My arms are fat...
Kimbot88
Posts: 109 Member
My arms are fat (well all of me is). It's a family thing apparently, these big arms. I walk/jog and I lift weights for a total of seven days a week. I do count calories and macros. When I tell people I work out they're surprised because I don't look fit or whatever. Anyway, I know I can't "spot reduce," but do you have any tips for my arms? More tricep workouts? More shoulder workouts? Less carbs? I want to lose weight all over and it's very difficult for me so if you want to comment on my large butt or thighs with helpful tips that would be fine as well. I'm open to all suggestions. 
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Replies
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Eat at a calorie defecit
Follow a progressive lifting programme 3x a week
Cardio for 2x 30 minute session
Take rest days
Read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/
Get a programme
Books
Strong Curves
New Rules of Lifting for Women
Structured online programmes
http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength
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I think you have a great shape - you're rocking an hour glass figure. I really wouldn't call your arms (or your legs) big.
If you want to see change, I think you'll just have to keep lowering your body fat percentage. I've found that lifting heavy weights makes a difference. What's your current routine?0 -
I'm going to reiterate for clarification that I walk/jog and I life weights. I walk or jog 7 days a week for 30-60 minutes each day. My weight lifting sessions are 3 days a week, about half an hour. I stay at or below 1100 calories day.0
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1100 calories a day? You're probably burning through your muscles by eating so little, sorry to tell you.0
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I'm going to reiterate for clarification that I walk/jog and I life weights. I walk or jog 7 days a week for 30-60 minutes each day. My weight lifting sessions are 3 days a week, about half an hour. I stay at or below 1100 calories day.
My post wasn't a minimum it was a programme
What progressive weight programme are you following
Where's your rest day
How are you judging your calorie intake? Weighing and accurately logging your food?0 -
I appreciate that.. But I really really hate my body. So much.oh_happy_day wrote: »I think you have a great shape - you're rocking an hour glass figure. I really wouldn't call your arms (or your legs) big.
If you want to see change, I think you'll just have to keep lowering your body fat percentage. I've found that lifting heavy weights makes a difference. What's your current routine?
I do a ton of squats. Usually just body weight or with 10-15 lb. hand weights. Various curls at 10-15 lbs. Tricep lifts and kick backs at 15 lbs. And some ab stuff. I probably need a better "routine."
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Eat at a calorie defecit
Follow a progressive lifting programme 3x a week
Cardio for 2x 30 minute session
Take rest days
Read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/
Get a programme
Books
Strong Curves
New Rules of Lifting for Women
Structured online programmes
http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength
Those are some good links. Thank you.0 -
I'm going to reiterate for clarification that I walk/jog and I life weights. I walk or jog 7 days a week for 30-60 minutes each day. My weight lifting sessions are 3 days a week, about half an hour. I stay at or below 1100 calories day.
My post wasn't a minimum it was a programme
What progressive weight programme are you following
Where's your rest day
How are you judging your calorie intake? Weighing and accurately logging your food?
I don't follow an actual program but maybe that is what I need. I don't have rest days per se because some days all I do is go for a brisk 30-40 walk.
I weigh EVERYTHING in grams and log everything including vitamins and supplements.0 -
But I really really hate my body. So much.
Every time i hear that, this automatically gets posted:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8jhcxOhIMAQ
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I also only have hand weights up to 30 lbs. so any lifting regime requiring the bars would unfortunately not work for me.0
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You're probably underestimating how many calories you're eating then.0 -
You're probably underestimating how many calories you're eating then.
I weigh everything in grams. And I log everything accurately including vitamins and supplements.0 -
Try to stick to a routine for a few months ie: legs, chest and biceps, legs,shoulders and triceps etc then change the exercises. Or mix exercises. Push yourself when you feel good. Eat more calories maybe 1500.0
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From what I've read, you can't build muscle on a deficit and at 27 years old (and from the picture you look like a fairly tall gal), 1100 calories is pretty low. I eat more than that on active days, and I'm old enough to be your mother and also petite. That's typical intake for someone who is sedentary. If you can open your diet we can help advise on macros (more protein?) and what you need to safely lose but still retain muscle.0
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From what I've read, you can't build muscle on a deficit and at 27 years old (and from the picture you look like a fairly tall gal), 1100 calories is pretty low. I eat more than that on active days, and I'm old enough to be your mother and also petite. That's typical intake for someone who is sedentary. If you can open your diet we can help advise on macros (more protein?) and what you need to safely lose but still retain muscle.
I'm actually only 5'1. If I expanded the picture you'd see my tall skinny friends and see how fat and short I am next to them. Mfp recommended 1200 for me because I have a desk job. I'm really not too keen on doing much more than 1200 because I gain weight very easily. You are right about protein. I have a hard time getting enough protein and I easily go over my carbs. I am trying to work on that and I've started supplementing with protein powder after workouts.
