Hourglass figure efter weight loss - on a dude :(

grggmrtn
grggmrtn Posts: 171 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I lost most of the weight with only cardio - I'm now running about 7.5-10 k every other day - and I probably lost it too fast - 35 kg (over 77 lbs) in 19 weeks. My TOTAL loss since 2010 is 65 kg (143 lbs), with the plateau lasting a couple years ;) . Getting REALLY close to my goal weight now - I've got a bit of love handles left, and a little tummy, but keeping with my regime and hoping that will do the trick. It's not that the skin is TOO loose (I've been pretty lucky) but I am a tad droopy, so working the weights now.

So yeah, I'm looking kinda.. a little scrawny. I recently started weight training, using a lot of the tips from nerdfitness, working the big muscle groups - among others dumbell squats, overhead and bench presses, pullups and chinups (assisted for now), and some core work. Haven't started deadlifting yet - waiting for a trainer to get back on me so I do it correctly from day 1.

Not that I'm complaining about being too skinny, but I AM, after all, 189cm (6 foot 3) and have a large build.

Problem? The area on the sides of my torso right under my ribcage (obliques??) is noticeably thinner than both my ribs and my hips - Which means that I look more like I should be wearing a two-piece bikini rather than a speedo. My ribs DO seem a bit larger than normal, maybe because of the long-time obesity?

Needless to say, that's not cool with me.

Am I doomed to look like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model the rest of my life or is there hope? Anything I should be doing? Should I be isolating the obliques or do I have that covered in the other lifts that I'm doing?

Replies

  • Annerk1
    Annerk1 Posts: 372 Member
    As you lose the rest of the weight causing the love handles, your shape should be more "triangular."
  • grggmrtn
    grggmrtn Posts: 171 Member
    But the love handles seem to be partly caused by the flabby skin, so I'm not sure how much is only caused by remaining excess weight, which is why I decided to ask if there's anything I can do to ACTIVELY help the problem - I whine when I have to to be patient AND I figure, while I'm working the weights anyway... ;)
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I decided to ask if there's anything I can do to ACTIVELY help the problem
    Just keep lifting, do your best to be patient and accept that being in good health is far more important than having a perfect shape. FWIW, I'm in the same boat. Currently working to add muscle to compensate for loose skin. In hindsight I wish I had started weight training sooner. Oh well, live and learn.
  • binglebandit
    binglebandit Posts: 531 Member
    I think you're on the right path with focusing on muscle now. I think once you start doing a lot of weights and stuff it'll start helping develop a more triangular appearance. My younger brother got the same problem after dropping a ton of weight with cardio alone. He's 6'4", not sure about weight, but I'd say a healthy bmi. All the men I know with a more straight or triangular figure all do some sort of weights, so I'm sure it'll work itself out. Best of luck!
  • aigoooooo
    aigoooooo Posts: 31
    Working obliques will widen them, I think. Also, isn't the v shape what men want? Unless your hips match your shoulders, you're not an hourglass.

    Not supposed to be discouraging btw, you're doing great and don't look like a girl
  • iulia_maddie
    iulia_maddie Posts: 2,780 Member
    We obviously need pictures to assess your situation, OP.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I'd suggest posting your question here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    And pics would help.
  • _SABOTEUR_
    _SABOTEUR_ Posts: 6,833 Member
    2p3xv.png

    This is me. Right hand image Feb 2013. Left hand image May 2013.

    All heavy lifting and a little cardio.

    It will help if your hips are your problem area. I have only lost a couple of pounds between the two pics.
  • 0OneTwo3
    0OneTwo3 Posts: 149 Member
    had the same issue a few years ago and i was never really overweight.

    its all fine now though.

    start doing those deadlifts and do them heavy. also rack pulls and bend over rows. these wil bring up your lower lats wich will fill up the Neck of the hourglass. wider shoulders will be beneficial as well.
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    2p3xv.png

    This is me. Right hand image Feb 2013. Left hand image May 2013.

    All heavy lifting and a little cardio.

    It will help if your hips are your problem area. I have only lost a couple of pounds between the two pics.

    :love: :love: :love: :heart: :heart: :heart:
  • aigoooooo
    aigoooooo Posts: 31
    Honestly it looks like its taking care of itself. keep doing Cardio, eating clean, and do weight training. It just looks like hip fat that's slowly dying.
  • grggmrtn
    grggmrtn Posts: 171 Member
    I'd suggest posting your question here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    And pics would help.

    Will do Angel - been nervous about posting the pics, but hey - we're all in the same boat.... ;)

    Thanks to everyone for the great responses too - haven't progressed to deadlifts yet (waiting for an appointment with a trainer, since I do NOT want to do them wrong...) but I'm squatting like there's no tomorrow ;)
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I'd suggest posting your question here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    And pics would help.

    Will do Angel - been nervous about posting the pics, but hey - we're all in the same boat.... ;)

    Thanks to everyone for the great responses too - haven't progressed to deadlifts yet (waiting for an appointment with a trainer, since I do NOT want to do them wrong...) but I'm squatting like there's no tomorrow ;)

    I know how you feel, it took me ages to add pics. Measurements might suffice if you're too nervous to post pictures. Just something to let ETP know what you're dealing with.

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