Skinny fat? Serious replies, please!

2»

Replies

  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I don't think you're skinny-fat at all. You're most definitely in shape. But keep lifting heavy and you'll be even more amazing.

    Also, damn girl, your butt is so perky!
  • AFitJamie
    AFitJamie Posts: 172 Member
    So, I went in & chose to have the caliper test, and my body fat was 18%.

    Excellent! Recognize that this is an estimate generated by the measuring, but is a great indication that you have done a great job in eliminating any excess fat. Your next step to 'improve definition' overall is to get more muscle that you can 'define', if you understand what I mean. Like most have suggested here, you really do need to work through the process of increasing your calorie intake to eat above your daily maintenance level and learn to lift heavy with, truly, limited amounts of cardio. The above referenced book is supposed to be excellent (however I have not read it).

    Also, there are a great number of knowledgeable women on this site that have made this transition and are actively working towards the same goals as you in building muscle mass.

    I know it sounds strange to consider eating more... But do read up and understand what your body will be doing with the energy you will be giving it and I think you'll find that adding muscle to your frame is the right next step.

    (I'll be following in your footsteps - making that same transition to a mass building program - in a few weeks )
  • momma_a
    momma_a Posts: 117 Member
    Em: I think it was the angle of the camera, I don't think my butt is that perky lol. Although, I have been doing the Butt Bible & can see a small improvement over the first 2 weeks. Definitely can see improvement in my thighs.

    One of the OP ran numbers for me, and the plan he came up with sounds pretty good. Starting tomorrow, I will be upping my calories & spending more time than I am now on lifting. Thank you all!
  • thistimeismytime
    thistimeismytime Posts: 711 Member
    I agree, you are not skinny fat at all. I gotta ask, how big around is your waist??!! I'm gonna guess 23"? I think you look great and healthy, but strength training is always a good idea. :flowerforyou:
  • momma_a
    momma_a Posts: 117 Member
    My waist is 25 :)
  • cgray
    cgray Posts: 129 Member
    We have very similar figures, although I think I'm shorter. I went in and had the dunk test done and came back at 17% fat. Like you, I want to tone up. Some people have suggested that I gain weight but I'm very happy at my current size, more importantly my doctor is also happy with my current size and I see her once a year. So until a health care professional tells me I have something to worry about after seeing me in more than a photo I'm sticking with what I'm doing. What really seemed to help me was interval training bootcamp classes. I go to a place that focuses on very small class sizes (no more than 20) and does a variety of exercises. I can do a pull up now! I'm not sure that you can attain the same level of intensity at home or on your own...well, I'm sure someone can, just not me. I also eat a decent amount of calories per day (1350-1400) and make sure to get a lot of protein, even if it has to come in bar form. Friend me if you'd like to see my journal:)
  • thistimeismytime
    thistimeismytime Posts: 711 Member
    My waist is 25 :)

    Well, holla for you girl!! That's my goal waist, and I'm not gonna be skinny fat either...you look great!
  • sammniamii
    sammniamii Posts: 669 Member
    As many of the others have stated, you are not "skinny fat", your skinny (to me about the right level). I saw very little to no fat on your frame. If fact I would worry you are underweight.

    But every person is different - also, keep this in mind: as a woman, you will have a higher fat % than the same size/height man. Woman have breasts & hips (bum). We are by nature's design, the child bearers and it's design for us was to store additional "fat" to allow us to survive carrying a child & then living long enough to raise them. Now a days we have less of a need for this biological need, but it is still there (remember - humans are just animals that learned to walk, talk and build shinny things {this is my opinion - I do not wish to offend others who see our existence in a different light/view/method} ). We store weight differently than men do and naturally will have more "fat" because we designed / built this way.

    Strength training will help define your body and increase stamina, make sure to keep your protein intake at a good level and watch your calories. You look great dear!
  • momma_a
    momma_a Posts: 117 Member
    I would like to keep my current weight, but I certainly don't mind gaining weight, so long as I am gaining muscle. As far as a bootcamp type class, I have zero time to leave the house to workout. I am a nursing student, and I don't get my freedom back until December when I graduate ;) We do have a nice little setup in our basement, though, and I am totally committed to sticking to my schedule and working out 6 days a week. I don't think I can do a pull-up ;)

    As far as calories go, I have my diary open, but I don't finish all my calories every day. I am going to try to at least eat my calorie goal and throw in more protein.
  • iamnotashley
    iamnotashley Posts: 26 Member
    You came across the term "skinny fat" and thought this pertained to you? Excuse me while I laugh.
  • AFitJamie
    AFitJamie Posts: 172 Member
    I would like to keep my current weight, but I certainly don't mind gaining weight, so long as I am gaining muscle. As far as a bootcamp type class, I have zero time to leave the house to workout. I am a nursing student, and I don't get my freedom back until December when I graduate ;) We do have a nice little setup in our basement, though, and I am totally committed to sticking to my schedule and working out 6 days a week. I don't think I can do a pull-up ;)

    As far as calories go, I have my diary open, but I don't finish all my calories every day. I am going to try to at least eat my calorie goal and throw in more protein.

    Just to follow-up on your comment about 6 days a week - and if you already know this please ignore, but just in case - when you do start heavier lifting, you want to ensure you give a muscle group at least a day to rest to repair the damage you do when lifting heavy and let it build muscle.. So maybe you do legs and abs one day, arms and back the next... Etc. But don't do the same muscle group two days in a row...

Categories