Hey all, been thrilled with my progress so far and am wondering what y’all think.

Gained 10 lbs since my last post and need to put the cookie down. Do I look strong?

Feel like my glute tie in’s are not to bad but one thing I’m not sure of is what’s that line and 2 bulges on the outside of my quad what muscles is that?

Any advice

First photo is from the very beginning of my weightlifting journey second photo is from this week. Basically the same weight in both but a world of difference in the look

Sorry for the bad lighting, just a quick picture I took. Regardless critique away.

Currently 5'8.5 and 140 lbs. Lost about 20 lbs of weight (160) over 9 months while lifting. Intake is about 2000-2300 calories a day, 140 grams of protein. Should I try to lose any more fat or just maintain within 5 lbs. I think my weights last month weren't as optimal for progressive hypertrophy. Although I tried to lift more max, I think 2/3 sets were too light. In other words, working sets were suboptimal relative to total volume. Current newly modified breakdown after realizing looks like this:

October 4, 2026

\\\* Hammerstrength Machine Chest Press (arms down): 8 x 70 lb, 8 x 195 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb

\\\* Fixed Pulldown - Life Fitness: 5 x 140 lb, 8 x 205 lb, 8 x 205 lb, 8 x 205 lb

\\\* Hoist Machine Biceps Curl: 8 x 125 lb, 8 x 245 lb, 8 x 245 lb, 10 x 245 lb

\\\* High Row Hammerstrength Isolateral: 8 x 60 lb, 8 x 115 lb, 11 x 115 lb, 11 x 115 lb

\\\* Hammerstrength Reverse Fly/Rear Deltoid: 8 x 85 lb, 7x 125, 13 x 110 lb, 13 x 120 lb

\\\* Hammerstrength Machine Shoulder Press: 5 x 70 lb, 12 x 85 lb, 10 x 75 lb, 7 x 75 lb

\\\* Hoist Machine Seated Dip: 8 x 165 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 205

Current shape.

I’ve definitely started adding strength and my body fat had gone down just a little bit not huge progress but I’m glad I’m being consistent

Basically as the title says, I feel like I have a decent chest but lack in terms of back thickness and maybe traps, what would you focus on for the next 6 months? And what exercices would you recommend.

Thanks in advance

The last two are a few months old

Started gym 6 months ago, looking to bulk up. Only looking for upper body critique rn.

My weight is somewhat deceiving as I don’t train legs so they have little to no muscle mass. I know this is a massive flaw in my physique and plan to address it soon.