u/Civil-Garbage-5493

Me and my sister are the same weight, and I’m taller, but you would never think so. We’re both around 120 I’m 5’6 she’s 5’4. I have fat in my back, love handles, and stomach, while she got in her lower body and it makes her look so good. I know it’s genetic lottery because my other sister looks just like me and another one looks like her. So I guess it’s just luck as which genetics you ended up with. Anyways I’m just so jealous. Same parents but I somehow ended up with the bad parts so much love handles and back fat for how lean I am while she looks like a model. anyone have the same problem and how do I deal with it, I can’t go any lower in weight because of my health.

I’ve been training since November (6 months) specifically to grow my glutes, and I have seen zero physical progress. I am a 19F, 5'6", 121 lbs. I am eating 2,000 calories a day and hitting my protein, so I know I’m not "undereating," but my body isn't changing.

The Main Issues:

1. I feel nothing in my glutes. During Hip Thrusts, RDLs, and Bridges, my glutes stay "silent" or go numb after the first set. Even with bodyweight or no weight, I can’t "find" the muscle.

2. Back Pain. My lower back starts hurting almost immediately, even when I try to focus on form, tucking my pelvis, and bracing my core.

3. The "Wall." I can usually get through one decent set, but by the second set, it’s like the connection is totally severed. I haven't been able to finish a "full" workout in months because I get so frustrated and in pain that I have to walk away.

What I’ve already tried:

• Pre-workout carbs (rice cakes, honey, bananas)—usually makes me feel worse/sluggish.

• Waiting 4–5 minutes between sets.

• Lowering the weight/doing bodyweight only.

• Tweaking foot placement (higher, lower, wider, toes flared).

• Glute activation (clamshells, etc.) before lifting.

I am sick and tired of walking out of the gym feeling like I failed. Has anyone else dealt with this "numbness" and back pain for months? How did you finally get the "click" where your glutes actually started taking the load?

Is it my mobility? Is it my height/proportions? Please be real with me, because I’m about ready to give up.