HELP! need to lose arm and back 'fat' areas...PICS

mrs_schultz2012

Hi!

I am getting married in Sept of this year, and want to make my arms and back look better in my dress (and tone all areas, but that comes with time I'm sure and weights...which I've been working on). Any tips would be GREAT! Thank you all so much! I love MFP

MrsLVF

push ups, pull ups, & dips

MrsLVF

And, I love the dress, you look great in it. where did you find that?

rbn_held

Beautiful dress. Recommend Push-ups and Dips also. I really hate push ups but they are very effective

HMD7703

OHhhhhhhhh you look so beautiful. I think you are being hard on yourself because you look great as you are. However, I too am in need of some tightening in the arm area. I had great upper arms when I was in the Army - we did tons of push-ups. That might help you too.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!


BTW Congrats!

Stormyyy

Just popped in to say u look fantastic as you are and if you google ur problem areas u'll get exercises explained for that area.

Congrats

mrs_schultz2012

this is probably a stupid question, but what are Dips?? haha

Thank you all for the advice and the compliments!

I got it at a store in Fargo, ND called 'The Bridal Shop'.

I will start doing push ups tonight!

mrs_schultz2012

Just popped in to say u look fantastic as you are and if you google ur problem areas u'll get exercises explained for that area.

Congrats

thank you very much

mrs_schultz2012

OHhhhhhhhh you look so beautiful. I think you are being hard on yourself because you look great as you are. However, I too am in need of some tightening in the arm area. I had great upper arms when I was in the Army - we did tons of push-ups. That might help you too.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!


BTW Congrats!

thank you very much! and also thank you for being in the Army and everything you did for our country

ArroganceInStep

What kind of work out program are you doing currently?

If you're aiming to do this by September the first thing you should focus on is cutting body fat. That will help to achieve the look you're shooting for. The problem is, you can't control where that fat comes off your body, genetics largely dictates that. Eventually, once you lower your BF% past a certain point though, fat will come off in the areas you want.

You're diary is locked, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure you get lots of protein while you're weight lifting (stay under your calories of course too)

MrsLVF

this is probably a stupid question, but what are Dips?? haha

Thank you all for the advice and the compliments!

I got it at a store in Fargo, ND called 'The Bridal Shop'.

I will start doing push ups tonight!

The easy way to do dips:


The real way would be with your hands on 2 bars parallel to each other holding your body weight up and dipping down.

mrs_schultz2012

What kind of work out program are you doing currently?

If you're aiming to do this by September the first thing you should focus on is cutting body fat. That will help to achieve the look you're shooting for. The problem is, you can't control where that fat comes off your body, genetics largely dictates that. Eventually, once you lower your BF% past a certain point though, fat will come off in the areas you want.

You're diary is locked, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure you get lots of protein while you're weight lifting (stay under your calories of course too)

I guess I don't know if I would really call it a program. I go to the gym and lift weights....do arms and legs (alternating days) using the weight machines, not so confident with the free weights since I typically go alone, and do some sort of cardio about 5 days a week

mrs_schultz2012

this is probably a stupid question, but what are Dips?? haha

Thank you all for the advice and the compliments!

I got it at a store in Fargo, ND called 'The Bridal Shop'.

I will start doing push ups tonight!

The easy way to do dips:


The real way would be with your hands on 2 bars parallel to each other holding your body weight up and dipping down.

haha that is awesome! thank you!

skinnyack

Weird- same boat exactly (wedding in September and those are the areas I most want to hit). As an outsider- you look fantastic already and the dress is beautiful. But I know how you feel- It's like the one portion of body you are actually showing off and those strapless dresses tend to squish it for all the pictures to capture... Friend me if you'd like! I'm trying to do the 100 push ups program (there is an app and I believe a website). I have trouble lifting because of a shoulder injury. Thanks for posting!

mrs_schultz2012

Weird- same boat exactly (wedding in September and those are the areas I most want to hit). As an outsider- you look fantastic already and the dress is beautiful. But I know how you feel- It's like the one portion of body you are actually showing off and those strapless dresses tend to squish it for all the pictures to capture... Friend me if you'd like! I'm trying to do the 100 push ups program (there is an app and I believe a website). I have trouble lifting because of a shoulder injury. Thanks for posting!

