I'm sick of the term "skinny-fat"

jetscreaminagain

Skinny fat is a real phrase that applies in research to people with a "normal" BMI (Body Mass Index) but "obese" levels of body fat percentage. There are health problems associated with this that are the same if slightly less in degree to being conventionally overweight.

So. Real word that's useful in conveying info.

You, my dear, are doing wonderfully. Losing 30 pounds is awesome. Deciding to lose weight and setting such a big goal is awesome. You are OF COURSE better off having lost weight. If you do it with cardio the whole way, great. That's WAY better than not doing it at all. I'm happy to be the cheerleader the whole way.

Personally, I just really don't find cardio interesting, motivating, rewarding, or all that good at getting the results I want. I think it'll be great to get to a certain body type that includes nice strong muscles. But, more importantly, osteoporosis runs in my family. Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. Strength training improves bone strength. I already have a low resting heart rate, ridiculously low blood pressure, etc. I conclude my cardiovascular health is pretty good. The health benefits of strength training are more important to me and more needed than are the health benefits of cardio.

That's me. Not you. I lift and don't greatly enjoy long steady state cardio and don't look for those benefits. You like cardio, you're losing weight, and you're doing GREAT with the results. You get to choose what you want. I get to choose what I want.

I get to say you're awesome. You can say what you want about me.

None of this means that "skinny fat" is no longer a useful phrase.

CakeFit21

I love the term, "skinny-fat".

It reminds me of what I never ever want to be.

Me too.

Reminds me of where I started and how hard it is to fix

What I like about it is the often forgotten message that "The Scale Isn't Everything."

No one's goal should be "weigh as little as possible." And it's easier to avoid skinny fat than it is to repair it.

excellent point.

myogibbs

Just my 2 cents....I do a lot of cardio, but I also do circuit training with weights & a personal trainer. I enjoy both & have had success after years and years of trying to lose weight. I know you are just starting & I commend you on your weight loss so far. I think you are doing great. I believe my success has come from cardio, but also from building muscle, because muscle burns more, even at rest. That doesn't always show on the scale, but I have lost 7 inches from my abdomen since January...the scale doesn't really matter to me...fitting into clothes I haven't been able to wear for years does matter to me. I honestly believe weight training helps with that. Not saying that YOU absolutely have to work out with weights, but I honestly believe it has greatly helped me with my weight loss, but even more than that...I am STRONGER...and I love that feeling. Best of luck to you & keep up the great work!!!

scorpio516

Edit: Found the quote from earlier. Turns out it's about HIIT not just running, but if he *were* running he would have to do 200m intervals of 40s/50s for 50 minutes to burn 1000 calories. Pretty good work out but still easily in the realm of do-able for your moderately dedicated runner.

That's not very high intensity . It would suck to do all those with no rest time though.

Anyway, @ 160 lbs, a person would have to cover about 9.75 miles. To do so in an hour would be 6:09 miles. Pretty quick, but do-able.

scorpio516

But, more importantly, osteoporosis runs in my family. Long distance running is associated with weakening bones.

Actually running is great for increasing bone density. All the pounding and working against gravity.
Cycling isn't great for bone density.

jetscreaminagain

But, more importantly, osteoporosis runs in my family. Long distance running is associated with weakening bones.

Actually running is great for increasing bone density. All the pounding and working against gravity.
Cycling isn't great for bone density.

You are correct. It also remains the case that strength training is best at increasing bone density. So we're both correct.

Also, being underweight is a risk factor for osteoporosis (not a risk I currently experience) runners tend to get into lower weight ranges than do people who lift weights.

I think it is ironic that I'm making these arguments when my profile pic is one of me running (albeit up a hill over and over, which makes it more of a strength exercise than is steady state running).

Yanicka1

Skinny fat is a real phrase that applies in research to people with a "normal" BMI (Body Mass Index) but "obese" levels of body fat percentage. There are health problems associated with this that are the same if slightly less in degree to being conventionally overweight.

So. Real word that's useful in conveying info.

You, my dear, are doing wonderfully. Losing 30 pounds is awesome. Deciding to lose weight and setting such a big goal is awesome. You are OF COURSE better off having lost weight. If you do it with cardio the whole way, great. That's WAY better than not doing it at all. I'm happy to be the cheerleader the whole way.

Personally, I just really don't find cardio interesting, motivating, rewarding, or all that good at getting the results I want. I think it'll be great to get to a certain body type that includes nice strong muscles. But, more importantly, osteoporosis runs in my family. Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. Strength training improves bone strength. I already have a low resting heart rate, ridiculously low blood pressure, etc. I conclude my cardiovascular health is pretty good. The health benefits of strength training are more important to me and more needed than are the health benefits of cardio.

