Body shape will certainly change with a consistent program of weight lifting. The degree to which it changes and the precise way that it changes depends on a lot of factors -- body type, original condition, exercise program being done, age, diet.

But for women who have some body fat to lose, resistance training will typically lead to smaller overall girth.

A temporary increase in measurements in some areas is not uncommon, maybe especially in beginners.

But it's actually quite difficult for most women to "bulk up" via weight training alone. Most need a special diet as well as an individualized exercise program for this to happen.

What Marley says is true to a degree. Doing fewer reps with heavier weights tends to increase muscle size (if a diet is in place to support this and a proper program is followed.) Doing many reps with lighter weights tends to burn fat, which in turn reveals existing muscle.

But it's all relative. Even doing lots of reps with "lighter" weights will eventually build muscle -- when weights are progressed and nutrition is in place. And heavy lifting -- if done consistently enough -- will also boost metabolism and burn fat. And that results in smaller girth.

(Very sorry to have put you on the spot, Suz! Thank you.)

Oh, heck! Hang in there, Thistle! I'm sure you will find the right pair for you, especially with so much assistance. I often just pass some tall boots by since I know they won't work for me and my athletic calves. Keep up the exercise - it's all good!

No probs, Mochi! But apologies to Thistle for threadjacking!

My first comment still holds. Tall boots are one of the toughest fits out there for most of us. I sure find them difficult to fit, anyway. And it sounds as if lots of others do as well! Before YLF, I thought I was the only one.

I am so sorry, Thistle. I suffer with the same issue. I was a dancer in college, and my calves have always been extremely muscular. As it stands currently, they are muscular AND I am carrying too much weight for my frame, so tall boots are extraordinarily difficult to fit. My favourite boots are actually from the Netherlands, so that doesn't help anything. I have a horrible finding anything that fits, ever, so I will watch this thread to see if there are more suggestions for wide calf options.

But as you know, it is well worth it. Like you said, bones (and muscle strengh, too) are more important than boots, and this is really proof that your workouts are working! I consider that a victory!

Thanks for the insight, Suz.

So, I am a beginner, at least for heavier weights. I did light weights and they really did little for me. Perhaps too light.

Maybe because I am a beginner things are happening faster. I am surprised at my biceps. They are the most noticeable to me because they are so close to my face. I actually have little muscles now. First time ever where I flex and there is a real muscle. There is even a little one at rest. It is weird. I had thought it would take at least a year for this.

I have been following the New Rules of Weight Lifting including upping my protein intake, I am using protein powder. Yeah, not ideal, but I hate eggs and it is the only way I can get enough protein.

Maybe my legs will return to their old shape. Who knows, I just hope I am building bone.