I will send you a request for sure! I have trouble with some excercises because of back issues (very crooked spine). I will look into the 100 push up program! thank you!!

SamHughes15

Omg that dress is beautiful!

Try wide arm pressups, whenever i do them i really feel it in my back, good luck!
x

morgansmom02

Do you go to a gym that offers Bodypump? We do all sorts of moves in there that work the upper back. I have no idea what any of them are called though. BTW, I love that dress!

thelassiemickyjames

push ups, pull ups, & dips

yes!

momma3sweetgirls

Your dress is beautiful! I was too busy looking at the the classiness of your gown to notice your back or arms!

Cindym82

dress is beautiful btw but def push ups, dips lap, pull down bar, weights and different moves

KatManx

One word

KETTLEBELL !

Beautiful dress by the way!

mrs_schultz2012

Your dress is beautiful! I was too busy looking at the the classiness of your gown to notice your back or arms!

oooo thank you!!

mrs_schultz2012

One word

KETTLEBELL !

Beautiful dress by the way!

never heard of that....

thank you!!

mrs_schultz2012

thanks again everyone! I really appreciate all the tips and words of encouragment! it means a lot and keeps me going!

ArroganceInStep

What kind of work out program are you doing currently?

If you're aiming to do this by September the first thing you should focus on is cutting body fat. That will help to achieve the look you're shooting for. The problem is, you can't control where that fat comes off your body, genetics largely dictates that. Eventually, once you lower your BF% past a certain point though, fat will come off in the areas you want.

You're diary is locked, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure you get lots of protein while you're weight lifting (stay under your calories of course too)

I guess I don't know if I would really call it a program. I go to the gym and lift weights....do arms and legs (alternating days) using the weight machines, not so confident with the free weights since I typically go alone, and do some sort of cardio about 5 days a week

Ok, as I said, the most important thing is your diet. The best workout routine out there won't help if you're eating a calorie surplus, you'll gain weight.

Make sure you're getting enough protein, in my opinion MFP targets are extremely low and should be looked at as an absolute minimum. I double MFP's suggested protein intake and then some on a regular basis. The calorie suggestion from MFP is a good starting point, but don't take it as more than an estimate. Track your progress (do NOT expect to lose 100 lbs a week, and if you don't lose one week that doesn't mean it isn't working, these things take time) and adjust as needed.

Try to eat nutrient dense foods (read: whole foods) when possible. This may not directly contribute to weight loss but it does help with overall health and well being (read: eat well when you can, but don't go so crazy over it that you break your diet and binge like crazy...not that I've ever done that...yeah...)

Formalize a routine! There are plenty of theories out there as to what routine is best. Some people say low weights high reps, some say heavy weight low rep, some say do yoga upside down in the desert (I'm in the heavy weight boat if it matters, you won't bulk up and it's the best bang for your workout buck). Whatever routine you choose, what's universally agreed upon is that you have to challenge your body and up your intensity in order to improve. That is very difficult if you don't have a formal plan and track your progress. The best thing you can possibly do is take paper and a pen with you to the gym, have a workout routine setup, and try to beat your previous attempt EVERY time you hit the gym. If it's more reps, higher weight, whatever. You have to push yourself to get your body to respond and improve. If you need suggestions for routines: New Rules of Lifting for Women, StrongLifts 5x5, Jamie Eason's LiveFit. There are plenty of others too, those are just the ones I've heard of that are good. I do StrongLifts.

Last, but certainly not least, it's your wedding. You're going to look great, and if there is some tiny imperfection I guarantee that you're going to be the only one who notices. This is a great opportunity for you to kickstart a long term plan for improving your overall health and fitness, but don't get so stressed that you freak out before your wedding.

mrs_schultz2012

What kind of work out program are you doing currently?

If you're aiming to do this by September the first thing you should focus on is cutting body fat. That will help to achieve the look you're shooting for. The problem is, you can't control where that fat comes off your body, genetics largely dictates that. Eventually, once you lower your BF% past a certain point though, fat will come off in the areas you want.

