I hate my upper body now — help me fix it

I’m so glad I found this sub. I’ve been weight training pretty seriously for the past 8 months - progressive overload programs in 4-6 week cycles — and honestly, it has worked too well.

I achieved a serious body recomposition, dropped 2 sizes in jeans, and I genuinely enjoy feeling sore & strong.

HOWEVER - I hate the way my upper body looks now. My chest is much broader, it feels like I’m stretching my shirts out, and I feel way too broad & bulky on top overall. It’s making me self conscious. I want to walk some of these changes back.

More context, if it helps: I’m 40yo, I have always been athletic my entire life and I build muscle easily. I had PCOS (naturally high testosterone) my whole life til I had my childten. Now I’m in perimenopause and using systemic estrogen gel (only localized progesterone via IUD).

Please tell me what exercises to AVOID so I can shrink back to my usual chest size and not be so broad and bulk across my chest?

I assume I should cut out chest presses & chest flies. What else ??

Should I also worry about pushups?

What about pull ups? I thought it would be a fun challenge to work up to doing unassisted pullups, but is this contributing to a broad upper body? Should I chill on this?

Dumbell pullovers — keep, or avoid?

I’m thinking of immediately replacing my upper body strength days with sculpt instead (3-5lb weights)

Any other tips or stories welcome, please 🙏

Posted Jun 3, 2026, 1:41 AM UTC

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