That's me. Not you. I lift and don't greatly enjoy long steady state cardio and don't look for those benefits. You like cardio, you're losing weight, and you're doing GREAT with the results. You get to choose what you want. I get to choose what I want.

I get to say you're awesome. You can say what you want about me.

None of this means that "skinny fat" is no longer a useful phrase.

Did I told you lately that I love you?

Contrarian

Did someone call you skinny-fat? If they did, that's not very nice.

Nataliaho

Skinny fat is a real phrase that applies in research to people with a "normal" BMI (Body Mass Index) but "obese" levels of body fat percentage. There are health problems associated with this that are the same if slightly less in degree to being conventionally overweight.

So. Real word that's useful in conveying info.

You, my dear, are doing wonderfully. Losing 30 pounds is awesome. Deciding to lose weight and setting such a big goal is awesome. You are OF COURSE better off having lost weight. If you do it with cardio the whole way, great. That's WAY better than not doing it at all. I'm happy to be the cheerleader the whole way.

Personally, I just really don't find cardio interesting, motivating, rewarding, or all that good at getting the results I want. I think it'll be great to get to a certain body type that includes nice strong muscles. But, more importantly, osteoporosis runs in my family. Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. Strength training improves bone strength. I already have a low resting heart rate, ridiculously low blood pressure, etc. I conclude my cardiovascular health is pretty good. The health benefits of strength training are more important to me and more needed than are the health benefits of cardio.

That's me. Not you. I lift and don't greatly enjoy long steady state cardio and don't look for those benefits. You like cardio, you're losing weight, and you're doing GREAT with the results. You get to choose what you want. I get to choose what I want.

I get to say you're awesome. You can say what you want about me.

None of this means that "skinny fat" is no longer a useful phrase.

Did I told you lately that I love you?

So so so so true!!

I always say the best exercise is the exercise you are actually going to do.. I hate running and cardio, when I (falsely) beleived that cardio and running was the only answer.. I was more likely to make excuses and not do it, when I found CrossFit and weight taining I loved and have never looked back. Really getting up and running 4 times a week is way better than intending to get up and weight-train!!

That being said I still think the concept of skinny-fat is a useful one. Personally I appreciate that we are moving beyond the pervailing perception that skinny=healthy and non-skinny=unhealthy. Even on these forums I see people who are naturally more petite, assuming that those of us with naturally bigger frames and/or more muscular bodies are 'settling' for a higher goal weight. There still seems to be alot of people who won't accept that the scales do not paint an accurate picture of even body fat, let alone health...

scottb81

Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. .

Wrong. Exactly the opposite is true. Long distance running is associated with increased bone density.

Katie3784

Isn't 'skinny fat' referring to very skinny people who are unhealthy? So whilst they aren't fat, because of their lifestyle it's more like a 'fat' persons?

Not sure what this has to do with cardio V lifting? Except that for skinny people they don't need the cardio to lose weight, they need the lifting to get a better body?

skinny fat means you look thin but have no muscle tone or definition, so you're still jiggly.

scottb81

So many definitions of the term skinny fat in this thread. It's a pretty useless term when nobody knows what it means.

MoreBean13

So many definitions of the term skinny fat in this thread. It's a pretty useless term when nobody knows what it means.

Amen. Now that you've discovered this, try out a "starvation mode" thread. You will pull your hair out.

chris2365

Just a quick point on the running and bone density. Moderation is the key. From Livestrong:

'Performing weight-bearing exercises that include running can lead to significant increases in your bone density. However, if you run too much, you can actually decrease your bones' mineral content and increase your health risks.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/368647-running-your-bone-density/#ixzz1uKpI6EGS'

Ooh, and I've been trying to find it but I saw a fabulous photo just last week. It was a side by side comparison two women's legs, same age, same clothes size, showing fat and muscle density in the thigh. The muscley woman showed muscle all the way to nearly the edge of the leg with just a thin layer of fat around the perimeter. The 'skinny fat' leg showed a small circle of muscle and fat through easily half the diameter. You realized that skinny fat person was quite frail even though outwardly they'd probably look similar (at least in clothes).

dad106

Here's my two cents: you want to do only cardio, great, more power to you. But when your body doesn't look the way you want, then don't come on her whining about it...

For the record, please start weight training sooner then later.. it really does make a difference.

Lift_hard_eat_big

Endurance runners may have large burns but take into consideration how long they run. I've burned up to 1,000 in 50 mins doing HIIT or Circuit Training with weights. Plus I get the benefit of strengthening and improving my bone density, something that typically doesn't occur when merely running.

there's no way you're burning 20 calories a minute at 160 lb bodyweight.

