My body doesn’t look lean
Wannabfit4life321
Posts: 12 Member
I am 5’7 and 128lb woman. My body doesn’t look lean to me at all. I’ve been lifting weights for 3 months
Photo here:
https://picallow.com/lean
Help
Photo here:
https://picallow.com/lean
Help
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Replies
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Your photo has expired and wont load, so we can’t see what you look like. Can you give us some more detail? Are you unhappy with particular parts of your physique or do you want more muscle definition? It’s great that you’re lifting but just to manage expectations, it can take a long time to see results. It took me a good six months to see real definition but I still had wobbly bits - nothing like the influencers who claim their banded exercises transform bodies in 3 weeks!1
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claireychn074 wrote: »Your photo has expired and wont load, so we can’t see what you look like. Can you give us some more detail? Are you unhappy with particular parts of your physique or do you want more muscle definition? It’s great that you’re lifting but just to manage expectations, it can take a long time to see results. It took me a good six months to see real definition but I still had wobbly bits - nothing like the influencers who claim their banded exercises transform bodies in 3 weeks!
https://picallow.com/body-39/
I’m unhappy with my body type. I want a smaller defined waist and to just be overall more lean.0 -
We need a bit more information. 3 months is nothing though.0
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We need a bit more information. 3 months is nothing though.
https://picallow.com/body-39/
I don’t look lean. What do I need to improve?0 -
In three months of weightlifting, changes in body composition might not be immediately visible. Building muscle and losing fat takes time. Be patient and consistent with your workouts and nutrition, as progress may not be immediately noticeable but can be significant over time.
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Did you see my photo ?In three months of weightlifting, changes in body composition might not be immediately visible. Building muscle and losing fat takes time. Be patient and consistent with your workouts and nutrition, as progress may not be immediately noticeable but can be significant over time.
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Any feedback ?0
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You're likely right around 23%-25% bodyfat. If you want to get and look leaner, you'll need to drop to about 20%. Moderate calorie deficit and do some resistance training to enhance overall figure. This WILL take some time so don't expect it for at least 90 days or more.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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You're likely right around 23%-25% bodyfat. If you want to get and look leaner, you'll need to drop to about 20%. Moderate calorie deficit and do some resistance training to enhance overall figure. This WILL take some time so don't expect it for at least 90 days or more.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Will 20% give me that physically fit look??
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Thank you for posting the second link, I was able to open it that time. I’m just an internet stranger and this is just my opinion but - you look pretty lean to me.
There are a number of things you might want to consider: firstly, what do you really mean by “lean” and how badly do you want it? The only time I felt lean was at c15% body fat, and that wasn’t healthy for me. I lost the fat I needed to but I also lost some muscle (I didn’t have much to start with lol), and I was defo slim. I liked the way I looked (at that time) but for me it was not sustainable, or healthy.
The second is whether your natural physique will enable you to reach the image you have in your mind. I am pear shaped and no amount of diet or exercise will give me slim long legs. At 15% fat my legs were the slimmest they had ever been, but I still had bad cellulite and my upper body was scrawny and bony. I totally lost my boobs - I had to decide whether that was what I wanted.
Thirdly, how bad do you want it? I did some progress pic comparisons today to see how I was getting on. From FIVE YEARS ago. I don’t train for aesthetics so my progress will be a lot slower than someone who does, but it takes time, commitment and serious dedication to build muscle. If that is what you want then go for it! But it won’t come instantly.
I think you have a great figure, but as I said - I’m just a random internet stranger.0 -
claireychn074 wrote: »Thank you for posting the second link, I was able to open it that time. I’m just an internet stranger and this is just my opinion but - you look pretty lean to me.
There are a number of things you might want to consider: firstly, what do you really mean by “lean” and how badly do you want it? The only time I felt lean was at c15% body fat, and that wasn’t healthy for me. I lost the fat I needed to but I also lost some muscle (I didn’t have much to start with lol), and I was defo slim. I liked the way I looked (at that time) but for me it was not sustainable, or healthy.