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I'm 5'1.5", and it is hard to get enough protein on 1100 or 1200. Try to get at least the RDA of protein, which I think is around 45 grams for a female, but ideally, you should be getting closer .8 to 1 gram per pound of lean body mass. I weigh around 120 and try to get in the 80s; I didn't do too well today because I was at a workshop and lunch was pizza. By the way, my diary is open (although I was away the past few days so didn't log for a bit) if you want to see what a balance might look like in the 1200 or so range.0
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I'm going to send you a friend request so you can see my diary. Ignore yesterday because I was at the fair and just quick added a large amount of calories to cover myself.0
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I appreciate that.. But I really really hate my body. So much.oh_happy_day wrote: »I think you have a great shape - you're rocking an hour glass figure. I really wouldn't call your arms (or your legs) big.
If you want to see change, I think you'll just have to keep lowering your body fat percentage. I've found that lifting heavy weights makes a difference. What's your current routine?
I do a ton of squats. Usually just body weight or with 10-15 lb. hand weights. Various curls at 10-15 lbs. Tricep lifts and kick backs at 15 lbs. And some ab stuff. I probably need a better "routine."
Agree with the above posters that you'd benefit from a progressive lifting program. The weight you're using aren't doing it for you. I think you'd benefit from building in compound lifts and heavier weights (you won't get bulky, I promise). You can also intensify body weight exercises if you lack equipment at home - try convict conditioning or twelve minute athlete.
Also, I'm sure you know this but changing your body may not change your feeling towards it. My experience is that they can be mutually exclusive. When I was at my thinnest, I hated my body more than I do now. I think you'd find plenty of people on here who have made massive changes to their bodies, including reaching their goal body fat/weight, and still not liking what they see in the mirror.
I also think you should eat more - you need to fuel your body properly if you're exercising I'm 5"2 and eat 1300 net, and get generally around 100 of protein as well. I'm still losing comfortably.0 -
My arms are fat (well all of me is). It's a family thing apparently, these big arms. I walk/jog and I lift weights for a total of seven days a week. I do count calories and macros. When I tell people I work out they're surprised because I don't look fit or whatever. Anyway, I know I can't "spot reduce," but do you have any tips for my arms? More tricep workouts? More shoulder workouts? Less carbs? I want to lose weight all over and it's very difficult for me so if you want to comment on my large butt or thighs with helpful tips that would be fine as well. I'm open to all suggestions.
There's really only one way to thin out your arms and that's to lower your body fat overall. For me, for every 9 lbs of weight lost, I shed 1 inch off my arms. I've already lost ~3 inches at my upper arm and still need 1 more even though I'm down to 126. I tend to store more fat in my arms than butt(typical apple shape). It's genetics.
I've only been doing high intensity cardio like cycling, spinning, elliptical with high resistance and hiking hills (recently bumped to 10-14 hrs to speed up fat loss). I eat a high carb (75%) diet, mainly plant based and 1600-1700 cals. I'm 5'5". Now that I've lost majority of excess fat, I'll start strength training (through calisthenics coz I detest barbells). At least now without the fat, I'll be able to visually see my muscles getting more toned.
You're already weight lifting which is great but you probably have some awesome muscles underneath all that fat. You won't see them until you drop the fat. And as we know, fat loss is about deficit regardless of macros. Since your calories are already low, the only way to speed up fat loss is to increase cardio intensity/time. You may have to increase calories a bit to be able to do so. Generally, body fat drops evenly from everywhere so forget about targeting individual body parts. Your body will do what it do.0 -
I appreciate that.. But I really really hate my body. So much.oh_happy_day wrote: »I think you have a great shape - you're rocking an hour glass figure. I really wouldn't call your arms (or your legs) big.
If you want to see change, I think you'll just have to keep lowering your body fat percentage. I've found that lifting heavy weights makes a difference. What's your current routine?
I do a ton of squats. Usually just body weight or with 10-15 lb. hand weights. Various curls at 10-15 lbs. Tricep lifts and kick backs at 15 lbs. And some ab stuff. I probably need a better "routine."
I think you should lift more often, longer sessions, do less cardio, and eat more. 1100 calories is not going to yield you a strong, fit body.
Also, you do have an incredibly feminine hourglass shape that a lot of women would love to have. Try to start loving and appreciating your body NOW, not just for how it looks, but for all that it does for you on a daily basis, all the things that it makes possible for you, just by being a functioning, capable body. If you don't love your body NOW, you will reach your goal weight and still not love it.0 -
_bellator_ wrote: »
I appreciate that.. But I really really hate my body. So much.oh_happy_day wrote: »I think you have a great shape - you're rocking an hour glass figure. I really wouldn't call your arms (or your legs) big.
If you want to see change, I think you'll just have to keep lowering your body fat percentage. I've found that lifting heavy weights makes a difference. What's your current routine?
