[Adispatcher]

I've been lifting weights about three days a week & cardio a couple times a week, sometimes depending on mine & my husband's work schedule (since he has to be home w/the baby before I can get to the gym) I am only able to lift weights two days a week. Anyway the workout I've been following I received from a personal trainer that works at the gym I go to. It's a wonderful work out that works great for me. I was wondering what supplements or protein shakes I can drink/take to help me buff up more & faster while working out. I don't want to look manly but I definitely want my muscles to be visible. Right now I just take a multi vitamin.

[Eileen G]

You won't look manly. You've recently had a baby so it's a pretty sure bet that you do not have abnormal levels of testosterone, and that's the only way a woman who lifts weights can look masculine.

A whey shake after lifting weights is a good addition to a weights program. Take it within 30 minutes of finishing. Look for a whey with at least 80g of whey per 100g of powder. Avoid anything with the words "Mass" or "Gain" in the title.

A multi is good. So is fish oil, and most women benefit from some extra cal/mag and vitamin D.

Some women get good results with creatine in their shake, but it varies.