I can't tell you how excited I was to find out that this site existed! Fitness for nerds, by nerds? best thing ever. So uh. Intro stuffs! I'm Claire Max. I've been a cosplayer for about ten years and a nerd for 24. I may have seen some of you at conventions (it's likely, if you go to them). My interest in fitness started a couple years ago when I really got into the comic cosplay scene. I've been thin (usually underweight) my whole life, so i've never really had to work out to stay "skinny" like so many women do. I was a dancer for 15 years and just eventually got used to everyone saying "OMG YOU'RE SO SKINNY." I ate whatever I wanted, it's just how I was. In the past year or so I've really cleaned up my diet, eating more protein and less Oreos and ice cream (lol). My fiance (who goes by Clyde Max around the interwebz, we usually travel as a team) is an Army captain, and very valuable in giving me workout advice. Strength training wasn't something I ever did before, but I've been slowly but surely making progress. Currently I'm working on trying to build muscle, which is a challenge due to my ectomorphic body type. Any advice on that front, especially from women with similar body types, would be super appreciated! Currently I'm 5'5", 110 pounds, 15% body fat. I'd describe myself as skinny-toned, i guess, but if I could gain 10 or so pounds of muscle I'd be super happy. Non-fitness stuff....I love comics, i read them like water. I love to go hiking here in the gorgeous rocky mountains with my fiance and our puppy. I'm a fashion design student and freelance costume and clothing designer/seamstress. Need a costume? I can help you out! *pimp pimp* haha. I'm also a big movie buff, i like sci-fi, fantasy, action, drama, comedy....but not romantic comedies. Those make me gag. So uh. I guess I've written enough of a novel. here are some pictures of me and my costumery! From Dragon*Con, this past weekend! me as The "Martian Man-eater", part of the Gender-Bent JLA at Comic-Con. My original design "Burlesque Poison Ivy" costume, which I failed to win $1000 for. herp derp abs. And my workout buddy...he's not much help. lol. Well, I guess that's it, nice to meet you all! I'm off to explore this here forum.