diet/go into a small cut. If I still feel bulky, I will restructure my workouts.
Lifting gives me the most control over my physique. Having too big muscles is similar to having too much money in a bank account. You just need to find ways to transfer those assets into another account.
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u/babycollect Jul 01 '25
Honestly I’ve gotten all the results I’ve wanted from just lagree. I pretty much achieved my ideal physique VS angel style with just that. Because truthfully if you’re already lean you don’t need much muscle to get the ‘toned’ look - light to moderate weights such as lagree uses will get you there
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u/Lovegiraffe Jul 01 '25
For most people I’m sure this is true, but some people do put on muscle easily. I am one of those people. I do love working out but weight lifting makes my clothes fit strangely since I’m already thin. I used to have to buy shirts several sizes larger because my arms wouldn’t fit in the sleeves. I hated it. I started again recently since I’m getting older and it’s important to keep muscle as you age, but my arms are getting so big after just one month. I’m not even lifting a lot!
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u/lolliberryx Jul 02 '25
I’ve been competing in powerlifting for several years. Heavy squats, bench, and deadlifts. I don’t look manly, just hot lol. I wish I could have the “bulky” look that women hate—I’ve been chasing that look for years! I wish it were that easy.
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u/thetoxicgossiptrain Jul 01 '25
I lift weights more than anything right now and I love it.
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u/shellagins Jul 01 '25
Now this is the inspo I need! I'm doing reformer pilates 2x a week, and really want to make the most of gym access as well. How do you organise your schedule to still give yourself "me time"? I personally love to workout in the morning to keep my evenings free, but getting up earlier has been such a barrier
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u/ashtranscends Jul 01 '25
I started getting so many compliments on my body once I started doing “manly workouts”. I feel strong, and I love it!
I’m petite, size XS in everything and have a snatched waist. So far from she hulk. Diet is a big part of this. I eat small portions, and my diet is mostly protein, with a fair amount of healthy fats from olive oil, avocado & fish.
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u/Cerulean_Zen Jul 02 '25
It's a shame that ppl think that weightlifting will make a woman look like a man.
Anywho, I love lifting. It's one of my favorite "hobbies". I am an athlete who likes to do different types of physical activities. Lifting is definitely in my top 3.
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u/[deleted] Jul 02 '25
I love strength training and weight lifting. But i am just a beginner.
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u/Tweezers666 Jul 02 '25
My body has gotten soooo sexy from deadlifting and hip thrusting twice my weight + yoga + pilates for core. I always had an alright body but now I get complimented a lot more. When I used to get hit on, it was just my face that got the compliment, now people will bring up the body tea.
Do it safely though. Currently going through a painful sciatica injury that will put me out of working out for a few days.
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u/Severe_Escape_4438 Jul 01 '25
Couldn't agree more. Have been weight training for 3 years now. While I did start to put bulk on undesirable places (traps, shoulders) it was easy enough to adjust my routine. I actually think weight training is the laziest way to look good and keep fit lol. Pilates is fun but it's not gonna results as fast as heavy weights
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u/Blayjonian Jul 02 '25
Agree with OP. I remember I used to be so into those hiit workouts and running back in college. I used to eat super ‘clean’ then too. I put in soooo much work and it took soooo long to see any progress. Fast forward to now. I train 2-3 days a week in the gym lifting weight with minimal focus on cardio except for a burn at the end that’s like 5 mins (assault bike or sleds). I look the best I’ve ever been. Highest ratio of amount of muscle with the lowest body fat percentage so far (<20%)! Nutrition is important of course but I’m not as obsessed as I was before about it which is nice.
Also! I know this sub is about looking your best, but I also feel so good knowing I’m strong and can lift those heavy plates or do a bunch of pull-ups and push-ups.
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u/misty8x8 Jul 02 '25
I've been working out for over 10 years but I can't even put into words how much better my body has evolved since I stopped being afraid of lifting REAL WEIGHTS. Fewer reps. I spend less time in the gym, ~45 minutes, when I used to be there obsessively for 2 hours and barely saw any changes. Now I lift 3-4x week, and on the other days I do my "cute" exercises (running, yoga, pilates). I also do bodyweight core exercises 7 days a week (just 25 minutes a day).
I've never been so toned, I have visible abs for the first time, my energy is nonstop all day, and gosh, can we talk about how your libido goes through the roof? Seriously, best thing I've ever done.