The second is whether your natural physique will enable you to reach the image you have in your mind. I am pear shaped and no amount of diet or exercise will give me slim long legs. At 15% fat my legs were the slimmest they had ever been, but I still had bad cellulite and my upper body was scrawny and bony. I totally lost my boobs - I had to decide whether that was what I wanted.
Thirdly, how bad do you want it? I did some progress pic comparisons today to see how I was getting on. From FIVE YEARS ago. I don’t train for aesthetics so my progress will be a lot slower than someone who does, but it takes time, commitment and serious dedication to build muscle. If that is what you want then go for it! But it won’t come instantly.
I think you have a great figure, but as I said - I’m just a random internet stranger.
I want some muscle definition but not a whole lot. I think I am just not happy with my waist not being smaller. I want an hourglass figure.
I want this REALLY bad. I eat a clean diet literally everyday and I’ve been going to the gym for 2-3 times a week for three months now. I still have a bit of lower belly fat that I want gone.
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I agree that you look good now. You look like you're at a healthy low weight.
If you want to look lean like the models and stars in magazines, hire a good dresser and photographer who can photoshop you to look exactly like you want. Your pictures will be great!
As for looking good walking down the street, you already got it!
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Thank you. I am motivated to keep hitting the gym. I was feeling discouraged.Corina1143 wrote: »I agree that you look good now. You look like you're at a healthy low weight.
If you want to look lean like the models and stars in magazines, hire a good dresser and photographer who can photoshop you to look exactly like you want. Your pictures will be great!
As for looking good walking down the street, you already got it!
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You look quite “lean” to me.
Have you lost weight? How much? In what time span?
I’m also 5’7” and initially lost 97 in a year and a half.
I ask this because Body Dysmorphia is a real thing. Husband and trainer told me I was too thin. All I could see in the mirror was my fat, chubby cheeked old self. I was determined to lose weight til I saw a thin person. My brain was stuck. Seriously and truly it saw an obese person.
It wasn’t til my trainer sent me a surreptitious photo she’d taken of me from behind, along with a curt text “stop the weight loss or I stop training you”, that I could see.
The other thing is, with weight loss comes extra skin. If you see me with leggings on, you’d think I was really lean. Pull those leggings down, and I have a ring around my tummy I can pull out several inches. Nothing short of time and patience-or surgery - is going to eliminate that. It’s not fat. It’s just…..skin that used to hold the blubber in.
I chose to put almost 20 back on. No regrets. I didn’t get “bulkier”. In fact, at 145 I’m wearing almost all the clothes I was at 127.
Even now, 3+ years into maintenance, I have an issue with body dysmorphia. Holiday foods have played havoc with my head. Even though my weekly calorie average is pretty darn good, some of the daily numbers are stratospheric, cuz……holiday parties, Christmas baking.
I very deliberately wore my most “slimming” leggings to a cardio class Thursday, and made sure to watch myself in the mirror. Huge relief! That tricky bathroom mirror+my fickle brain tries to make me believe I’m chunky again. The gym mirror does not care, and showed a lean and lanky person working out- just liked I’d hoped it would.
Your brain will absolutely *kitten* with you.
I’m just wondering if you’re experiencing similar after a weight loss.
IMHO, fwiw, you look pretty damn hot in your photos and should be proud of yourself for whatever you e accomplished, loss or not.
Oh, and btw, it took me six months build any kind of muscle, which I promptly lost with the unintended weight loss and gym closure during the pandemic. My trainer busted me back down to itty bitty weights, to build me back up again. It was a long slow and painful process.
Don’t undereat and lose muscle. It’s a serious trial to rebuild it.
You look great, lady. Open your eyes to the positives!2 -
springlering62 wrote: »You look quite “lean” to me.
Have you lost weight? How much? In what time span?
I’m also 5’7” and initially lost 97 in a year and a half.