I do a ton of squats. Usually just body weight or with 10-15 lb. hand weights. Various curls at 10-15 lbs. Tricep lifts and kick backs at 15 lbs. And some ab stuff. I probably need a better "routine."
I think you should lift more often, longer sessions, do less cardio, and eat more. 1100 calories is not going to yield you a strong, fit body.
Also, you do have an incredibly feminine hourglass shape that a lot of women would love to have. Try to start loving and appreciating your body NOW, not just for how it looks, but for all that it does for you on a daily basis, all the things that it makes possible for you, just by being a functioning, capable body. If you don't love your body NOW, you will reach your goal weight and still not love it.
What do you think a good ratio of cardio to weights is? If I did weights 3x a week and cardio 4x a week is that good? Also I would love to like my body, and I am working on it, but I have always had a negative image of myself and struggled with eating disorders (either eating too little or too much) so it's just something I really have to work on.0 -
Can you join a gym?
If not go bodyweight
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
Or you are your own gym
Also there's issues with your logging if you believe you're eating 1100 calories with that level of activity and not losing
Read http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p10 -
There are no issues with my logging. As I've stating many times, I weigh EVERYTHING including condiments. I log EVERYTHING including 10 calorie supplements and I will over estimate calories if I am not sure about the nutritional content of something. I'm sorry but this is very frustrating to be told that I'm logging inaccurately when I know I am not. I also mentioned above that I've struggled with eating disorders most of my life and someone very recently proposed to me that I probably damaged my metabolism by abusing my body like that and that I probably have to increase my calories. I don't want to increase my calories because I WILL gain weight on more than 1200 calories. My other thought is that something else might be out of wack as I am literally tired all the time and I have raynauds and alopecia. Regardless, I am NOT logging incorrectly.0
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How do you calculate your calorie burns when you workout?0
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I usually let mfp estimate and then I subtract about 50-100 because I think mfp overestimates. But I rarely eat back those calories. If I do it's by accident.0
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There are no issues with my logging. As I've stating many times, I weigh EVERYTHING including condiments. I log EVERYTHING including 10 calorie supplements and I will over estimate calories if I am not sure about the nutritional content of something. I'm sorry but this is very frustrating to be told that I'm logging inaccurately when I know I am not. I also mentioned above that I've struggled with eating disorders most of my life and someone very recently proposed to me that I probably damaged my metabolism by abusing my body like that and that I probably have to increase my calories. I don't want to increase my calories because I WILL gain weight on more than 1200 calories. My other thought is that something else might be out of wack as I am literally tired all the time and I have raynauds and alopecia. Regardless, I am NOT logging incorrectly.
Well I totally missed anything about you having an ED
I do not think you should be on MFP, I think you should be consulting with your medical team, looking at reverse dieting to get your nutritional levels up to a decent maintenance amount .,.under supervision with counselling
Good luck0 -
There are no issues with my logging. As I've stating many times, I weigh EVERYTHING including condiments. I log EVERYTHING including 10 calorie supplements and I will over estimate calories if I am not sure about the nutritional content of something. I'm sorry but this is very frustrating to be told that I'm logging inaccurately when I know I am not. I also mentioned above that I've struggled with eating disorders most of my life and someone very recently proposed to me that I probably damaged my metabolism by abusing my body like that and that I probably have to increase my calories. I don't want to increase my calories because I WILL gain weight on more than 1200 calories. My other thought is that something else might be out of wack as I am literally tired all the time and I have raynauds and alopecia. Regardless, I am NOT logging incorrectly.
Well I totally missed anything about you having an ED
I do not think you should be on MFP, I think you should be consulting with your medical team, looking at reverse dieting to get your nutritional levels up to a decent maintenance amount .,.under supervision with counselling
Good luck
I don't feel like I am as bad as I was. Other than the occasional binge. But it's frustrating because in the past I have not been able to lose weight without consuming less than 900 cals per day. I know that's bad and I am trying my best to do everything right this time. But it is so frustrating. I think I really screwed myself up from years of consuming 900-1000 a day.0 -
MFP does overestimate. Well, to be honest I'm truly at a loss here. My only advice to you would be to see a doctor then. Since your logging is tight and you weigh everything and tend to overestimate calories and then on top of that you underestimate workout calories and rarely eat them back yet still don't lose weight, you defy everything I know about the science of weight loss and I'm not qualified to delve any further. Since you're recovering from an ED, I second that you should not be on MFP and should be working out your goals with qualified medical professionals. I wish you the best of luck, OP.0
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In order to build lean muscle, you need to increase your protein in small quantities throughout the day. Cardio and strength training WILL BE A WASTE if you're not eating enough protein. Plus, if you're consuming too many carbs for your body percentage, it makes you bulky. You are a beautiful girl to begin with, but to get to your goal, increasing food intake is a must.0
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