You're diary is locked, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure you get lots of protein while you're weight lifting (stay under your calories of course too)

I guess I don't know if I would really call it a program. I go to the gym and lift weights....do arms and legs (alternating days) using the weight machines, not so confident with the free weights since I typically go alone, and do some sort of cardio about 5 days a week

Ok, as I said, the most important thing is your diet. The best workout routine out there won't help if you're eating a calorie surplus, you'll gain weight.

Make sure you're getting enough protein, in my opinion MFP targets are extremely low and should be looked at as an absolute minimum. I double MFP's suggested protein intake and then some on a regular basis. The calorie suggestion from MFP is a good starting point, but don't take it as more than an estimate. Track your progress (do NOT expect to lose 100 lbs a week, and if you don't lose one week that doesn't mean it isn't working, these things take time) and adjust as needed.

Try to eat nutrient dense foods (read: whole foods) when possible. This may not directly contribute to weight loss but it does help with overall health and well being (read: eat well when you can, but don't go so crazy over it that you break your diet and binge like crazy...not that I've ever done that...yeah...)

Formalize a routine! There are plenty of theories out there as to what routine is best. Some people say low weights high reps, some say heavy weight low rep, some say do yoga upside down in the desert (I'm in the heavy weight boat if it matters, you won't bulk up and it's the best bang for your workout buck). Whatever routine you choose, what's universally agreed upon is that you have to challenge your body and up your intensity in order to improve. That is very difficult if you don't have a formal plan and track your progress. The best thing you can possibly do is take paper and a pen with you to the gym, have a workout routine setup, and try to beat your previous attempt EVERY time you hit the gym. If it's more reps, higher weight, whatever. You have to push yourself to get your body to respond and improve. If you need suggestions for routines: New Rules of Lifting for Women, StrongLifts 5x5, Jamie Eason's LiveFit. There are plenty of others too, those are just the ones I've heard of that are good. I do StrongLifts.

Last, but certainly not least, it's your wedding. You're going to look great, and if there is some tiny imperfection I guarantee that you're going to be the only one who notices. This is a great opportunity for you to kickstart a long term plan for improving your overall health and fitness, but don't get so stressed that you freak out before your wedding.

wonderful, thank you so much! I have actually started bringing a chart with me to the gym and tracking what I do, and that seems to help a lot so I'm not guessing. I have been good about staying under my calories, but should probably look into more foods higher in protein

LPCoder

Of course toning is critical! I lost a lot of weight and had a bit of loose skin on my back, belly and arms. So not only did I tone, but I also loofa. This encourages the removal if dead skin cells and promotes new skin to replace it. I also use an inexpensive cocoa butter lotion after I loofa. Many people have already commented on how to tone, so Ithought I would add in the skin care component.

mrs_schultz2012

Of course toning is critical! I lost a lot of weight and had a bit of loose skin on my back, belly and arms. So not only did I tone, but I also loofa. This encourages the removal if dead skin cells and promotes new skin to replace it. I also use an inexpensive cocoa butter lotion after I loofa. Many people have already commented on how to tone, so Ithought I would add in the skin care component.

I appreciate it, thank you!

DixiedoesMFP

Lift heavy weights. As heavy as you personally can to get 8 - 10 reps. You can look at bodybuilding.com for specific exercises with video/pictorial examples. Don't be scared of free weights.

That dress is gorgeous and you are gorgeous, as well. By September you can absolutely have some serious muscles showing in that gown.

mesicali_chica

Try seated lateral pulls (@ gym the lateral pulldown machine)... light weights 30 - 40lbs. Toning your lats will sculpt the V that you want to create in your back down to your waist. You could also try a seated upright lateral fly posistion with light hand weights to isolate the area of your upper back.

mrs_schultz2012

Lift heavy weights. As heavy as you personally can to get 8 - 10 reps. You can look at bodybuilding.com for specific exercises with video/pictorial examples. Don't be scared of free weights.

That dress is gorgeous and you are gorgeous, as well. By September you can absolutely have some serious muscles showing in that gown.

Thank you so much! I always thought that lower weight and more reps were the way to go....I'm going to try out doing some heavier weights with fewer reps and see how that goes! thank you! i am also going to check out that site!