I ask this because Body Dysmorphia is a real thing. Husband and trainer told me I was too thin. All I could see in the mirror was my fat, chubby cheeked old self. I was determined to lose weight til I saw a thin person. My brain was stuck. Seriously and truly it saw an obese person.
It wasn’t til my trainer sent me a surreptitious photo she’d taken of me from behind, along with a curt text “stop the weight loss or I stop training you”, that I could see.
The other thing is, with weight loss comes extra skin. If you see me with leggings on, you’d think I was really lean. Pull those leggings down, and I have a ring around my tummy I can pull out several inches. Nothing short of time and patience-or surgery - is going to eliminate that. It’s not fat. It’s just…..skin that used to hold the blubber in.
I chose to put almost 20 back on. No regrets. I didn’t get “bulkier”. In fact, at 145 I’m wearing almost all the clothes I was at 127.
Even now, 3+ years into maintenance, I have an issue with body dysmorphia. Holiday foods have played havoc with my head. Even though my weekly calorie average is pretty darn good, some of the daily numbers are stratospheric, cuz……holiday parties, Christmas baking.
I very deliberately wore my most “slimming” leggings to a cardio class Thursday, and made sure to watch myself in the mirror. Huge relief! That tricky bathroom mirror+my fickle brain tries to make me believe I’m chunky again. The gym mirror does not care, and showed a lean and lanky person working out- just liked I’d hoped it would.
Your brain will absolutely *kitten* with you.
I’m just wondering if you’re experiencing similar after a weight loss.
IMHO, fwiw, you look pretty damn hot in your photos and should be proud of yourself for whatever you e accomplished, loss or not.
Oh, and btw, it took me six months build any kind of muscle, which I promptly lost with the unintended weight loss and gym closure during the pandemic. My trainer busted me back down to itty bitty weights, to build me back up again. It was a long slow and painful process.
Don’t undereat and lose muscle. It’s a serious trial to rebuild it.
You look great, lady. Open your eyes to the positives!
I was previously 150lbs and through a calorie deficit I’m sitting at 127lbs. I don’t want to get any thinner at all lol but I still feel like I did at 150. I also feel like I have a large frame which makes me feel bigger
But thanks for the compliments. I am motivated to lift heavier weights !
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I’ve posted these before but I’ll do it again - first pic - flexed. Second pic braced. Am I lean? Probably not at the moment but even when I was, I have a belly! Not saying everyone should have a belly, but I just want to manage expectations. Our bodies go up and down and it takes a lot of time to get the “lean” look insta models promote.
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Wannabfit4life321 wrote: »springlering62 wrote: »You look quite “lean” to me.
Have you lost weight? How much? In what time span?
I’m also 5’7” and initially lost 97 in a year and a half.
I ask this because Body Dysmorphia is a real thing. Husband and trainer told me I was too thin. All I could see in the mirror was my fat, chubby cheeked old self. I was determined to lose weight til I saw a thin person. My brain was stuck. Seriously and truly it saw an obese person.
It wasn’t til my trainer sent me a surreptitious photo she’d taken of me from behind, along with a curt text “stop the weight loss or I stop training you”, that I could see.
The other thing is, with weight loss comes extra skin. If you see me with leggings on, you’d think I was really lean. Pull those leggings down, and I have a ring around my tummy I can pull out several inches. Nothing short of time and patience-or surgery - is going to eliminate that. It’s not fat. It’s just…..skin that used to hold the blubber in.
I chose to put almost 20 back on. No regrets. I didn’t get “bulkier”. In fact, at 145 I’m wearing almost all the clothes I was at 127.
Even now, 3+ years into maintenance, I have an issue with body dysmorphia. Holiday foods have played havoc with my head. Even though my weekly calorie average is pretty darn good, some of the daily numbers are stratospheric, cuz……holiday parties, Christmas baking.
I very deliberately wore my most “slimming” leggings to a cardio class Thursday, and made sure to watch myself in the mirror. Huge relief! That tricky bathroom mirror+my fickle brain tries to make me believe I’m chunky again. The gym mirror does not care, and showed a lean and lanky person working out- just liked I’d hoped it would.
