Not happy with Weight Goal

24

Replies

  • ...You can still have your abs showing without much resistance outside of calisthenics. Case and point, MMA, boxers...
    And you really believe that boxers and MMA fighters don't weight train?

    Well, considering that I box and work with one of the best boxing Academies in US, yes. I know many boxers who don't weight train and when they do, they don't heavy lift. They do high rep/low weights
  • To "tone" (I hate that word) those areas you need to work those areas. Squats, lunges, and core focused workouts are needed. You can't work one area and expect improvement in another.

    Sorry :| I understand that I cant spot reduce, but At the same time I would like to try to trim some fat from my legs and tummy. So what I'm gathering is I need to continue with my cardio (dancing running, ect) , and mix in some resistance training? ****Also does Pilates count as Resistance training ?Because I do Pilates once a week, and I just looked up leg resistance training and the moves look very familiar?**** Thanks everyone!
  • robin52077
    robin52077 Posts: 4,383 Member

    So what your guys are saying is that if I lift weights with my arms, my thighs are going to tone up along with my tummy?

    all weight lifting does not = "with your arms"

    lift with your legs to shape your legs. Weighted squats, lunges, deadlifts...for your midsection, it's mostly diet, but planks, squats, and deadlifts help with that too...

    I think you are picturing yourself doing bicep curls with 5 pound dumbbells when we say "lift weights". That's not what you need. You need to be working your way up to squatting a hundred or more pound barbell across your back, etc. Eventually. Start lighter of course, but the goal is always to add weight.
  • I think if you ask 10 people, all of them will give you different definitions of what resistance training is. To some body weight workouts are resistance training, to others anything not weight lifting is not resistance training. Me personally, what gets you to work muscle groups to a very high intensity. Like pushups with 1 hands etc (after building up to it) would be one

  • So what your guys are saying is that if I lift weights with my arms, my thighs are going to tone up along with my tummy?

    all weight lifting does not = "with your arms"

    lift with your legs to shape your legs. Weighted squats, lunges, deadlifts...for your midsection, it's mostly diet, but planks, squats, and deadlifts help with that too...

    I think you are picturing yourself doing bicep curls with 5 pound dumbbells when we say "lift weights". That's not what you need. You need to be working your way up to squatting a hundred or more pound barbell across your back, etc. Eventually. Start lighter of course, but the goal is always to add weight.


    Oh....I see now! I was think exactly bicep curls because I usually associate lifting weights with the arms. So what I am gathering I need to keep up with cardio, continue with my Pilates and add some resistance, right?
  • funkycamper
    funkycamper Posts: 998 Member
    OP, you're not really listening. Forget about your arms. Lifting weights doesn't just work your arms. There is no better workout for thighs, hips, and butt (and the rest of you, too, including arms!) than weighted squats, lunges, deadlifts, overhead presses, etc. They will do just what you want.
  • ^ Yeah I understand now. Originally I though that you guys were saying arm lifting, but I understand that I can also do squats with weights.

    Thanks everyone!
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Lift heavy weights....

    Umm, why is that the only advice I see on this website? You know there are many other things people can do besides lift weights right...?

    @OP: I suggest you try and just get more active in terms of workouts. Pick something you enjoy. If you enjoy lifting weight, go for it. It is awesome! But its not your only option. Do some boxing or dance classes or just go outside and run. The main thing is that you are trying to gain some muscle or keep it where it is at currently while reducing the fat percentage

    You're right in the sense that it doesn't necessarily have to be "heavy"...but resistance training is really the only way to alter body composition...it's the only way to build/develop muscle which replaces the fat and makes you look good naked.

    You "build" muscle on a calorie surplus. You reduce fat when you're eating a reasonable amount under deficit. You can still have your abs showing without much resistance outside of calisthenics. Case and point, MMA, boxers, hikers etc.

