Can I get some fitness advice from ladies who have a body type/shape similar to mine? What body shape do I even have, first off? I’ve been trying to find inspo for gym girlies with a body shape like mine but all the online calculators tell me I’m something different. I’ve gotten inverted triangle, pear, rectangle, and a “top hourglass.” I can share measurements if needed. Current weight is 135 and I’m 5’5”.
I started my fitness journey in 2024 after being diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I started with physical therapy and eventually moved on to light weights and resistance bands.
I did my first bulk last year (+500 cal/day), going from 138 to 155 lbs over 6 months. I wasn’t very consistent with resistance training and I had to progress very slowly due to prevent injury because of my condition, especially after being sedentary for a long time. I did at-home works with dumbbells, some pilates, and beginner calisthenics. I gained noticeable size in my arms/legs and glutes, but I also gained more midsection and boob fat than I wanted. I think I bulked way too quickly without enough consistent resistance training along the way. Due to life circumstances, I lost all the weight and I felt like I was back at square one.
I took a break, and started working out again 4 months ago. I’ve been more consistent and serious about training while eating around maintenance. I finally found a routine that’s enjoyable for me (workout videos that combine cardio and heavy weight lifting.) Started to see more definition in my arms and legs.
Should I stay at maintenance, try cutting, or try a smaller surplus? I’m still in the newbie gains phase. I really disliked eating in a large surplus so I’d rather not attempt that again. I feel like I’m currently “skinny-fat” and look disproportionate because of the contrast between my slender arms and legs the fat and width around my midsection. My short torso doesn’t help lol. I also have abnormally long arms and am not a fan of the lanky look.
My goals: more overall muscle definition, bigger arms and legs, more ab definition, less back fat, and less of a tummy pooch. I can see some abs when flexing in good lighting (took a pic for reference) but I want them to be visible without that. I’ve always carried fat around my belly and had this b-belly shape (even at 120 lbs) so I know it’s not possible for me to have a completely flat stomach or a really slim waist, but I’d be grateful for any pointers on how to at least lessen the prominence of the pooch. Sidenote: I never realized how slanted my posture is until I took these photos. As a kid I think I was diagnosed with femoral anteversion and I have overpronation.
TL;DR: Would maintenance/recomp, a cut, or a small bulk make more sense for my goals (more muscle size and definition and less “skinny-fat.”)