Skinny fat or just regular fat?

Samithesizzler

I'm 5'4 128lbs
I've been using mfp for a month now and have lost 4lbs I always make sure to meet my calorie goal or get close to it and I always meet my protein goal.
After spending time lurking on bodybuilding.com I've come to the conclusion that I may be skinny fat. The site said basically the only way to get rid of skinny fat is to start lifting. Is this true? I've included a photo so you can get a visual as to what I'm dealing with here.

VintageFeline

With your height and weight, you are in a healthy range so probably yes to skinny fat. It just means relatively high body fat percentage for weight.

So to improve that/improve body composition lifting is the most efficient way to build muscle but it's not a fast or easy process. Strong Lifts, Strong Curves, New Rules Of Lifting For Women are all good programs to get going with.

seska422

I'm going to say neither.

You are female and shapely.

Not everyone is, or needs to be, ripped.

ARGriffy

I'm the same height, I'd recommend lifting yes (or a decent body weight routine of some form) but maybe keep in a little deficit too. That's how I tightened up my midsection and arms nearer the end like you are xx

FunkJunkie394

It depends on what is important to you.

If you are eating well and at a healthy weight you should have reasonable protection against chronic lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

If strength and looking more lean are important to you, then yes you are probably carrying a little bit more fat than you absolutely need.

You look lovely. No need to ask if you are this or that type of fat, you're a normal size.

Azdak

seska422 wrote: »

I'm going to say neither.

You are female and shapely.

Not everyone is, or needs to be, ripped.

It's not a question of being "ripped". OP asked an academic question based on her ht/wt and perception. Based on the stats and the picture, I would estimate a lean mass of under 90lbs. That increases the long-term risk for sarcopenia and osteoporosis. For this person, lifting weights has health benefits independent of any aesthetic.

Samithesizzler

So when I start a weight lifting regime should I still eat in a calorie deficit? Also, how do I learn proper form and how to use the machines without hiring a personal trainer because that's not realistic for me financially right now.

dark_sparkles37019

You will need to eat at maintenance or extra calories in the form of protein to build muscle.

trigden1991

It doesn't really matter how you would define or describe yourself, or what others think. What you would benefit from is lifting weights whether in a slight deficit or at maintenance.

rybo

Like others have said, don't strength train for aesthetics, strength train for the long term health benefits. And since you are at a weight you are good with, eat at maintenance. Also don't panic when you get a spike in weight, undertaking a strength program can cause muscles to retain water. There are TONS of information on the internet to look up form & programs to follow. Stick with a basic full body program. If you want to do things at home YAYOG & convict conditioning are decent resources too.

psuLemon

Samithesizzler wrote: »

So when I start a weight lifting regime should I still eat in a calorie deficit? Also, how do I learn proper form and how to use the machines without hiring a personal trainer because that's not realistic for me financially right now.

I would still be in a deficit and eat adequate protein. To learn form, there are a few ways. You can go onto youtube and look at videos from people like Scott Hermann, pick up a copy of Starting Strength by Mark Riptoe (world renowned strength coach) or you go the strength guide in the link below; Greg Nuckols has a bunch on articles on how to do the core lifts.


http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

LivingtheLeanDream

You're at a healthy weight for your height but you would really benefit from some strength training/lifting - it really does work wonders for shaping the body (plus it helps preserve muscle which is important as we get older)

mitch16

Um... You gave birth 3 months ago. Your body is still healing, and it will be some time before it's truly back to normal. Obviously it won't harm you to start a lifting program, but give yourself a little slack--it's not really "skinny fat", it's just post-partum.

megmo1985

Please be careful if you start lifting if you only had a baby 3 months ago, especially if you had a c-section. There are some things you might need to start a little slower with or with less weight. They usually say 6-8 weeks before you start a workout routine and even then just listen to your body. Things are going to feel a little different and you will need to get used to it. You look great and I think you will love lifting. Just listen to your body and start slow. Best of luck mama!

Stella3838

trigden1991 wrote: »

It doesn't really matter how you would define or describe yourself, or what others think. What you would benefit from is lifting weights whether in a slight deficit or at maintenance.

Absolutely agree. Strength training should be a regular workout for most people. It's just good stuff.