I train with heavy weight, pullups with a weight vest on, do weighthed dips, etc. Take a look at my profile pics!

Saruman_w

Well, whatever you call the term.. it's going to happen if you focus too much on cardio and nothing else. I accidentally did that for several months due to my lack of education on the matter. My BF% went down, however so did my LBM. The ratios of both stayed generally the same so no matter how small I got I still appeared to be chubby. It's taking awhile but I'm still attempting to correct it by hitting the weights and keeping cardio to a minimum while downing the protein.

jetscreaminagain

Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. .

Wrong. Exactly the opposite is true. Long distance running is associated with increased bone density.

Until you quote your source, your post is as good as "I'm rubber and you're glue". Note, there is a sourced comment on this matter below yours that indicates too much long distance running is associated with bone loss.

More so, my point is that weight training is very good at building bone. It is NEVER associated with loss of bone.

meerkat70

Endurance runners may have large burns but take into consideration how long they run. I've burned up to 1,000 in 50 mins doing HIIT or Circuit Training with weights. Plus I get the benefit of strengthening and improving my bone density, something that typically doesn't occur when merely running.

i'm calling BS on this. there's no way you're burning 20 calories a minute at 160 lb bodyweight.

I train with heavy weight, pullups with a weight vest on, do weighthed dips, etc. You wanna call BS, take a look at my profile pics chump!

How are you estimating burn for this activity?

(And I'm unlikely to check out the anything of someone who uses the term 'chumps'. Sigh.)

Smuterella

I use to be skinny-fat....but in my definition...it's where you have noodle arms, bird chest, and a beer gut...That was me

that's me and I'm a girl *cries*

rml_16

I'm going to end this debate right now: You all should do what I say and look the way I say is most attractive. Then we'll all be happy. Because, of course, my opinions and tastes are all that matter.

Isn't that the way it goes?

Shfiftyfive

If we're in the obese range, we're not "skinny-fat", we're just fat.

ArroganceInStep

if I wanna do cardio instead of lifting "heavy" then get off my back about it! This is still the beginning of my journey, let me get comfortable with the fact that I am even moving my body anywhere besides from the bed to the couch. I haven't lifted one single weight yet and I've lost 30 lbs.

30 lbs down from 279 is healthier...any way you look at it.

That is all.

I think the reason that comes up, is that for a lot of people that don't start their weight loss efforts with a solid resistance training component are ultimately unhappy with the results when they reach their desired weight. I can certainly understand how frustrating it would be to be making all this progress and feel like people are undermining your efforts. Congratulations on your progress thus far, and I hope you continue to see good results. I would suggest keeping the concept in the back of your mind if at some point you start to feel that your progress doesn't have you where you should be, but beyond that keep doing what makes you happy.

LorinaLynn

I would suggest keeping the concept in the back of your mind if at some point you start to feel that your progress doesn't have you where you should be, but beyond that keep doing what makes you happy.

Yup. Keeping an open mind is a wonderful thing.

Two years ago, I had no interest in running - because I thought I just plain sucked at it - and actually had a mental block against all kinds of formal exercise. I preferred (and still prefer) activities. Walking, running or riding on a stationary machine, or picking something up to put it back down again, just seemed really stupid to me. I'd rather go hiking or dancing, or use my muscles rearranging furniture, landscaping or doing major home repairs.

But what I've come to realize is that the "stupid" exercises make doing the activities I enjoy much more enjoyable. Lots more fun when you don't tire out as easily or hurt the next day. I still don't particularly enjoy lifting weights, but I recognize that the benefits outweigh any grievance I have against it. I don't like shaving my legs, either, but I like having smooth skin more than stubble.

Lift_hard_eat_big

Endurance runners may have large burns but take into consideration how long they run. I've burned up to 1,000 in 50 mins doing HIIT or Circuit Training with weights. Plus I get the benefit of strengthening and improving my bone density, something that typically doesn't occur when merely running.

i'm calling BS on this. there's no way you're burning 20 calories a minute at 160 lb bodyweight.

I train with heavy weight, pullups with a weight vest on, do weighthed dips, etc. You wanna call BS, take a look at my profile pics chump!

How are you estimating burn for this activity?

(And I'm unlikely to check out the anything of someone who uses the term 'chumps'. Sigh.)

Polar FT7

scottb81

Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. .

Wrong. Exactly the opposite is true. Long distance running is associated with increased bone density.

Until you quote your source, your post is as good as "I'm rubber and you're glue". Note, there is a sourced comment on this matter below yours that indicates too much long distance running is associated with bone loss.