    You donot NEED weight lifting to "replace" the fat. Start running (if thats your thing), eat properly and you will get rid of that fat. Resistance training is awesome, I love doing it but it is NOT the only way to do it
    Yes... Because MMA fighters and boxers don't spend HOURS EVERY DAY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM.
    tigerpalm.jpg
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Hi! I'm new here and hopefully this is in the right place ;). First off, I want to say that I'm not trying to "fish for compliments" or receive sympathy from you. I just need to vent a little, and hopefully get some advice:) I'm currently 5'5 and 120 pounds. I used to be more in the thirties and forties, but I currently lost weight and am now at my "goal or ideal body weight". But I still look fat:(. Don't get me wrong, I do look somewhat better, and I am proud of myself. But my belly is still here, my thighs are two times what there supposed to be. It's pretty much from my armpits and down, since my arms really are flabby lol. And please don't say that this is just in my head, especially from being over weight. It ISN'T, I promise! I know I am too chubby. I understand that while you need to be lean, you also need some curves;) As far as my eating and exercise, I say their decent...I exercise at least five times a week, and I try to eat as healthy as possible, not starving myself but portioning it to the sufficient amount. So what's the deal? How can I get rid of fat without going into anorexia! Also is there anyone out there feeling my pain, or what have you done to overcome this? Please help me! I have almost no confidence. Thanks!! :)

    Have not read the rest of the replies yet but:
    You are exercising allot....I sometimes do over 20k in a day, but let me tell you it does nothing for my body sometimes, I usually end up 5 pounds heavier the next day from water weight. Way to go if you're doing it to push yourself, if you're doing it for the better body...it doesn't seem to work that way. You need rest days. Sit back, chom some food and watch a movie. I've worked my way to a flatter stomach doing this :P I don't know how many new to the gym over weight people who work out excessively who tell me "I'd get fat if I didn't work out this much/if I ate that/etc" and all I can do is laugh. It's counter productive, do some research on it, you'll be surprised.

    What kind of exercising are you doing? If you look at the people on this forum who actually eat and have a nice body...the majority if not all the ones I've met and admired do weight training. I personally have a bad back and haven't danced in a while, so I took up hiking. I've just started doing pitiful weight training recently and I've never had doms so bad in my life, so it's gotta be doing something right :P

    Also, if anyone tells you you'll get bulky from lifting weights on a calorie deficit, punch them right in the squater. And if that isn't convincing you can't argue with math. If you take 1 lb of fat and muscle, the muscle will be much smaller in volume.

    Edit: And you don't need to invest in the gym or barbells first starting off if you want to 'weight' train. Get creative. Your body weighs weight, push it up. Hang off of something, do chin ups, do squats, fill some Tropicana bottles with some sand...you'll have the most vitamin c enriched kettle bells ever.
  • Lift heavy weights....

    Umm, why is that the only advice I see on this website? You know there are many other things people can do besides lift weights right...?

    @OP: I suggest you try and just get more active in terms of workouts. Pick something you enjoy. If you enjoy lifting weight, go for it. It is awesome! But its not your only option. Do some boxing or dance classes or just go outside and run. The main thing is that you are trying to gain some muscle or keep it where it is at currently while reducing the fat percentage

    You're right in the sense that it doesn't necessarily have to be "heavy"...but resistance training is really the only way to alter body composition...it's the only way to build/develop muscle which replaces the fat and makes you look good naked.

    You "build" muscle on a calorie surplus. You reduce fat when you're eating a reasonable amount under deficit. You can still have your abs showing without much resistance outside of calisthenics. Case and point, MMA, boxers, hikers etc.

    You donot NEED weight lifting to "replace" the fat. Start running (if thats your thing), eat properly and you will get rid of that fat. Resistance training is awesome, I love doing it but it is NOT the only way to do it
    Yes... Because MMA fighters and boxers don't spend HOURS EVERY DAY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM.
    tigerpalm.jpg

    Read above. Learn a thing or 2 about how boxers workout. Then slap yourself again
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Lift heavy weights....

    Umm, why is that the only advice I see on this website? You know there are many other things people can do besides lift weights right...?