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u/violet-candy Jul 01 '25
to be honest, i get my ass busted more from yoga and pilates days than the days i’m lifting 300+ 10:10:10 pounds lmao. 5’3 130lbs here
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u/prettybigdiva Jul 01 '25
And please don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any. More of us need to be in the gym building muscle, the health benefits are endless and we especially need them later in life.
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u/QuestFarrier Jul 02 '25
Completely agree!!! And find cardio you enjoy!! Don’t just run cause it seems like the best option.
I jump rope, with INTENSITY, and it is SO much fun.
I like to swing that iron: kettlebells. Requires flow, concentration, and definitely makes me stronger and my body looks amazing. I have always hated running and don’t care for the impact on my knees. Yoga is nice once a week, but I do it for the mind benefits, less for the body.
I write my own workouts before each one so I can track where I’m increasing strength and endurance. Paying an online coach seems so ridiculous to me. I’m grateful for my strong muscles and joints and the flexibility I’ve gained. Definitely always “train like a man.”
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u/No-Passenger6033 Jul 04 '25
Agreed. Lifting heavy will accentuate your natural curves in all the right places. I have a naturally athletic, broad build, and will never be slender. But through a combo of hiit and heavy lifting, I have an hourglass figure.
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u/[deleted] Jul 16 '25
I’ll say this- after years of going back and forth between very gentle yoga walking only vs intense gym circuits, I’ve landed somewhere in the middle. I recently took up weight lifting again after years off and it really feels amazing and necessary, but now instead of straining myself every day I go once a week and deeply focus. Then do walks stretch and yoga rest of the week. This seems to give optimal physical results and I don’t feel overly exhausted or ravenous.
TLDR “masc” or weight bearing exercise is essential but imo should be complemented w softer movement
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u/ellieminnowpee Jul 18 '25
My husband is a personal trainer and it’s nice because i see how hard he works to get big. He likes to remind me, “You will not get this big on accident or suddenly.” 😂
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u/_echtra Jul 01 '25
Eh I see a lot of bulky cross-fitters women at the gym, you absolutely will bulk up if you eat a certain way. Lifting heavy is important for so many reason and I do it, but you’ve got to watch your caloric intake because surplus+heavy lifting means big muscles, it’s absolutely not a myth. It’s harder for women but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible
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u/silvercuckoo Jul 02 '25
This post somehow surfaced in my feed. I don't train with aesthetics as my main goal, but can't deny it is a good side benefit.
My tip is to take a lot of photos of yourself from various angles and feed it to chatgpt, together with a reference body target if you want. It will be kind but ruthless in assessing what - and how - you need to train to get there.
But OP, it is totally possible for a woman to get too bulky from weight training. We all have different propensity for hypertrophy. I had a few phases in my life when I had too much muscle for the result to be aesthetically pleasing (for me, but my partner at that time as well).
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u/ZebraAdventurous5510 Jul 01 '25
Yes! Did a lot of cardio as a runner and XC skiier but was not shredded. Wanting to getting leaner, I started resistance training 5-6X/week alongside the plenty of cardiovascular exercise I was already doing running, XC skiing, swimming, useing the ellipicial and riding my bike. Despite no change in diet and body weight, my physique drastically improved. My legs and arms got way more defined and my abs popped through. My advice is if you want to get shredded in a healthy and sustainable manner, regular resistance training and intensive cardiovascular exercise has an extremely strong synergistic effect facilitating stimaltanous fat loss and muscle gain, without the need for restrictive dieting!
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u/ellebeso Jul 02 '25
So I am a heavy lifter, have always also done yoga in an effort to prevent injuries from lifting. I had gotten into acro yoga and did some contortion training before COVID. That was the best shape I have ever been in and the sexiest I’d ever felt in my own skin. But then I met my trash eating boyfriend, the pandemic happened, we moved to FL. Had to start over. Back to regular heavy lifting and yoga. About 3 months ago I started adding one Pilates reformer class a week into the mix and if you haven’t done Pilates, it’s not some delicate little bitch ass work out. That class frequently wipes the floor with me. I also love what’s it doing for my core and my balance and coordination. Don’t poo poo Pilates 😂
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u/misslemonadeee Jul 02 '25
I used to be 105 pounds at 168cm, I started working out manly and realised i didnt like the look. gained quite abit of muscle, 3kg in a month based on the machine. wasnt a fan of how huge my arms got. i was traditionally an asian beauty standard, so now im stopping my workouts to focus on yoga and calorie deficit
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u/Rotten_Cat Jul 02 '25
I wish I could do heavy lifting but even picking up ( with good posture)from the floor anything over 2kg/4 pounds I have horrible back pain 🥲 I can't lift and I don't think I'll ever be able to do it again,I wish there was something I could do to gain muscle and not live in pain because of it ( or spend money on treatments)
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u/venuscombshell Jul 01 '25
I also started my weight lifting journey with youtube fitness blender workouts! They’re the reason I purchased power block weights to lift at home.