Your brain will absolutely *kitten* with you.
I’m just wondering if you’re experiencing similar after a weight loss.
IMHO, fwiw, you look pretty damn hot in your photos and should be proud of yourself for whatever you e accomplished, loss or not.
Oh, and btw, it took me six months build any kind of muscle, which I promptly lost with the unintended weight loss and gym closure during the pandemic. My trainer busted me back down to itty bitty weights, to build me back up again. It was a long slow and painful process.
Don’t undereat and lose muscle. It’s a serious trial to rebuild it.
You look great, lady. Open your eyes to the positives!
I was previously 150lbs and through a calorie deficit I’m sitting at 127lbs. I don’t want to get any thinner at all lol but I still feel like I did at 150. I also feel like I have a large frame which makes me feel bigger
But thanks for the compliments. I am motivated to lift heavier weights !
If those weights are calling you, go for it!
True story, the only reason I started weights was because I wanted to do arm balances in yoga but had zero upper body strength. Turns out I really enjoy being in the gym. It’s very empowering. (Plus I got all those balances I used to sit in the back and gawp at!)
I’m old as dirt and with shoulder and back issues I’m probably maxed now at the weights I can do, but still, just doing them consistently keeps me in great shape.
I hope you’ll check back in with us regularly and let us know how it goes.
I’ll see if I can find you some of the amazing lady-lifter threads here.
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OP, you look a lot better in those pics than I expected based on your description.
I suspect a bit higher than 25% bf, but remember women carry about 5% more fat than men, and there is going to be a quite a bit of that up top, ahem.
Don't set yourself an arbitrary goal of "hourglass" or whatever image is in your head. I wonder if that may be influenced by fitness influencers, and if so that's a mistake. You can only compare yourself to yourself. The successful fitness influencers may have better genetics, they may be getting a pump between scenes, or as Claire showed flexing and lighting can make a huge difference too. We also don't know if they are on PED's.
Set yourself a tangible goal. If your ultimate goal is say D, even assuming that's attainable, you won't get there without first going from A to B to C anyway. So for example, set a goal to lose one pound per month (110 calories per day deficit below maintenance) and make demonstrable progression in lifting volume each month. Then see where you are after a few months.
You've been doing this for three months you said, so you should have a good idea of your maintenance calories already. How much has your weight changed in the last six weeks and what was your average weekly calorie intake in that time? That will tell you what your maintenance is. Each pound you lost being 3500 calories.1 -
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10689837/does-this-uterus-make-my-stomach-look-fat/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/977538/halp-heavy-lifting-made-me-supah-bulky/p1
There’s one about “real” women’s bodies that I’m blanking on the name of. Anyone remember? @KickassAmazon76 started it. There’s flexed and relaxed photos of several users on it (including me, fwiw).1 -
Retroguy2000 wrote: »OP, you look a lot better in those pics than I expected based on your description.
I suspect a bit higher than 25% bf, but remember women carry about 5% more fat than men, and there is going to be a quite a bit of that up top, ahem.
Don't set yourself an arbitrary goal of "hourglass" or whatever image is in your head. I wonder if that may be influenced by fitness influencers, and if so that's a mistake. You can only compare yourself to yourself. The successful fitness influencers may have better genetics, they may be getting a pump between scenes, or as Claire showed flexing and lighting can make a huge difference too. We also don't know if they are on PED's.
Set yourself a tangible goal. If your ultimate goal is say D, even assuming that's attainable, you won't get there without first going from A to B to C anyway. So for example, set a goal to lose one pound per month (110 calories per day deficit below maintenance) and make demonstrable progression in lifting volume each month. Then see where you are after a few months.
You've been doing this for three months you said, so you should have a good idea of your maintenance calories already. How much has your weight changed in the last six weeks and what was your average weekly calorie intake in that time? That will tell you what your maintenance is. Each pound you lost being 3500 calories.
