skinny fat vs stocky fit

Doctorpurple
Doctorpurple Posts: 507 Member
edited January 11 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi I'm starting this thread because I want to know your opinions/preference. I've always lost weight whenever I stopped or decrease my exercise intensity. Of course, I know that I don't lose fat by stopping exercise. I probably just lose water, glycogen and some muscle mass. But it always bring the scale down to 3-5 lbs. At my size and current weight, that is VERY noticeable. My arms and legs get smaller and less swollen. I've always been the mesomorph type. I gain muscle very easily especially in my thighs. I feel like when I exercise I lot, I can look stocky. But when I stop exercising, my body get slimmer but it becomes soft. It has always been a dilemma of mine which body type I prefer more. The skinny soft vs. stocky fit. Right now, I obviously prefer the Fit one. But sometimes I go back and forth. What do you think guys. Which one do you prefer?

Replies

  • Kjones150
    Kjones150 Posts: 3
    You don't look like you're stocky, it looks like you have more of an athletic build. Just keep up the good work.
  • Live4theLift
    Live4theLift Posts: 329
    I always liked toned with some muscle def
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    You must be looking in a funny mirror as you don't look stocky to me in any of your photos.
    I, personally, would sooner take fit over skinny. I used to care only for the scale. That is a constant battle for me also, but I love seeing muscle definition. It shows I have worked hard, and it makes me feel stronger and more confident.
  • flitabout
    flitabout Posts: 200 Member
    Go with fit. Fit girls always look better!!!!! You look amazing in that picture!!!!
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I don't see it as a choice. Different people are built differently, and, to me, people look their best when they're fit. If you're stocky, fit looks better. If you're skinny, fit looks better. If you're not stocky, you will not become stocky by getting fit.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I don't see it as a choice. Different people are built differently, and, to me, people look their best when they're fit. If you're stocky, fit looks better. If you're skinny, fit looks better. If you're not stocky, you will not become stocky by getting fit.

    I agree here.

    And the choice is usually not either/or. There is a spectrum on the fitness scale. And a lot of hard work.

    I prefer being fit and working towards being fit. Being fit is a lot of hard work. So, I work as hard as I can and want to, but do not worry about striving for perfection. I like my body the way it is. I lift weights to keep and build muscle. I work more at the parts I want to and less so at the parts that I am content with as they are. But, I mostly do compound moves anyway, so that's a full body work out. I like to keep my legs and booty very fit, and since I am a slender person, for me that does mean sometimes my thighs get a little bigger. But, I think strong and fit legs/booty looks more preferable on my body than to be more soft and fluffy. I'm more familiar with my lower body and my back having strong muscles because I am a life long dancer. I also like the increase in upper body muscle definition that I have, but I'm content with where I am at with that.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    Fit. Not even a second thought.

    Never heard of a stocky 117 pound person at your height.

    Your heaviest weight was 130 according to your profile, and you said you were out of shape then. Maybe what you saw was glycogen swelling you back when you were still at a higher body fat?
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    stop fishing for compliments .ya numpty

    It's not fishing for compliments when a person is not overweight, but still working towards fitness goals (especially a young woman that is still learning about fitness). But, insulting people on the basis of what you have decided to, is much more of a reflection on you, than it is on anyone else.
  • CrankMeUp
    CrankMeUp Posts: 2,860 Member
    ugh on the title.

    it isnt an either or
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Stocky fit? Lol.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I think sometimes when women are petite they tend to think they will look stocky if they are not very slender.
  • pcastagner
    pcastagner Posts: 1,606 Member
    High reps with lower weight will give you more "pump"


    Maybe that is what you are seeing?
  • munchkin0518
    munchkin0518 Posts: 32
    Honestly, if pressed to choose for my own body type, I would go with skinny fat. Before I get bashed for this- let me explain. First off, less maintenance work is always welcome in my hectic schedule. Less stressing about exercise leads to a happier and healthier me, with significantly less colds, better skin and just in general, less immune system downfalls. The second reason is that I like how clothes fit on me better. I'm not in the habit of wearing skin-tight, form-fitting clothes, nor am I overly concerned about how I look naked every night. So having my existing wardrobe hang looser helps me relax and feel comfortable while working.

    That said, if exercise gives you, personally, joy and bumps up your own health levels, that is what you should go for.
  • jess6742
    jess6742 Posts: 146
    I know what you mean. I'm really short and small framed so when I start working out a lot I tend to look stockier. I agree with the above posters though. It doesn't have to be either or. I just need to find that balance too :)
  • Lexiebexie
    Lexiebexie Posts: 1
    I know this is an old topic but I wanted to share anyways. It's kind of frustrating how a lot of people think this is a silly question, and being fit and maintaining your exercise routine is obviously the right answer...but I feel your pain. I have the same issue and I feel like just working out like a normal person for a few days makes my muscles SOO bulky, and I'm a pretty petite person. I just feel like it makes my body seem disproportionate. I have found a solution tho! What I like to do is maintain a workout schedule that includes 20 minutes of fast, intense cardio a few times a week, and other then that I rely on Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and normal every day activity to keep me in shape. The yoga and pilates keep your muscles toned but also elongate them, as does stretching. This works perfectly for me and if you haven't tried these kinds of workouts you should give them a shot.
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