Ladies, I have literally never been so happy with my physique as I am now! I do NOT believe in gatekeeping so this is exactly what I do to maintain my lean muscle mamí physique… it’s giving gym rat meets pilates princess.
1. My workout split is very strategic. I do leave room for extra pilates when I travel, but on a normal week I follow the exact split listed above in my post. I also will cater my lifts to my menstrual cycle to make them heaviest at ovulation and lightest during menstruation.
2. Avoid inflammatory foods. I’m sorry, but this is major for maintaining a lean, muscular build. Inflammation is bad for us in general so it’s always good to avoid or limit these things anyways.
... Read moreLadies, delving deeper into building that 'LEAN MUSCLE MAMÍ Physique' involves more than just hitting the gym; it's about a holistic approach! You saw my workout split, but let me share some more practical tips on how to truly maximize those '3 days of lifting' and integrate other elements for optimal results.
For your lifting days, focus on progressive overload. This means gradually increasing the weight, reps, or sets over time. Don't be afraid to lift heavy! Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses are your best friends as they work multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to greater strength and muscle development. Remember to prioritize proper form over heavy weight to prevent injuries. A typical split could be full-body three times a week, or an upper/lower split. I personally love focusing on one or two major muscle groups per session to really challenge them.
When it comes to those '3 days of Pilates or Lagree,' these aren't just for flexibility! They are incredible for building core strength, improving posture, and enhancing muscular endurance, which in turn supports your heavy lifts. Lagree, in particular, offers a high-intensity, low-impact workout that sculpts and tones by working your muscles to fatigue. The mind-body connection you develop through these practices is also invaluable for overall body awareness and control.
And let's not forget the '2 cardio sessions' and '1 day of rest.' For cardio, I often switch between LISS (Low-Intensity Steady State) like a brisk walk or cycling for longer durations, and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for shorter, more intense bursts. Listen to your body and choose what feels right. That '1 day of rest' is non-negotiable! This is when your muscles repair and grow. You can make it an active recovery day with light stretching or foam rolling.
Now, let's talk about nutrition, especially regarding what to 'LIMIT OR AVOID.' Those inflammatory foods like 'Alcohol, Refined sugar, Refined grains, and Fried foods' aren't just bad for general health; they actively hinder your physique goals. Alcohol can impair muscle recovery and lead to excess belly fat. Refined sugars and grains cause blood sugar spikes and inflammation, while fried foods are packed with unhealthy fats that contribute to fat storage.
Instead, fill your plate with whole, unprocessed foods. Think lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs), complex carbohydrates (oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil). Hydration is also key – I aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily. Meal prepping on a Sunday can be a game-changer for staying consistent with healthy eating throughout the week. Remember, building a lean, muscular physique is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, patience, and truly understanding what your body needs are the ultimate secrets to success!