I have been eating around 1200 calories a day. I have lost about 8 lbs the last 6 weeks.
I am trying to get my bodyfat percentage lower. I know that will take time through consistent weight lifting. But is it possible for my body to look more like an hourglass through a good weight lifting program ??
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That's 1.33 pounds per week. Btw that's exactly 666 calories, LOL. You're lean enough that you should slow that down to preserve muscle and energy levels, and it would help with your lifting. I'd suggest you add at least 200 per day for now. You said gym 2-3 times, make it 3 times with lifting. Make sure your protein is high too, about 100g-120g.Wannabfit4life321 wrote: »I have been eating around 1200 calories a day. I have lost about 8 lbs the last 6 weeks.
I'll let the women here comment on your other question. Speaking as a guy, shoulders and back getting more defined makes the waist area look smaller, the chest being more defined reduces skin sagging there, it all helps clothes fit better, etc. You will lose fat during this process too.1 -
It depends on your body shape and genetics.
TBH, you already look that way in your photos, so don’t be too harsh on yourself. We truly don’t see ourselves in the way others see us.
I lost a lot more than you, so YMMv but I’ve only lately noticed that I’m getting an hourglass shape. It took years of hard work before my ribs moved from 45% horizontal to vertical. My ribs had splayed out over the years to accomodate the visceral and other fat that was accumulating around my waist, forcing my ribs outward. I had never even thought about that.
In some regards, it’s cool, in others, it’s annoying AF because as the ribs revert to “normal” they push that extra skin down and out into a big, soft muffin top, because there’s nowhere else for it to go.
Patience will remedy that, along with some bangin’ Lycra tights.
Lycra is the solution for every ill, IMHo.
But you’ve lost enough weight you’re going to see some wierd - and sometimes scary- stuff happening. One day I woke up and my entire butt had collapse to the back of my knees. A day or two later it had popped back into place and was perky. Win! And one day I woke up to find my thighs cratered with cellulite. A couple days later, all the pockmarks were gone and the skin was smooth and firm.
You mentioned you were big-boned. I felt the same way for ages, but after losing weight and working out extensively I no longer feel that way at all. It took a while, but now I see myself as smaller boned. Honestly, it amuses me how someone with wrists and forearms as tiny as me can do dumbbells.
So many women have the “little ole me just cain’t” mentality. I love blowing that up.
It’s all a journey of discovery. You’re going to rediscover the you that’s been lost and/or buried under the extra weight. Just make a point of appreciating and welcoming the “new you” instead of nitpicking her into oblivion.2 -
Wannabfit4life321 wrote: »Retroguy2000 wrote: »OP, you look a lot better in those pics than I expected based on your description.
I suspect a bit higher than 25% bf, but remember women carry about 5% more fat than men, and there is going to be a quite a bit of that up top, ahem.
Don't set yourself an arbitrary goal of "hourglass" or whatever image is in your head. I wonder if that may be influenced by fitness influencers, and if so that's a mistake. You can only compare yourself to yourself. The successful fitness influencers may have better genetics, they may be getting a pump between scenes, or as Claire showed flexing and lighting can make a huge difference too. We also don't know if they are on PED's.
Set yourself a tangible goal. If your ultimate goal is say D, even assuming that's attainable, you won't get there without first going from A to B to C anyway. So for example, set a goal to lose one pound per month (110 calories per day deficit below maintenance) and make demonstrable progression in lifting volume each month. Then see where you are after a few months.
You've been doing this for three months you said, so you should have a good idea of your maintenance calories already. How much has your weight changed in the last six weeks and what was your average weekly calorie intake in that time? That will tell you what your maintenance is. Each pound you lost being 3500 calories.
I have been eating around 1200 calories a day. I have lost about 8 lbs the last 6 weeks.
I am trying to get my bodyfat percentage lower. I know that will take time through consistent weight lifting. But is it possible for my body to look more like an hourglass through a good weight lifting program ??
