...pics prior to attempting to bulk (and lose a little fat)

Hey -

I'm new to the board, though not new to weight training. Thought I'd say hi, and post a few pictures, prior to the second week of my new 5x5 routine. Ultimately, would love to build up to approximately Monica Brant proportions (without any artificial enhancements, of course! ) :

(Okay, not too much development here...yet)

You have great upper body definition! Especially in the shoulders. A lot of women tend to be weaker on their upper half. You seem to have the same body type as me. I don't have so much definition in my legs, but my upper body does.

Squats are getting me good results though!

Good luck!

Hey, thanks!

It's funny...I keep hearing about how women have better lower body strength, etc, etc...but I've personally always been more of a UBO (Upper Body Only). I train legs. but they just don't respond as quickly as my upper body. As a martial artist, that was always my problem in my Jujitsu practice. You have to squat to throw well, and my legs are a bit of a weak point...

But I'm working with the squats and deadlifts, so we'll see how it goes.

I have to agree - that's quite the upper body for a "starting point"!!

Good luck with your 5x5 - let us know how it goes!

Really strong upper body! I'm already very impressed by these "before" pics! Especially shoulders and upper pecs look strong. Biceps too!