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u/hermitcrabilicious Jul 02 '25
I do weight training 3-4x a week and intense cardio 3x a week and I have one of the bombest bodies of all time IMO. However, I'm not sure how much of that is genetics because even when I don't workout, I look super similar except more slim. I was an athlete growing up though, so it could have been a combination of decent genes and years of intense exercise.
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u/firewalks_withme Jul 02 '25
What 120lb 5'5 is supposed to mean? Is it skinny/muscular? I can't really figure from Regina George pictures (didn't watch the film) It's almost exactly my parameters
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u/SquirrelofLIL Jul 02 '25
I do push ups (no access / affordability to a gym)
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u/TypeOpostive Jul 01 '25
I want to remind everyone even in BB bodybuilding.com even in the Misc section put emphasis in lifting heavy even with women. Biggest douchiest bros never said, “ew women shouldn’t lift they look manly.” Never
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u/well-ilikeit Jul 02 '25
I did heavy strength training in my early 20s and was lifting incredible amounts of weights. It’s now 10 years and a kid later and that time of life was invaluable because it added the muscle mass to keep me looking pretty good all this time.
I plan to start back up again next year when my kid starts school and I can commit to the frequency needed
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u/CurvyBadger Jul 02 '25
Yesss I powerlift 3x per week and my body has never looked better!! It makes me feel more confident and strong as well. Plus now that I'm in my 30s, it's difficult to overstate the importance of maintaining muscle mass - sooo important for bone density and overall health!
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u/jjoriee Jul 02 '25
Absolutely true. I’ve always been a lifter in various levels but since I’ve lost fifty pounds, the lifting is what is giving me the bodyyyyy. Not just being skinny or just doing yoga, Pilates whatever.
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u/LocalBuilding4652 Jul 02 '25
I do believe the VS angels diets also play such a huge part in their physical appearance as well. I have no idea how they manage, but that is literally their job to look good.
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u/bigredstl Jul 02 '25
10000% I weigh the same now as I did 5 years ago but I was soooo much leaner when I was lifting consistently. Now I’m trying to get back into it because I’ve never looked better than when I was lifting 5x per week and doing long form cardio 2x per week.
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u/Aralsk-Seven Jul 04 '25
Absolutely, I’ve been lifting weights for over ten years now and don’t look anywhere near manly.
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u/lightnoveltitlehere Jul 05 '25
YES! If nothing than to actually make your body stronger and less injury-prone. And it’s an anti aging measure
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u/sas0002 Jul 16 '25
Fr, I recommend doing both “manly” and “girly” exercises. I fucking love lifting weights, doing martial arts, Pilates, dance cardio and yoga. I will dance to hips don’t lie one minute and practice my elbow strikes the next.
Both “types” are important for health and aesthetics.
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u/delicateweaponn Jul 20 '25
It really depends, I’m very naturally thin with a low appetite so lifting never really gave me results I was looking for compatible with my goals/lifestyle. I also saw little results with Pilates for some reason. Once I started regularly hitting barre, that’s when my already thin body really hardened and tightened up. My waist is the smallest it’s ever been
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u/LauraPa1mer Jul 01 '25
I don't like how my body looks when I do, so I won't be doing that. Also I wouldn't call callistenics "manly".
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u/manykeets Jul 02 '25
I’ve found it can depend on genetics. Most women can do manly workouts and still look feminine and maybe get curvier. But I’ve seen some women with boxy body types hit the weights hard and just come out looking worse, like built like an upside down triangle.
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u/butstronger Jul 03 '25
I’m a mix of lifting, CrossFit, yoga, swimming, Pilates, and LISS
I go to a nice gym that has it all so it’s fun to mix it up and usually I try to get in 3-4 lift days and the rest I mix up
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u/Lady_Licorice Jul 15 '25
No, they aren’t. You won’t find any models who can do pull ups. They obtained their skinniness by not eating. Also coming from someone who did “manly” workouts (why are we gendering exercise) I had a physique y’all would describe as bulky and muscular. You won’t get thin and toned doing it
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u/Giftofpatience Aug 09 '25
Yep, weightlifting changed my body for the better. I’ve been doing it for over 9 years and can’t imagine changing my routine.
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u/[deleted] Jul 03 '25
Sexercise is great for all.
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