Not happy with photo results

js8181
js8181 Posts: 178 Member
in Motivation and Support
I've lost 6-7 pounds in the last month through eating healthy and exercise, but I don't see any change in my body. I've also been recovering from a surgery that meant I couldn't lift heavy objects. Could my problem be not enough weight training? Or did I just have more fat to get rid of than I thought originally! haha, I'm afraid the tough answer is column b, but I'd like to hear input. Here's some before/during photos.

Before Flexed
Flexedfront_closer9-6-13_zps2ca98cb3.jpg

Before relaxed
Unflexedfront9-6-13_zpsd8c9465f.jpg

During Flexed
Photoon2013-10-01at08412_zpsd03afedc.jpg

During Relaxed

Photoon2013-10-01at08422_zps8168d3f7.jpg

During - Relaxed

Photoon2013-10-01at08422_zps8168d3f7.jpg

Replies

  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    You do have atleast 15-20% body fat.

    body-fat-percentage-men.jpg

    Although I can say that not being able to lift probably didn't help.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    You're still losing body fat.
  • juliemouse83
    juliemouse83 Posts: 6,663 Member
    Bumping for later...can't see pix.
  • popsicklestar
    popsicklestar Posts: 166 Member
    You should get your bodyfat percentage tested. They usually will do it for you at your gym.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Without the ability to lift you probably lose fat and muscle, lifting (strength training) helps you retain the muscle you already have in a deficit. Also the smaller your deficit the better for muscle retention, and make sure to get adequate protein (much more than MFP suggests)
  • YouMadBro8281
    YouMadBro8281 Posts: 269
    Decided not to be so mean.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    You do have atleast 15-20% body fat.

    body-fat-percentage-men.jpg

    Although I can say that not being able to lift probably didn't help.

    ^This is really not the way to try to judge body fat percentage.

    OP I think you are maybe in the mid-20's

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

    Maybe see if there is a place you can get a dexa scan? Check your insurance too because some will cover most if not all the cost.
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Well, if you thought a few pounds would reveal a 6-pack, now you know you were wrong. Body fat still looks somewhere over 20 to me. But that's ok. Keep moving forward and a couple months should see some really nice positive changes.
  • shutyourpieholeandsquat
    shutyourpieholeandsquat Posts: 1,394 Member
    compared to your pics on your profile the pics on this thread look great! I personally think you're looking sexy... but then again I have a thing for hairy chests lol
  • bvincentelp
    bvincentelp Posts: 36 Member
    Looks like you still got a ways to go. Plenty of fat in the pictures that could be cut.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • melybelyc
    melybelyc Posts: 33
    Losing 6-7 pounds is excellent - remember how much time it took to gain those pounds? Stop with the pressure - how do you feel? I have been working Insanity and recently started Focus T25 - in 4 months I have only lost 3 pounds, but I have also lost 4 inches. It doesn't sound like much - but the difference in the way I feel and the way my clothes fit is amazing. If you are looking for some more motivation - let me know, I am in several different motivational groups and its very helpful! Good luck and keep up the hard work!
  • decasan
    decasan Posts: 1
    it's hard to compare the before and during pics because they're at different angles. maybe try getting the next set of pics at the same exact angle and you'll be able to see the difference better
  • frommetobetterme
    frommetobetterme Posts: 124 Member
    You're comparing before frontal pictures with during side pictures, so we can't really compare.

    6-7 lbs is 6-7 lbs, be glad that you are progressing and keep working towards your goal.
  • FrenchMob
    FrenchMob Posts: 1,167 Member
    You do have atleast 15-20% body fat.

    body-fat-percentage-men.jpg

    Although I can say that not being able to lift probably didn't help.

    ^This is really not the way to try to judge body fat percentage.

    OP I think you are maybe in the mid-20's

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

    Maybe see if there is a place you can get a dexa scan? Check your insurance too because some will cover most if not all the cost.
    You say this is not the way to judge BF%, yet the thread you reference says it's one of the better ways...lol
  • js8181
    js8181 Posts: 178 Member
    be as mean as you like! i don't have any serious health problems, so getting leaner is essentially a hobby. Just as I'd want brutal honesty about a song I wrote, or a table I built, be as brutal as you want!
  • shutyourpieholeandsquat
    shutyourpieholeandsquat Posts: 1,394 Member
    I would still do ya.

    20% and all

    i like guys in the 15 - 25 % range

    meow

    Me too.. I was looking at those pictures of the percentages and I prefer 15-25%
  • frommetobetterme
    frommetobetterme Posts: 124 Member
    be as mean as you like! i don't have any serious health problems, so getting leaner is essentially a hobby. Just as I'd want brutal honesty about a song I wrote, or a table I built, be as brutal as you want!

    Why would be be mean? You don't have defined abs, but you're not fat either. I think you look healthy. I think anything beyond how you are now is just for self satisfaction.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    You do have atleast 15-20% body fat.

    body-fat-percentage-men.jpg

    Although I can say that not being able to lift probably didn't help.

    ^This is really not the way to try to judge body fat percentage.

    OP I think you are maybe in the mid-20's

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

    Maybe see if there is a place you can get a dexa scan? Check your insurance too because some will cover most if not all the cost.
    You say this is not the way to judge BF%, yet the thread you reference says it's one of the better ways...lol

    That's why I did ^this to point to the chart. I was saying the chart wasn't the best way to try to judge someone's body composition by. I wasn't talking about his actual picture.....LOL :tongue:
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    It's been a month. Professional bodybuilders take 12 weeks or more to get into the correct condition for a competition.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Gingerlockz
    Gingerlockz Posts: 35 Member
    Slow and steady wins the race. But I give you props for your hairy chest, that is sexy as hell.
  • js8181
    js8181 Posts: 178 Member
    oh, I was just referring to somebody who edited their post to 'not be mean'. Just trying to say I won't take offense no matter what! I appreciate everybody's input! Here's the before side compared to the during side, since I messed that up in the OP

    Before flexed front
    Flexedfront_closer9-6-13_zps2ca98cb3.jpg

    During flexed front
    Photoon2013-10-01at0841_zps343f8983.jpg


    Before relaxed side
    unflexedside9-6-13_zps88735f32.jpg

    During relaxed side
    Photoon2013-10-01at08422_zps8168d3f7.jpg
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    It's been one month. Give it time.
  • js8181
    js8181 Posts: 178 Member
    Thanks everybody! When I start being able to lift again, what would be a good way to start, particularly for arms and chest?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Thanks everybody! When I start being able to lift again, what would be a good way to start, particularly for arms and chest?

    How about a nice full body routine. I like Lee Labrada's 12 week lean body trainer (free on bodybuilding.com) or you could pick another free program off of bodybuilding.com.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Thanks everybody! When I start being able to lift again, what would be a good way to start, particularly for arms and chest?

    How about a nice full body routine. I like Lee Labrada's 12 week lean body trainer (free on bodybuilding.com) or you could pick another free program off of bodybuilding.com.

    Or look into Stronglifts 5x5, or starting strength (this is also a great book with a lot of helpful info)
  • js8181
    js8181 Posts: 178 Member
    thank you!
  • js8181
    js8181 Posts: 178 Member
    I got my BF done, and people were right in their estimates: I came out to 23.3%. Got my work cut out for me! I'd like to get it down to 15%.

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