You can certainly build glutes if that’s your aim, which will make your waist smaller. But how big they will get depends on genetics - some people can pack on muscle easier than others. I’ve never used his programmes but google Bret Contreras - he used to be known as the glutes guy.
You are going to have to think about your food intake though - on 1200 cals you will likely struggle to build muscle. I weigh c125 pounds and I train four times a week, and I eat c2,200 cals each day. If I need to lose weight I go down to around 1900 - we’re all different but building muscle does take energy (ie calories).
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I don't think you mentioned measurements, but your photo suggests to me that your waist is already slim proportionally speaking, your breast measurement quite nice, and your hips relatively slim. Personally, I think that's quite a good look, in itself. You're lovely.
I agree with others that it takes time for our mental self-image to accurate reflect our new external image. We literally can't see how we look at first. I also agree that becoming leaner/fitter isn't a 3-month thing. It's more like . . . forever, maybe even? With gradual positive changes all along the way, if a person does the right work?
Me, I'm a believer in optimizing the body we have, rather than chasing some theoretical trendy ideal. (Trust me as a li'l ol' lady who's lived through a lot, that trend will change . . . probably dramatically.)
That said, I think one way to get a more hourglass-like shape would be to use a program that will increase muscle mass in hips/glutes. That's just my opinion. And it will take time.
I also don't think it's essential to do that to be beautiful. You look great now. But investing in strength and health always pays off in diverse ways, so your plan to keep lifting is a fine one. (I also agree that if you want to lose a bit more weight, you should do so slower than you are now.)
Best wishes!2 -
claireychn074 wrote: »Wannabfit4life321 wrote: »Retroguy2000 wrote: »OP, you look a lot better in those pics than I expected based on your description.
I suspect a bit higher than 25% bf, but remember women carry about 5% more fat than men, and there is going to be a quite a bit of that up top, ahem.
Don't set yourself an arbitrary goal of "hourglass" or whatever image is in your head. I wonder if that may be influenced by fitness influencers, and if so that's a mistake. You can only compare yourself to yourself. The successful fitness influencers may have better genetics, they may be getting a pump between scenes, or as Claire showed flexing and lighting can make a huge difference too. We also don't know if they are on PED's.
Set yourself a tangible goal. If your ultimate goal is say D, even assuming that's attainable, you won't get there without first going from A to B to C anyway. So for example, set a goal to lose one pound per month (110 calories per day deficit below maintenance) and make demonstrable progression in lifting volume each month. Then see where you are after a few months.
You've been doing this for three months you said, so you should have a good idea of your maintenance calories already. How much has your weight changed in the last six weeks and what was your average weekly calorie intake in that time? That will tell you what your maintenance is. Each pound you lost being 3500 calories.
I have been eating around 1200 calories a day. I have lost about 8 lbs the last 6 weeks.
I am trying to get my bodyfat percentage lower. I know that will take time through consistent weight lifting. But is it possible for my body to look more like an hourglass through a good weight lifting program ??
You can certainly build glutes if that’s your aim, which will make your waist smaller. But how big they will get depends on genetics - some people can pack on muscle easier than others. I’ve never used his programmes but google Bret Contreras - he used to be known as the glutes guy.
You are going to have to think about your food intake though - on 1200 cals you will likely struggle to build muscle. I weigh c125 pounds and I train four times a week, and I eat c2,200 cals each day. If I need to lose weight I go down to around 1900 - we’re all different but building muscle does take energy (ie calories).
Agree with Claire. You’re going to lose muscle at 1200, and continue losing weight.
You’ve got to fuel your body. (Fuel: Yay!!!!!!)
I’m 5’7”, so same height as you, but goal weight 142, give or take a couple. Age 61, and very active. Comfortable size 4.
I never ate less than 1490, and that was only for a couple of months at the very beginning. I lost steadily at 2100, and still do when I get above my comfort zone and need to drop a couple. I maintain at about 2700 or so, though my activity level is probably higher than most.
