Can anyone look lean/fit?

Are there some body types that can never have a "lean" or "fit" look? Or can anyone achieve it with enough diet and exercise?

I currently have a healthy BMI but I still have a protruding stomach and large love handles. I am worried that they will never go away....and I am wondering if I should learn to accept my body as is rather than continue with unrealistic expectations. I am not going to stop exercising, I just want to make sure I am doing it with the right frame of mind (for health only or for looks too).

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    You probably just have a higher BF%.

    Eat at a deficit to decrease bf.

    Age, height, weight, current caloric intake, and exercise routine?
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    You probably just have a higher BF%.

    Eat at a deficit to decrease bf.

    Age, height, weight, current caloric intake, and exercise routine?

    Yes, what is your current body fat %?
  • theopenforum
    theopenforum Posts: 280 Member
    yep its your body fat percentage or if you were overweight in the area of 100lbs+ it could be left over skin. In either case it will take time and an exercise routine. Give us some more info and we can go into further detail.

    Cheers

    Tof
  • chrisandleah2004
    chrisandleah2004 Posts: 13 Member
    I am 29, 5'3, 134lbs. I eat 1400 calories per day (plus more for exercise). I am currently doing "Ripped in 30" 4-5 days per week plus some walking almost every day. I do not know my BF%...I have tried several different websites and have gotten a bunch of different results. I know it is much higher than I would like, but I am afraid that my body just naturally stores a lot of fat in those areas, and it might never come off?
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    I am 29, 5'3, 134lbs. I eat 1400 calories per day (plus more for exercise). I am currently doing "Ripped in 30" 4-5 days per week plus some walking almost every day. I do not know my BF%...I have tried several different websites and have gotten a bunch of different results. I know it is much higher than I would like, but I am afraid that my body just naturally stores a lot of fat in those areas, and it might never come off?

    It will come off. But it takes a lot of time and patience. Keep doing what you're doing. Add some weight lifting to retain the muscle you have while burning the fat. Also take measurements every couple of weeks so you can track your progress.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I am 29, 5'3, 134lbs. I eat 1400 calories per day (plus more for exercise). I am currently doing "Ripped in 30" 4-5 days per week plus some walking almost every day. I do not know my BF%...I have tried several different websites and have gotten a bunch of different results. I know it is much higher than I would like, but I am afraid that my body just naturally stores a lot of fat in those areas, and it might never come off?

    It will come off. But it takes a lot of time and patience. Keep doing what you're doing. Add some weight lifting to retain the muscle you have while burning the fat.

    Yeah.

    Continue eating at a deficit and just keep doing what you're doing. You'll get there. And I agree with adding some weight lifting to your exercise routine to help retain LBM.
  • laurynwithawhy
    laurynwithawhy Posts: 385 Member
    I personally think everyone can look "fit". As far as having some muscle tone, looking "tight", regardless of whether they have some extra fat or are super skinny. As far as leanness goes, I think it definitely depends on body type. Mesomorph, Endomorph, ectomorph,. Do you tend to be more muscular, more fatty, or lean? Have you ever been really lean? I'm an endo/mesomorph. My profile picture is about as lean as I've ever been (26% bf), despite lifting weights, doing gymnastics, eating clean, etc. I build muscle really well, but I will always have a softer look. But I still look fit because I have muscle. That's just my 2 cents and personal experience. I think you should keep doing what you're doing, and maybe it will gradually come off. It definitely won't hurt!
  • chrisandleah2004
    chrisandleah2004 Posts: 13 Member
    Thank you all for your replies. Right now I am limited in my ability to weight lift, as I am a SAHM to 2 young children. But next year when my kids go to preschool I will be able to join a gym. I am currently attempting to strength train using small hand weights at home; I know that's not ideal but hopefully that will help me some what for now.
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    Thank you all for your replies. Right now I am limited in my ability to weight lift, as I am a SAHM to 2 young children. But next year when my kids go to preschool I will be able to join a gym. I am currently attempting to strength train using small hand weights at home; I know that's not ideal but hopefully that will help me some what for now.

    Hats off to you for being a SAHM to 2 kids AND finding time to get in shape. I'm a working mom with a 3 year old and 5 month old and workout @ the gym after they go to bed. Sounds like you have a plan and are doing well so far. Just keep it up. Cheers!
  • chrisandleah2004
    chrisandleah2004 Posts: 13 Member
    Thank you all for your replies. Right now I am limited in my ability to weight lift, as I am a SAHM to 2 young children. But next year when my kids go to preschool I will be able to join a gym. I am currently attempting to strength train using small hand weights at home; I know that's not ideal but hopefully that will help me some what for now.

    Hats off to you for being a SAHM to 2 kids AND finding time to get in shape. I'm a working mom with a 3 year old and 5 month old and workout @ the gym after they go to bed. Sounds like you have a plan and are doing well so far. Just keep it up. Cheers!

    And hats off to you for working out after your kids go to bed! I am too lazy for that :)