Suggestions on how to build strong yet lean, lengthened, stretched muscles

[Cowgirl32]

Originally Posted by Aurora C.

Thanks, I haven't had any dramatic results with Pilates, never really felt challenged enough, even with years of apparatus training...felt too much like I was just killing time so I finally gave up on it. Even though I still do have some Winsor DVDs, I never use them.

In the past, I initially slim down when I switch to lighter weight workouts/higher reps(e.g.: TA/Barre workout genre) with cardio added in, but over time my body stops responding to it and my pants actually start getting tighter..

Then I go back to heavier strength training and voila, inches start coming off. So, I don't find those workouts allow me to build and maintain lean definition YMMV. I like doing a combination of things

[Lucky Star]

Originally Posted by Aurora C.

I have the Ballet Body set, & although I found them okay, I somehow didn't find them all that inspiring...perhaps it's the length of them for use as add-ons, the dark background or Leah's more athletic than ballerina-like build (not that she doesn't look fit, strong, healthy & great, she does! But I've already got athletic, I'm going for something else now).

So Leah doesn't have the long lean physique you're looking for? If *she* looks too athletic for your liking then I can't imagine either the Venus Index or Action Hero Babe programs would work for you since I believe they're aimed at creating figure comp physiques which certainly look more muscular and athletic than Leah.

My guess is you'd probably do better with Classical Stretch or Tracy Anderson.