    @OP: I suggest you try and just get more active in terms of workouts. Pick something you enjoy. If you enjoy lifting weight, go for it. It is awesome! But its not your only option. Do some boxing or dance classes or just go outside and run. The main thing is that you are trying to gain some muscle or keep it where it is at currently while reducing the fat percentage

    You're right in the sense that it doesn't necessarily have to be "heavy"...but resistance training is really the only way to alter body composition...it's the only way to build/develop muscle which replaces the fat and makes you look good naked.

    You "build" muscle on a calorie surplus. You reduce fat when you're eating a reasonable amount under deficit. You can still have your abs showing without much resistance outside of calisthenics. Case and point, MMA, boxers, hikers etc.

    You donot NEED weight lifting to "replace" the fat. Start running (if thats your thing), eat properly and you will get rid of that fat. Resistance training is awesome, I love doing it but it is NOT the only way to do it
    Yes... Because MMA fighters and boxers don't spend HOURS EVERY DAY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM.
    tigerpalm.jpg

    Read above. Learn a thing or 2 about how boxers workout. Then slap yourself again
    Merry Christmas to you too lol Jesus.
  • ubermensch13
    ubermensch13 Posts: 824 Member
    ^^^Alyanya: Thanks for the advice! I'm glad I'm not the only one....
    ^^1258936: Thanks and I agree! But like I said the problems aren't really my arms (although I'm definitely willing to try weight lifting), it's just my thighs and stomach that are flabby. My thighs are the "part" that is two times bigger than it needs to be.....Thanks everyone, so basically any thigh exerciseS and Stomach work out plans?

    I'd recommend the 5x5 stronglifts. Compound, full body work outs will give you a leaner look all over. Google beginner stronglifts, watch youtube videos of each, and try them out.
  • Mighty_Rabite
    Mighty_Rabite Posts: 581 Member
    Hi! I'm new here and hopefully this is in the right place ;). First off, I want to say that I'm not trying to "fish for compliments" or receive sympathy from you. I just need to vent a little, and hopefully get some advice:) I'm currently 5'5 and 120 pounds. I used to be more in the thirties and forties, but I currently lost weight and am now at my "goal or ideal body weight". But I still look fat:(

    I read exactly this far and what popped into my head.. start hittin' the weights! You won't get all bulky and dude-like, and you will love the results!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    Genetics are responsible on how you're actually shaped and how your body retains fat. If your legs are "twice as big now" even if you got smaller, they'd still retain the same size in proportion to your body. Blame your parents for that.

    But diet, and a balanced exercise routine (good strength and good cardio) are usually the ticket.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Meg_78
    Meg_78 Posts: 998 Member
    Will I bulk up though? I don't mind having muscles, but I really don't want them to be seen If that makes since. Also, what about my tummy and thighs? Thanks for answering!

    You will absolutely not bulk up, unless you are eating at a surplus, and even then it is hard work to bulk up with muscle when you are female

    This is me UP 10lbs from my starting weight: I'm still working on getting definition. But I was doing weights, and still do strength train. You want to build your muscles and drop your body fat %.

    19726820_4192.jpg
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Lift heavy weights....

    Umm, why is that the only advice I see on this website? You know there are many other things people can do besides lift weights right...?

    @OP: I suggest you try and just get more active in terms of workouts. Pick something you enjoy. If you enjoy lifting weight, go for it. It is awesome! But its not your only option. Do some boxing or dance classes or just go outside and run. The main thing is that you are trying to gain some muscle or keep it where it is at currently while reducing the fat percentage

    You're right in the sense that it doesn't necessarily have to be "heavy"...but resistance training is really the only way to alter body composition...it's the only way to build/develop muscle which replaces the fat and makes you look good naked.

    You "build" muscle on a calorie surplus. You reduce fat when you're eating a reasonable amount under deficit. You can still have your abs showing without much resistance outside of calisthenics. Case and point, MMA, boxers, hikers etc.

