Bouncing back from Skinny fat?

Justjamie0418
Justjamie0418 Posts: 1,065 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So about 5 years ago I lost a lot of weight rather quickly. about 60 pounds in 3.5 months. All I did was count weight watchers points and used the elliptical a few times a week. There for a while I was lifting low weights high reps. 4 sets. Basically doing just about every machine there was. I was around 190 then. I have gradually ( and two babies later) got down to around 165. I am 5'9''. I have a lot of extra skin in my arms, upper inner thighs, and lower belly. I attribute this SOME to the 5 babies but mostly to gaining and losing repetitively. I know lifting and strength training is the key to helping this, but what is realistic? Will the skin ever really bounce back? Where is a good starting point to start getting ripped? I am struggling to lose my last 25 or so pounds and I feel like strength training would help this a lot. I do cardio 5/6 times a week, currently in the INSANITY routine. I am pretty strong in my legs and lower body, though not so much in the upper.

I know this is an issue as at 5'9'' I shouldn't still be in a 11/12 jeans. I have seen a plastic surgeon a while back ( I just decided I didn't want to go that route.. yet) and I know I could be close to 2 sizes smaller minus this extra skin.

I KNOW its the extra skin as there is no 'flab' it's crinkly thin skin.

Thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • bushokie
    bushokie Posts: 180 Member
    I think everyone has that worry. From what I’ve read there are a lot of thing you can try. Dry skin brush and skin firming lotion. But almost everyone that’s done well says weight lifting. My doctor told me it could take 1-2 years for the skin to return to normal…you look great keep up the good work…
  • daytolive
    daytolive Posts: 106 Member
    Did you have c-sections? Because I think that has a lot to do with the skin around the midsection because they cut your muscles open and its never going back to what it was. If you didn't have a section,you are completely able to get strong and lose that extra skin. I think it all has to do with genetics and the amount of weight loss ESPECIALLY since you have had children. I think age has to do with it as well. Im 33 and i dont think ill EVER have a firm booty,as hard as i try. But,that's just life i guess. Why don't you go to a trainer and try that route first? Pilates is AMAZING for core and your other areas as well- these are also very costly. Insanity is amazing and free! You have to pat yourself on the back for losing the weight you have,that in itself is truly impressive. :)
  • Justjamie0418
    Justjamie0418 Posts: 1,065 Member
    Thanks guys, I do plan on going the trainer route if I have to. Money is always tight with 5 babies, so I will need to save a few months to be able to do something like that I didnt have C sections no. But I did have 5 babies in 8 years and then dropped 60 pounds immediatly after the birth of the third. My poor body, it really isnt THAT bad, it could be tons worse considering.... I was just hoping for some beginning lifting pointers, or anyone thats experienced bouncing back from something like this.
  • stephelan
    stephelan Posts: 81
    I'm 5'9" and 157 pounds but I'm still in a 11/12 pants as well. I've lost about 80 pounds over a couple years. I'd love to be in a smaller size but if it makes you feel better, I haven't had any babies and my weightloss was slower so I think you're in a pretty normal spot.
  • taiyola
    taiyola Posts: 964 Member
    Forgive me if I'm wrong, but once the skin has stretched isn't it correct that it doesn't stretch back?

    Weights are a great idea, but in terms of saggy skin, I think surgery may be your only option. :flowerforyou:

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