Skinny fat?

NancyKhuu

Hello all!

So I haven't been working out for half a year since school started in August. I was doing Insanity and I found that it made me feel so fatigue and sore that it was hurting my grades. So I stopped. Now I want to work out again but decided that I might have to try other workout program. I'm very short in time and energy being in college and other responsibilities, not gonna lie, and I don't think I have the emotional motivation like when it was summer. I need to find a suitable workout program, if anyone has a good suggestions let me know.
Also, I was wondering if I am classified as "skinny fat". If yes, what should I do? Any specific workout? Please be honest you're not going to upset me or anything.
Female. 21yo. 106lbs. 5'2".
Thanks!

eimaj5575

I think I am skinny fat. 5'3 and 123. Not tone so I would like to hear responses to change this skinny fat crap.

ModernNerd

Lift heavy! I've only been at the weight training thing since mid-January and am already delighted with how my figure has smoothed out. At this point, the only cardio I do serves purely as a stress reliever, not a full workout. Bodybuilding.com, nrolfw, and the ladies who compete on mfp are all wonderful resources. If you're worried about cheating yourself, find a gym partner who will push you through your workouts.

In terms of the time constraints, it really comes down to how badly you want it I'm afraid. I'm also a college student, so I completely relate. On top being in a rigorous technical major, I have two jobs and hold a primary position in a research lab, but I still make time for myself. Sure, don't kill yourself, I know that if I'm looking at upcoming exams or work reviews then gym time definitely is cut into. One tool that has helped me immensely is having a Google calendar. You might be surprised by how much free time you actually have scattered throughout the day:)

Feel free to PM me if there's anything specific I can help with or if you'd like to see my routine. I'd love to help!

Mischievous_Rascal

Check out Stronglifts 5x5. It's a quick workout, comparatively speaking, and it's all about progressive lifting, which will help with any "skinny fat" issues you may have.

moment_to_arise

i agree. starting lifting heavy. try strong lifts 5x5

Roadie2000

I don't think you are skinny fat but that picture is kind of small. I don't really like classifying other people anyway.

The program I would recommend would depend on your goals and what type of equipment you have access to.

erickirb

lift heavy, and get adequate protein

Orion782

If you liked the HIIT cardio based style of Insanity yet don't want to feel so drained, look at Focus T25. I've done Insanity and T25, and I prefer T25. Still kicks your tail, gets you into good shape, and doesn't take a ton of your time (25 minutes).

Otherwise, lifting heavy on a 5x5 program is solid advice, too.

hill8570

If Insanity was too much, might want to try a shorter toning workout (T25, P90x3) to tighten things up. Takes a week or so to get into the swing of it, but 25-30 minutes is usually fairly easy to fit into a day.

Dedshot

I'm 5" 3' and and before I started working out and I was just eating whatever I wanted, I was about 102. I was always very small but I was never strong. After about 6 weeks of lifting (6x/week) and some cardio (2-5x/week) I now weigh 105 and I have muscles for the first time ever! I eat a lot of protein as well. Just a little example from me.

wamydia

I think the answer to this question is always to find something that you like to do so that you will want to actually go and do it. There are plenty of great workout programs, but the truth is that if you don't like to do it, you aren't going to be able to find the energy or motivation to stick with it long term. Are there any intramural sports teams that you may think about joining? How about a class in something like aerobics or even martial arts? Are you a social person that may be more likely to hit the gym or go for a jog with friends? If so, you may want to first focus on trying to find some exercise buddies. What about swimming? It's great exericse that may people really enjoy. If your school doesn't have an indoor pool, check our the local YMCAs to see if there is one with a pool nearby.

The other thing to remember is that exercise doesn't always need to be about flat out exhausting yourself. On days when you have the energy, go all out with your exercise plan. On days when you just don't have it in you, it's OK to just settle for going for a walk or do something more low key. The important thing is to keep moving and to track your calories in and out accurately.