    You donot NEED weight lifting to "replace" the fat. Start running (if thats your thing), eat properly and you will get rid of that fat. Resistance training is awesome, I love doing it but it is NOT the only way to do it
    Yes... Because MMA fighters and boxers don't spend HOURS EVERY DAY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM.
    tigerpalm.jpg

    Read above. Learn a thing or 2 about how boxers workout. Then slap yourself again
    All the boxers and MMA fighters at my gym lift heavy *kitten* weights... it depends on the individual gym and the coach's methods.
  • thatsnumberwang
    thatsnumberwang Posts: 398 Member
    Do barbell squats. They're KILLER for your thighs, butt, and tummy. (Google around about them if you're not sure how to do the exercise.)
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Will I bulk up though? I don't mind having muscles, but I really don't want them to be seen If that makes since. Also, what about my tummy and thighs? Thanks for answering!

    You will absolutely not bulk up, unless you are eating at a surplus, and even then it is hard work to bulk up with muscle when you are female

    This is me UP 10lbs from my starting weight: I'm still working on getting definition. But I was doing weights, and still do strength train. You want to build your muscles and drop your body fat %.

    19726820_4192.jpg

    Hope she doesn't mind me stealing her pics but my friend LorinaLynn is another great example of what a bulk man monster you'll become by lifting weights:
    3240741_6573.jpg

    I know all my guy friends slip into little curvy red dresses all the time...
  • All the boxers and MMA fighters at my gym lift heavy *kitten* weights... it depends on the individual gym and the coach's methods.

    Exactly. Different coaches do different things. My boxing coach doesn't use any weight lifting and rely primarily on body weight workouts. So do many other boxing coaches. Tyson used to heavy lift. The other person was just trolling suggesting that I said no boxer/MMA heavy lift.
  • ^^^: Thanks, I will definitely try them!
    ^^ :Thank you so much, that's exactly what I needed! I kind of look like the before pic, so I'm gonna work really hard towards a slimmer body :)
    ^: Yeah, I know. I guess it was just the stereotype, bulkiness equals to weights that got me thinking that, but I understand now :)



    Thanks in advance everyone!!!
  • JLLike
    JLLike Posts: 3 Member
    Stairmater is great for working your lower body or try spin classes as well as lunges and step ups with weights. Having a trainer help you devise teh right plan to work on your trouble areas. If you have lost a lot of weight it takes time before you recognize menatllly all the changes. I have lost 80lb in teh last year and half and only recently honestely see the definition and toning changes. My trainer swtiched things up we went heavier and while the scale initially went up it is back down but I really can see the difference. You have to tone and you will not bulk up.
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    You see Yanicka1's before/after pic? The before is sorta what I look like right now.

    and she got to the after by lifting heavy weights....

    Yanicka....I Mean I was able to transform my body by lifting heavy. Cardio made me a smaller version of my fatter self while lifting heavy completely re shaped my body.

    I suggest you read the book " the new rules of lifting for women" you will understand how to get the body you wish for
  • DebbieLyn63
    DebbieLyn63 Posts: 2,654 Member
    Cycling is also very good for toning and strengthening thighs.

    Also, I saw that you had recently lost weight. Sometimes it takes time for the skin to firm back up after losing weight. I always continued to shrink for several months after losing scale weight. It happens that way for some people.

    At 5'5" and 120, I doubt you really have any extra weight to lose. You may be just so used to seeing your body heavier, that you can't see that it is at a proper weight now. Try not to focus on your imperfections. If you look for them, you will always find them. Even when they aren't really there.

    Find some fun activity to do and enjoy being 18!
  • You don't 'go into anorexia' by being under weight. Some anorexics aren't even underweight.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    Lift weights. seriously.

    8213431311_eecd2df7b1.jpg
    gray top pics by crochetmom2010, on Flickr

    in the picture on the left, I am wearing a 42DD bra, and size 16/18 pants. I am in the range of 188-199lbs

    In the picture on the right, I am wearing the same EXACT tank top, but a 38C bra, and size 12/14 shorts. I weigh 196 or 197lbs. I have been doing some form of strength training for 10-11 months, heavy lifting for about 2 months.

