So I am coming off a nearly 6 month long serious illness. I have lost a huge amount of muscle mass and I want to get fit again but I don't want to get big. When I lift weights I just seem to bulk up.
I was in the best shape of my life when all I did was trail run before my job working construction, rock climb or boulder after work and alpine climb on the weekends and vacations. I specifically made workouts out of my work e.g. lift and carry 4 x 6 beams by pinch gripping them, doing a set up pullups to failure every time I walked under a framed doorway, carrying two 90 lb sacks of cement at a time, etc. At 5'9" I weighed under 145#.
Following a spinal injury 10 years ago I began lifting weights in addition to running. Initially I followed recommendations in "Extreme Alpinism" then later found a trainier who specializes in climbers. Regardless of amount of weight, or number of times per week, high reps/low reps, etc I got really big. My weight ballooned to 185#.
I would like to keep the weight off but regain strength. Any hints on workouts to restore strength and muscle tone without getting big? Pilates? Yoga? Body weight only exercises? Just go climbing?
Thanks,
EB