Tips for someone trying to look more lean?

kinney_kristin
kinney_kristin Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, I've been spending my summer focusing on my health and fitness. I can't say I'm overweight, but I'm 20 years old and want to be in great shape and healthy while in college. As of right now, I'm 5'10 and 158 pounds. I've been working out and dieting for about 6 weeks now and feel like my progress has been slower than it should be (only about 3 or 4 pounds lost so far). I know takes longer to lose weight for people who don't have as much to lose, but I was wondering if anyone had advice for me to see better results? I work out at least 5 times a week doing various activities (cycling, step, eliptical, running, strength training) and usually eat about 1,500 - 1,700 calories a day. I really want to flatten my tummy and it seems like the fat around that area is being stubborn to go away. Any comments would be appreciated!

Replies

  • PetiteLittleFlower
    PetiteLittleFlower Posts: 138 Member
    Bump
  • AlongCame_Molly
    AlongCame_Molly Posts: 2,835 Member
    Cut back on the cardio, and introduce some strength training and heavy weightlifting into your workouts. You will NOT get bulky. The "lean" look comes from strong and well-defined muscles, which comes from lifting weights, not from cardio.

    Good luck! You are welcome to pm me with further questions if you like.
  • PetiteLittleFlower
    PetiteLittleFlower Posts: 138 Member
    Bumped wrong post. Sorry hun

    I'm no expert so can't give much advice but to get a flat tummy myself i increased protein, decreased carbs and increased good fats. I also did high intensity training 5x per week which really helped. Sorry I can't be of much help, hope you get some answers
  • rajathwalharris
    rajathwalharris Posts: 101
    try pilates and yoga (hatha and try hot yoga..it's amazing).....if you are looking for the "lean look"....this will be a great addition to what you are already doing. The yoga will also keep you grounded and stretch out those tight muscles from all else that you do...I know that I also do alot group fitness and cardio, and I have really tight hip flexors and hammies....
    I'm 151 and 5'8.....and I know what you mean about the weight taking forever to come off...but hang in there, you are doing everything right!!!
  • PetiteLittleFlower
    PetiteLittleFlower Posts: 138 Member
    Cut back on the cardio, and introduce some strength training and heavy weightlifting into your workouts. You will NOT get bulky. The "lean" look comes from strong and well-defined muscles, which comes from lifting weights, not from cardio.

    Good luck! You are welcome to pm me with further questions if you like.

    I am starting this tomorrow :-)
  • rajathwalharris
    rajathwalharris Posts: 101
    yes, sorry, definately strength training as well....I agree with the post above, cut back on the cardio and add some strength and try yoga :)
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
    Cut back on the cardio, and introduce some strength training and heavy weightlifting into your workouts. You will NOT get bulky. The "lean" look comes from strong and well-defined muscles, which comes from lifting weights, not from cardio.

    Good luck! You are welcome to pm me with further questions if you like.



    This
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    In the short term, wear clothes that fit your body properly. Honestly that is the best advice I can give that will provide instant results. Most people wear clothing that is either too small or too big. Too small and you get the sausage effect, making you look like you have protruding fat (even if you don't have a lot of fat). Too big and you either just look bigger or you look like you are trying to hide something. Clothes that fit well and are the right cut for you body will do wonders for how lean you look.

    In the long term, strength training.
  • kinney_kristin
    kinney_kristin Posts: 3
    Thanks guys I appreciate all the feedback! Just to further explain, I do some strength training already. When I go to the gym, I spend around an hour using machines to work on my abs, legs and butt, and arms. Recently I've been doing this before I start cardio (some research recommended strength training before cardio). I'm not as knowledgeable when it comes to using weights, but I typically do 20x, 3 reps on each machine and use a weight that is doable for me yet is also challenging. So...does it sound like I'm doing it right? lol, as I said I feel somewhat clueless in this area.
  • BarbaraCarr1981
    BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
    In the short term, wear clothes that fit your body properly. Honestly that is the best advice I can give that will provide instant results. Most people wear clothing that is either too small or too big. Too small and you get the sausage effect, making you look like you have protruding fat (even if you don't have a lot of fat). Too big and you either just look bigger or you look like you are trying to hide something. Clothes that fit well and are the right cut for you body will do wonders for how lean you look.

    In the long term, strength training.

    This is GOOD advice. Today I got a pic taken that made me look H U G E! And I'm only about 150lbs and 5'9" but i guess with the tank I was wearing and the way i was sitting when the pic was taken......... Yesterday, I had a pic taken in a bikini and I thought it was a great pic! Anyways, to the OP, sounds like there's good advice on here about the heavy lifting. I've been doing that myself but ya it's taking a long time too. Just keep going, that's my advice. And don't be like me and go overboard some days with the chips, chcoclate and candy...
  • mittencat77
    mittencat77 Posts: 137 Member
    Cut back on the cardio, and introduce some strength training and heavy weightlifting into your workouts. You will NOT get bulky. The "lean" look comes from strong and well-defined muscles, which comes from lifting weights, not from cardio.

    Good luck! You are welcome to pm me with further questions if you like.

    This is helpful to hear and I am inspired by your loss and picture. I have been thinking for some time that this is my primary problem. How often do you do weights and how so (whole body, splits)?
  • LongIsland27itl
    LongIsland27itl Posts: 365 Member
    Is plain and simple eat at a decent caloric deficit (-500) and do weights and cardio
  • tawanda6329
    tawanda6329 Posts: 139 Member
    Cut wheat/gluten from your diet.
  • VeinsAndBones
    VeinsAndBones Posts: 550 Member
    Cut wheat/gluten from your diet.

    tumblr_mi2lx4LN7c1s0xdh3o1_500.gif
  • tawanda6329
    tawanda6329 Posts: 139 Member
    Funny pic.

    I still eat carbs just not the ones with wheat/gluten in them and I've lost inches all over. I don't know how to post pictures. Tell me how.

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