    I found my measurements I took about 8 years ago before I got pregnant with my youngest son. I was 175lbs and wore a tight size 14. My lower body measurements are the same, if not smaller, now than they were back then.
  • You see Yanicka1's before/after pic? The before is sorta what I look like right now.

    and she got to the after by lifting heavy weights....

    Yanicka....I Mean I was able to transform my body by lifting heavy. Cardio made me a smaller version of my fatter self while lifting heavy completely re shaped my body.


    I suggest you read the book " the new rules of lifting for women" you will understand how to get the body you wish for

    Thanks for replying! I will look into it!

    Jazzi: I know, but people usually assume that someone is going into anorexia when their never satisfied with their weight/body I was just making it clear that I didn't want to do that:)

    Sarah and Debbie: Thanks for the advice! Truly inspiring! I will def give strength training a try:)
  • abibt
    abibt Posts: 37 Member
    Core strength vinyasa yoga - fantastic all over toning, lots of free stuff on U tube. 17 min day for three weeks and for the first time in my life, I had arm muscles you can see (and no flapping!). Good luck and I hope you feel nice in your body soon.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Lift weights. seriously.

    8213431311_eecd2df7b1.jpg
    gray top pics by crochetmom2010, on Flickr

    in the picture on the left, I am wearing a 42DD bra, and size 16/18 pants. I am in the range of 188-199lbs

    In the picture on the right, I am wearing the same EXACT tank top, but a 38C bra, and size 12/14 shorts. I weigh 196 or 197lbs. I have been doing some form of strength training for 10-11 months, heavy lifting for about 2 months.

    I found my measurements I took about 8 years ago before I got pregnant with my youngest son. I was 175lbs and wore a tight size 14. My lower body measurements are the same, if not smaller, now than they were back then.

    Amazing. This is what I mean. So many people end up lifting heavy and complaining that their progress is slower and that they're still over weight...but they don't seem to realize how much better and slimmer they look and how they're judging their weight on the bmi scale...a scale for a sedentary adult not for someone who exercises regularly. Great job.
  • Core strength vinyasa yoga - fantastic all over toning, lots of free stuff on U tube. 17 min day for three weeks and for the first time in my life, I had arm muscles you can see (and no flapping!). Good luck and I hope you feel nice in your body soon.

    Thank you so much! I currently take Pilates, but may be trying yoga this upcoming year:) I have seen results from it as well!
  • cparkburke
    cparkburke Posts: 27 Member
    I skimmed through all the posts, and I didn't see this mentioned, so I'll bring it up here:

    (1) It seems that your body currently "programmed" to store fat in your problem areas. We need to "tell" your body to move that fat out of storage.

    (2) One way to move fat out of storage is to increase the INTENSITY of your exercise. In the simplest terms, the workout as a whole needs to feel hard, even VERY HARD at times. Anything that makes a workout more intense will help move fat: more weights, higher reps, shorter breaks, longer walks, faster running, stairs & hills, etc. The key is INTENSITY. Interval training (high work with rests) is great way to get bursts of intensity, and keep the entire workout going for longer.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Increasing the intensity of your workout increases your risks of injury. Also, you will need more time to recover, especially if you are older. I strongly recommend consulting a competent trainer to show you how to exercise safely at the correct intensities.

    (3) Things that tend to tell your body to store fat: STRESS. Stress includes: excess exercise (yes, at some point more exercise isn't helping), excess calories (especially sugar, alcohol, carbs), lack of sleep, dehydration, bad relationships, money problems, deadlines, finals, bad jobs.

    I could go on and on about this, but to keep it simple, here's what you should remember about mobilizing fat:
    - Workout harder, faster, longer, but be safe about it.
    - Get good recovery and sleep.
    - Watch total calories, then sugar & alcohol, then total carbs.
    - Drink water.
    - Manage your overall stress.

    Good luck. I hope that helps.