Need a little encouragement

[sskeckowski]

I am underweight and am determined to gain weight through increasing muscle and becoming more cut. I have been lifting for a long time with heavy weights so I am on my way. I want to know what the appropriate weight for someone who is 5'4'' with a very small build yet with a lot of muscle mass is. I know I should be at least 108 for a healthy BMI, however, I know that doesn't account for someone with more muscle mass. What is a good weight for a person with my body type to still be thin yet look cut? Also, how many calories should I be eating at this higher weight?

[freebirdmac]

According to my trainer, 125 pounds. Given where I'm at now, I think he's pretty darn close. If you want to compete, that would put you back down to around 115 for a competition.

[sskeckowski]

see, to me, that sounds too high!! I think I need to associate the weight with a picture to boost my motivation and confidence!!

[freebirdmac]

I know! Here are the search results for women 5'4" weighing between 110 and 130 http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/search.php?searchid=5712652

[sskeckowski]

Wow, thank you so much for being sooo incredibly helpful with your posts! I really appreciate it! This is really helpful for me considering I have been through an eating disorder and though I am recovered and am taking care of myself, sometimes I need to actually see what it looks like to weigh these numbers to realize no, I will not be fat! haha

[sportyhp]

ya that sounds right don't worry too much about it! i'm like an inch at the most taller than you and i hover around 124/125

[freebirdmac]

No problem! I'm recovering from food intolerances that sent my weight plummeting. I too am fighting the psychological battle of needing to gain weight, but not wanting fat. I had to see for myself what a muscular higher weight looked like.

Just be realistic, women typically gain about 1 pound of muscle of month under good circumstances. So this is a long ride up. But it will be so worth it! And you'll look better and better every step of that way.

[sskeckowski]

Thanks so much for the encouragement!