More so, my point is that weight training is very good at building bone. It is NEVER associated with loss of bone.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/255/9/1147.abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446719/

iplayoutside19

Long distance running is associated with weakening bones. .

Wrong. Exactly the opposite is true. Long distance running is associated with increased bone density.

Until you quote your source, your post is as good as "I'm rubber and you're glue". Note, there is a sourced comment on this matter below yours that indicates too much long distance running is associated with bone loss.

More so, my point is that weight training is very good at building bone. It is NEVER associated with loss of bone.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/255/9/1147.abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446719/

Actually anything that is high impact causes an increase in bone density. Once again, there is no need to play the my activity is better than your activity game.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120505/Load-bearing-sports-may-protect-young-men-from-osteoporosis.aspx

jetscreaminagain

I think it is awesome an article was put up to trump what I said about running and bone loss. Except that it was on load bearing sports protecting MEN from osteoporosis. Load bearing sports not really limiting itself to running (and perhaps including weightlifting which I say I prefer), and men not being all that susceptible to osteoporosis, and, me being a woman with a family history of osteoporosis, it really isn't germaine.

There is this report, which I will admit generalizes to sports including rowing really quickly, but it notes the different effects on bones of (what I might call excessive) cardiovascular training in female athletes resulting in disrupted hormones and, hence, loss of bone density. I have never seen a similar risk noted for excessive or moderate or any amount of strength training: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1004301/?page=1

As to the "my exercise is better than your exercise" accusation, I want to be clear that I think people who love marathoning and aren't doing it so much they are anemic or experiencing over training injuries or have dangerously low body fat or are internally bleeding or told to stop by their doctors, should continue (I personally know marathoners with each of the downsides I just listed, I'm just sayin). I said to the OP if she finds cardio more rewarding, yay her.And yay you, too. You do you. But I also clarified what my fitness goals are, and where my fitness measures are. I have low blood pressure, low resting heart rate, low cholesterol, and I don't enjoy a long run. I'm prone to anemia. I do have a family history of osteoporosis, I appreciate the incremental accomplishments involved in lifting, I like to be able to lift and accomplish in real life (gardening, working around the house, tough muddering whatever), so FOR ME lifting is more in line with 1) my goals 2) my needs from fitness and 3) what I'm motivated/willing to do.

I'll do what's best for me, you do what you want to do, best for you or not, you're gonna be the judge of that. But lets be serious, for the fitness concerns *I* have, strength training is best. Cardiovascular exercises may be great even for my priorities, but they are not without downsides that simply don't exist in what I *am* doing.

Semperfione

I agree, you have to do this the way it works for you. Your doing great, some walking is a good way to get going. I feel better doing my walks when ever I can get them in;

Wishing you all the best. Your know your limits, don't let others sway you if you know what you need and it works.

Rob

jetscreaminagain

I feel like I need to say that I'm not anywhere near as hostile to running as the coardi-folks are to strength. Again, do what you want that works for you.

However, I was looking at cultivating the distance runner in me. I was on a 10K running plan when I was offered to join a group doing the tough mudder. Now I'll be going for 11 miles, and I'm more than a bit disappointed that I will be very unlikely to run that whole 11 miles. But I'll also have to do some pretty challenging obstacles that ALSO require strength. So strength has been a focus, though I run too, admittedly not as much as I'd intended. I'm very proud that I expect I will surmount all of the obstacles. That's a win. Not everyone is gonna do that. the distance runners will do great, but things will be hard for them. I'll be good at some stuff that maybe the distance runners on the team have a hard time with, but the running distance will challenge me. Whatevers.

Most of the lifters I know do something cardio too. Usually a short HIIT session, but generally (not always) both. EVen New Rules puts some running into the plan after saying all it does against steady-state cardio.

So this training I've been doing for a mixed event has highlighted for me that really, the strength side is more interesting. So while I was considering building to a marathon before, now, it just doesn't interest me. That said, a marathon is an amazing accomplishment that garners my respect. Of course, if I say what my recent lifts were and how they compare to my body weight, I'll get no similar or scaled level of respect from some of the folks around here. Ill get "you're gonna get a man chest" or "eww gross, I don't think my man wants to cuddle up next to a hard body" or some similar stupid ****. But it remains, yay you on your marathon.

But geez, I come onto a thread and tell a woman who want to do different exercises than I do, that yay her and that's great. I explain why I choose differently, but reassert that it is cool she's doing what she's doing and no one should jump on her. But because I explained why I do what I do, some cardio guys don't like it and they're jumping on me. I find that totally ironic.

So when I say, do what you want to do and what is good for you, I mean all your exercise choices save jumping on other people who exercise their choices.