Do you think its possible for me to look like this?

Well it worked for me, maybe it'll work for her. Instead of everyone saying NO it won't, I shedded some light on the situation by saying its possible. I know what I did [me personally] to achieve my goal [the same one I am assuming she is aiming for] and it worked.
 
I agree Kasey. A little too much negativity going on. She could definitely reach that body type if she desired. Wether its healthy or not, thats a whole different subject. :D Genetics to confine you in certain ways, but they can be overcome. If I wanted to look like Arnold I could totally do it with about 10 hard years in the gym, and some roids. :D
 
I see both points....While, yes, it is possible to become thin and toned, NOTHING can change bone structure (except surgery). For example, it looks like your friends legs bow out a little and don't touch at the thighs. While you can try to get your legs to do the same thing, it might not end up being IDENTICAL if your skeleton does not naturally do the same thing. Everyone is different and has their own unique and beautiful qualities. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....and I personally think you are shaped better than she is...
 
10 years and all the roids in the world and I'd still bet against that statement NB. My body has the genetic proclivity to carry a good base of muscle. I've been training for 10 years +. If I added all the right steroids over that time frame, I still wouldn't get close to Arnold's physique.

Genetics aren't something we overcome. Everyone has a Current Point. With consistent effort, balanced training, and smart diet.... they have a Future Point, which may look completely different than the Current Point.

A 'new you' even.

They did not, however, overcome their genetics. They simply followed their genetic spectrum to the opposite end.

I'm not sure why I'm harping on this since it's being viewed/skewed as some sort of negative attack but that's truly not the intent and it's certainly NOT what it is.

I hope the OP is observant and rational enough to see that.

This is equivalent to the following discussion:

Person A: Elephants can fly.

Person B: They can if they want to.

Me: Elephants cannot fly, unfortunately.

Person B: You are negative, elephants can too fly.

All along I've been speaking generally about the flawed logic people use about setting their goals based on other people's physiques. If you can't see that for what it is (advice) then I'm not sure what else I can do. My intent is to help; not disappoint. I've seen all too often in my line of work people, especially women, come prancing into gyms carrying a photo cut out from a magazine claiming, "Help me to look like this!"

As if it's a hairstyle that we can correct with a pair of scissors. Working in the capacity of a professional, I view it my duty to banish illogical thought processes that will more than likely lead to future frustration.

Sue me.

Maybe it would help if we spoke more specifically.

To the original poster... you are very beautiful. If you aren't happy with what you currently look like in terms of physique, there isn't a doubt in my mind that you can make huge progress. Said progress will take you to a point that I'm sure you'll be happy with.

Who knows, you might end up looking similar to the 'ideal photo' you posted. It's hard to say based on one photograph of you and her. My only point all along is just b/c there's a chance that your genetics might lead to a similar physique as the one in the photo... it's not always the wisest thing to benchmark too. Actually, in my experience, it's most often not the wisest thing to do.

Like it or not, genetics bind all of us. Who knows, your genetic proclivity might lead to a body you're more happy with compared to the 'ideal photo' you posted. It's a simple matter of digging in, being consistent and positive, and managing expectations.
 
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Here Here!! I agree!

I always wanted to look like a Victoria Secret Model... but with these curves it will never happen... and without a boob job too! ha ha... But I am okay with that... they are too "skinny" anyway! If we could change our genetics we would all look the same... and boo to looking like everyone else!

Like I said before and as Steve said you are beautiful!

Edit: And I forgot to mention that if you work toward your goal, eventually that image of the "dream body" will fade and you will be happy with all your hard work whether or not your body looks like hers in the long run!
 
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My point was that its not your job to manage peoples expectations. If I think I can look like arnold and I want to strive towards that goal and work hard at it, then thats what I should do. If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun!". If you don't want to be supportive then you could just STFU ;). True, I may never look exactly like arnold in his Mr Olympia days, but maybe I'll see certain things. "Oh, my shoulders are starting to get a lot more defined, my calves are getting some serious mass, etc."

I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are. As they make progress they'll realize things on their own and their expectations will change. IMO

YES the original poster is beautiful, I think she looks better than the other girl. If thats your goal though, go for it girl. It will take some hard work but I'm sure you can get there.
 
This photo is of me at 155 pounds.. I will post my photo of me right now and the photo of the body I would die for!! Do you think this is possible for my body type to acheive?

I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are.

What you mean to say is it's only acceptable when you're telling them what they want to hear, because a nice guy would never ever ever do otherwise. :rofl:

I agree with you that it's better to empower than to take away, but I think you're confused about the difference between true encouragement and creating unrealistic expectations that are bad for morale in the long run.
 
My point was that its not your job to manage peoples expectations.

On here, nope. It's simply a portal for all of us to share points of view. It would be cool though if it were a job! :p

In real life, as a trainer, you damn well better believe it's my job to manage people's expectations. Or at least help them to do so on their own.

So I'm not sure what you're referring to with your above statement... the former or latter?

If I think I can look like arnold and I want to strive towards that goal and work hard at it, then thats what I should do. If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun!". If you don't want to be supportive then you could just STFU ;). True, I may never look exactly like arnold in his Mr Olympia days, but maybe I'll see certain things. "Oh, my shoulders are starting to get a lot more defined, my calves are getting some serious mass, etc."

