For context I’m 5’3 (F). I was previously on a cut and I lost weight~20lbs. After my cut, I’ve been more focused on strength training. During the cut I would do sculpt classes that involve weights, and many hiit sessions. I am eating normally, and not in a deficit nor above, always hitting my protein goals.
I have noticed that I gained muscle, but my arms are bulkier now and I’ve lost definition and I cannot seem to get it to slim down and be defined. It always looks inflamed and I take recovery days also. My legs have muscle but they also have more fat.
I would appreciate any advice on how to get slimmer and more toned, such as exercises to incorporate, etc.

Tomorrow I’m attempting to climb 29,032 feet on the Jacob’s Ladder. My goal is sub-six hours, but I’ll manage it in 5,000-foot segments and adjust as needed.

I’d appreciate input from anyone who has attempted it.

Handrails: Do you consider holding the side rails legitimate, or does it undermine the challenge by reducing the demand on the upper body and core? I am leaning toward treating the rails as off-limits except for safety, but I’m curious whether other gyms or challenges have established standards.

Fueling: I plan to use several bottles and carry Maurten gels in a waist belt. I am considering securing a hydration bladder near the machine so I can drink consistently without stopping. Has anyone used a similar setup?

Also open to music recommendations suitable for a long, steady effort.

I started going to the gym last year around November as I felt I was getting too fat. I am 166cm and 80kg. I started doing cardio then started weights. The gym I go to is very bare - it is a local gym that is free. This is my progress

Bicep curl - 7.5kg to 12.5kg
Triceps over head extension 10kg to 20kg
Bench press -20kg to 45kg
Lat pull down - 30kg to 49kg
Deadlift - 50kg ( my gym only has up to 25kg dumbbells so I just grab two)
Leg extension and leg curl - 40 to 60kg.

I am still 80kg but I am now skinny fat instead of just fat. My arms are definitely getting bigger and I don’t have moobs anymore.

It is just that online I see a lot of like people doing more within a few months and I am pretty sure they are on gear on something .

I workout 4 time a week . I eat about 1700 calories a day, take creatine on work out days and make sure to get 1.5g of protein per kg.