Please help me.

Measurements:

Height: 151 and 3/4 cm
Weight: 130 - 134 lbs ( I used to be 140 but now, due to calorie deficit, I became 130 lbs or 134lbs. :laugh: weight fluctuations especially when I'm stressed.)

I was wondering how will I be able to achieve 120 or 125 lbs because it seems like I have hit a plateau. I'm quite new to exercise (because :grumble: , I feel bad afterwards even with warm ups and cool downs) and I always have delayed muscle reaction which tends to last for 2-3 days. I haven't been able to determine whether I have slow metabolism.

I just wanted to look leaner and lose fat and well, not gain that much muscle. I'm a college student and it's quite hard for me to afford all those nutritious food especially I barely have enough for transportation and living expenses.

What should I do? :frown:

I want to be lean fit. :D

Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Keep eating at a calorie deficit. You don't need to buy special foods, just stay in your budget. Exercise is good for fitness but you won't build muscle while eating at a deficit and women don't build muscle that easily. You get muscle soreness because you're using muscles that need to be used. It's not a bad thing and if you keep exercising it will go away.
  • hwoeltjen
    hwoeltjen Posts: 199 Member
    You are going to achieve a lower weight by maintaining that deficit. As far as exercise and feeling bad, there are many factors that can play a role in that. Are you getting enough water? Are you consuming enough calories? What does your exercise plan look like?
  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
    Eating healthier foods is better for you but you can lose weight eating anything if you just reduce your calories. I've found that the best cure for me personally when I have sore muscles is stretching.
  • My exercise plan is after I eat breakfast, I follow youtube exercise videos (mostly cardio) that can range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. I was wondering what will strength training do to my body. Would I get bulkier? or would I be lean? If I want to lean, do I go for high intensity.

    I haven't been losing weight even after maintaining the deficit. D: I drink 4 to 5 650 mL water bottle everyday.
  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
    If you want to be lean weight training might be a good idea. It will help tone you. You might also consider trying some yoga. It's strength, stretching and depending on the routine it can also be cardiovascular. But lifting won't make you bulky. Women don't have enough testosterone.
  • hwoeltjen
    hwoeltjen Posts: 199 Member
    If you aren't losing weight you are either not at a deficit or you have a medical condition. I am assuming you are probably eating more than you think.

    Weight training is not going to make you bulky. Weight training is necessary to tone your body. You aren't going to be very lean if you don't include some sort of weight training.

    HIIT training is the best kind of cardio in my opinion. You can burn the same amount of calories as moderate intensity cardio in half the time.
  • Oh I see. How about the reps? Should I lift heavier weights or lighter weight and more repetition? I really live in a cramped house so what can I substitute for yoga?
  • Even if I have a medium frame (some websites tell me it's large) :laugh: It's hard to have an accurate amount of calories I intake because I usuall eat pre-made food from the cafeteria. It's best to overestimate?
  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
    Do whatever seems like a heavy weight for you. I think for women I read that you should do about 5 reps. If the weight is heavy enough the last one should be tough. Yoga only takes enough space to lie flat and stretch your arms out.
  • I_Will_End_You
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    Oh I see. How about the reps? Should I lift heavier weights or lighter weight and more repetition? I really live in a cramped house so what can I substitute for yoga?

    Heavier weights, less reps.
  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
    Most of us unwittingly underestimate so it might be good to guess a little higher.