I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are. As they make progress they'll realize things on their own and their expectations will change. IMO

Yea, that would be fine if that's how things played out in real life commonly.

Too bad it's not the common experience, especially with women. I see your point. Shoot for the moon... if you miss you'll be among the stars. We were just talking about this in my journal yesterday... or someplace around here.

I'm a huuuggggeee believer in setting BIG goals.

I'm also a firm believer in being logical.

These two things must be mixed. In my experience, take it for what you will, in real life scenarios people hold on to illogical goals and expectations to the end. Instead of being dynamic and flexible in their approach, their poor logic starts butting heads with reality. Frustration sets in. People give up.

I'm not suggesting this is everyone. It might not be the case with you, NB. If it's not, chalk yourself up there as one of the logical, rational, flexible, dynamic, bright ones. :)

But when it comes to my role as a trainer and my experience with a rather large spectrum of clientèle, what you're saying doesn't mesh with the reality of it all from my perspective.

So STFU ;)

Ya see, being realistic and guiding expectations to the logical realm doesn't automatically mean I'm being negative or I'm being unsupportive. It's not so black and white.

I educate, align expectations with said education, and than support, cheer, motivate and whatever else you want to add to the list.
 
Focus posted at the same time and put it much more succinctly than me, but nonetheless I agree wholeheartedly.
 
If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun

Part of being supportive though, at least in my experience around "support" forums and the real world - is to tell people where they are going wrong and not feeding into what could be a delusion or keeping false hope alive...

If you want to look like Arnold - go for it... I'll encourage you to work hard... but if you start shooting 'roids... I'm not going to sit back and say go for it...

People have to work within their capabilities and be the best that they can possibly be - given the work that they are willing to put in...

the OP asked what we thought -it's really not up to us -it's really up to her - and whatshe's willing to do..
 
[Focus];474436 said:
What you mean to say is it's only acceptable when you're telling them what they want to hear, because a nice guy would never ever ever do otherwise. :rofl:

I agree with you that it's better to empower than to take away, but I think you're confused about the difference between true encouragement and creating unrealistic expectations that are bad for morale in the long run.

Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.
 
Part of being supportive though, at least in my experience around "support" forums and the real world - is to tell people where they are going wrong and not feeding into what could be a delusion or keeping false hope alive...

If you want to look like Arnold - go for it... I'll encourage you to work hard... but if you start shooting 'roids... I'm not going to sit back and say go for it...

People have to work within their capabilities and be the best that they can possibly be - given the work that they are willing to put in...

the OP asked what we thought -it's really not up to us -it's really up to her - and whatshe's willing to do..

I couldn't agree more.

As for me, I dont think its delusional to think she could drop 40lbs and look like that. So I think she can.
 
Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.

You're still confusing what I'm saying or I'm not saying it clearly. Either or, the horse is dead.
 
Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.

You are seriously failing at getting the point. Here's what you're saying to me: "YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY KNOW THE FUTURE, SO YOU SHOULD SAY NICE THINGS." You also seem to be confused about what rational argumentation is - Your statement refutes your position, but not mine. You are saying she absolutely can, and I'm saying she probably can, but keep in mind certain possible limitations. Which one of us is claiming certainty about the future, hmm?

All I've done is point out that your beef with Steve makes no sense, as he is also on our side (but, like myself, lacking your divorce with logical consistency). Did you read my original post in this thread?
 
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You're still confusing what I'm saying or I'm not saying it clearly. Either or, the horse is dead.

I'm pretty sure you said it quite clearly, and I even paraphrased it for you. I think we can safely assume the horse died of natural causes. ;)
 
I'd rather skip the reading part and just make illogical assumptions :D

My point was that you guys are nitpicking, but agreed... dead horse.
 
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As for the OP yes its possible.

Steve your a personal trainer? Thats great, especially since you can offer advice when needed. You aren't the only one with a brain full of knowledge. I was a personal Training Leader when I was in the Military [I am no longer one because my enlistment ended last July and I opted to get out], took numerous amounts of nutrition and fitness classes and led Physical Training sessions for my Squadron 3-4 days a week..... Im not [that] dumb you know ;)
 
Oh, I think the poor things still has a heart beat...

Nit picking what exactly?

As I said to you in my previous post... this is something that often times really becomes an issue with people's success, happiness and consistency. I don't see that as nit picking.
 
As for the OP yes its possible.

It's possible for her to successfully lose fat and look great or it's possible for her to have that other person's body?

Steve your a personal trainer? Thats great, especially since you can offer advice when needed.

I suppose.

You aren't the only one with a brain full of knowledge.

Who said I have a brain full of knowledge?

I'm pretty average, at best.

I was a personal Training Leader when I was in the Military [I am no longer one because my enlistment ended last July and I opted to get out], took numerous amounts of nutrition and fitness classes for the Military.....

Yea, I'm a trainer. It's an industry that's in a sad state of affairs. Anyone can call themselves a trainer nowadays unfortunately. Have you trained outside of the military?

Im not [that] dumb you know ;)

Who called you dumb?

The assumptions are rampant around here.
 
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