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After I started lifting weights, my butt seemed to get bigger? Why?

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated: January 25, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: After I started lifting weights, my butt seemed to get bigger? Why?

Answer: Many women avoid weights because they think they'll bulk up. First, very few women have the capacity to build huge Incredible Hulk-like muscles because they don't have enough testosterone in their bodies to do so.

If it seems that you're getting bigger from lifting weights, it may be because you aren't losing body fat as fast as you're building muscle, which is a common probably many people experience when they start exercising. Genetics could also be playing a role.

If you feel your rear is expanding faster than you want, don't stop weight training! First, make sure you really are burning more calories than you eat (This article, How To Lose Weight, explains how}. Then, calm down and give your body time to respond to your workouts and healthy diet (you are eating a healthy diet, right?). It takes time to see results and some people won't see them for weeks or months. Now would be a great time to exercise your patience. Sorry...bad pun.

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