Will exercise prevent loose skin around the abdomen

zviedzwa
zviedzwa Posts: 3 Member
edited November 20 in Health and Weight Loss
I am 7 weeks into my weight loss routine and am happy with my progress. Initially I was doing cardio on the elliptical but my knees started to hurt so I stopped. My stomach has started to shrink and has become less firm but I am now worried that I will have loads of loose skin hanging when I reach my goal weight. Will exercising prevent or minimise this? And if so are there any specific routines I can do at home with no equipment?

Replies

  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    Not really, no. It's mostly going to depend on genetics, along with how big the area was and for how long and your age.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    The elliptical killed me! I thought it seemed great, low impact, good cardio...but holy moly! Pain showed up after a while! Shooting pains and general ouchiness. That romance was short-lived! Running hurt my knees. I hate sounding like an old person, but yikes. Maybe when I'm less fat, I'll have more success there.

    I do my hard workouts in the water - aerobics and swimming fast. I tread water in waves, but is no longer sweep against them or swim into them as that caused rotator cuff issues which were also no fun. Water is wonderful for muscle toning with low impact.

    Sit ups, planking, squats, six inches and the like have been good for me, but they couldn't save my skin from being loose. It's either elastic enough to bounce back or it isn't, I think.

    I hope you have better luck than me!!
  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    When I first starting getting into low body fat % I had loose skin on my stomach, in fact I was pretty shocked at how little muscle my abs had once I got rid of the fluff. They filled out nicely with some work and the skin did tightened up (I'm 42).

    You can make a lot of improvements over time through exercise so don't worry too much at this point. DeguelloTexdoes make a good point on factors that can influence the end result but at this point keep working out, implement a good core training program, stick with your diet and have patience.
  • barbecuesauce
    barbecuesauce Posts: 1,771 Member
    zviedzwa wrote: »
    I am 7 weeks into my weight loss routine and am happy with my progress. Initially I was doing cardio on the elliptical but my knees started to hurt so I stopped. My stomach has started to shrink and has become less firm but I am now worried that I will have loads of loose skin hanging when I reach my goal weight. Will exercising prevent or minimise this? And if so are there any specific routines I can do at home with no equipment?

    Is the 24 pounds you have left a mini-goal or something? Loose skin is dependent on genetics and I suppose it is possible for a woman who is 30ish pounds overweight to have it after she loses, but unlikely imo. For the record, I've lost 61 pounds and don't have any loose skin.

    The consistency of fat does change as you lose--that is generally a sign that you are going to lose more inches from that spot next.

    But if you're not doing any strength/resistance training, you should. Look on youtube or Fitness Blender for body weight exercises.
  • zviedzwa
    zviedzwa Posts: 3 Member
    Thank you all. Will try to incorporate a little exercise into my routine.

    Barbecuesauce the 24 pounds is my final goal. Hope I can persevere and get there. When I put in my goals 30 odd pounds seemed like a lot to lose and I wasn't even sure it was realistic but now I'm more optimistic and know it's possible with discipline.

  • Shanairah1991
    Shanairah1991 Posts: 152 Member
    Don't quote me on this but I heard the slower you loose weight the better your body will be able to repair your skin so it isn't saggy. If this is incorrect please feel free to correct me. :)
  • barbecuesauce
    barbecuesauce Posts: 1,771 Member
    zviedzwa wrote: »
    Thank you all. Will try to incorporate a little exercise into my routine.

    Barbecuesauce the 24 pounds is my final goal. Hope I can persevere and get there. When I put in my goals 30 odd pounds seemed like a lot to lose and I wasn't even sure it was realistic but now I'm more optimistic and know it's possible with discipline.

    Yeah, strength training is so you will look better naked and be more fit. To be honest, I think it's almost entirely down to genetics--but a woman who is just 30 lbs overweight shouldn't see any loose skin.
  • blankiefinder
    blankiefinder Posts: 3,599 Member
    I've lost 37 lbs, 2 from goal, and I definitely have loose skin. Some of this is the result of my last pregnancy 17 years ago, when I grew straight outwards :# and crappy skin elasticity.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Genetics, age and the amount of weight you have to lose have a lot to do with this. Strength training helps fill in the areas a bit.
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