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It looks like her maintenance may be about 1,860. I think she'd be better off going to just 100-200 below maintenance to help with muscle retention and building, but I'm going to assume she's not mentally ready to go much above her current 1,200, which is why I suggested adding at least 200 for now.claireychn074 wrote: »You are going to have to think about your food intake though - on 1200 cals you will likely struggle to build muscle. I weigh c125 pounds and I train four times a week, and I eat c2,200 cals each day. If I need to lose weight I go down to around 1900 - we’re all different but building muscle does take energy (ie calories).
What are you doing currently for weights, OP?1 -
Wannabfit4life321 wrote: »claireychn074 wrote: »Thank you for posting the second link, I was able to open it that time. I’m just an internet stranger and this is just my opinion but - you look pretty lean to me.
There are a number of things you might want to consider: firstly, what do you really mean by “lean” and how badly do you want it? The only time I felt lean was at c15% body fat, and that wasn’t healthy for me. I lost the fat I needed to but I also lost some muscle (I didn’t have much to start with lol), and I was defo slim. I liked the way I looked (at that time) but for me it was not sustainable, or healthy.
The second is whether your natural physique will enable you to reach the image you have in your mind. I am pear shaped and no amount of diet or exercise will give me slim long legs. At 15% fat my legs were the slimmest they had ever been, but I still had bad cellulite and my upper body was scrawny and bony. I totally lost my boobs - I had to decide whether that was what I wanted.
Thirdly, how bad do you want it? I did some progress pic comparisons today to see how I was getting on. From FIVE YEARS ago. I don’t train for aesthetics so my progress will be a lot slower than someone who does, but it takes time, commitment and serious dedication to build muscle. If that is what you want then go for it! But it won’t come instantly.
I think you have a great figure, but as I said - I’m just a random internet stranger.
I want some muscle definition but not a whole lot. I think I am just not happy with my waist not being smaller. I want an hourglass figure.
I want this REALLY bad. I eat a clean diet literally everyday and I’ve been going to the gym for 2-3 times a week for three months now. I still have a bit of lower belly fat that I want gone.
You look amazing--just to say it.
But you want a smaller waist but keep the butt/thighs the same? More 1950's pin-up girl?
You can do this in a couple of different ways. Since you are already pretty thin, you have options.
You could do squats to round out the butt and thighs slightly more. Squats will build up thighs/butt and helps slim waist.
But if you don't want to build up butt/thighs because you like where they are, you could use yoga, planks, or HITT to tone your midsection more. More toning will help the waist appear leaner.
Yoga --certain exercises--will help tone your waist. Plus, it helps build your flexibility.
Waist exercises.
https://healthline.com/health/body/how-to-get-an-hourglass-figure#tone-hips0 -
I use dumbbells and the smith machine. I try to use every piece of equipment at the gym for about 8-12 reps.Retroguy2000 wrote: »
It looks like her maintenance may be about 1,860. I think she'd be better off going to just 100-200 below maintenance to help with muscle retention and building, but I'm going to assume she's not mentally ready to go much above her current 1,200, which is why I suggested adding at least 200 for now.claireychn074 wrote: »You are going to have to think about your food intake though - on 1200 cals you will likely struggle to build muscle. I weigh c125 pounds and I train four times a week, and I eat c2,200 cals each day. If I need to lose weight I go down to around 1900 - we’re all different but building muscle does take energy (ie calories).
What are you doing currently for weights, OP?
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Thank you for the compliment. It’s certainly motivation to keep me on the right trackWannabfit4life321 wrote: »claireychn074 wrote: »Thank you for posting the second link, I was able to open it that time. I’m just an internet stranger and this is just my opinion but - you look pretty lean to me.
There are a number of things you might want to consider: firstly, what do you really mean by “lean” and how badly do you want it? The only time I felt lean was at c15% body fat, and that wasn’t healthy for me. I lost the fat I needed to but I also lost some muscle (I didn’t have much to start with lol), and I was defo slim. I liked the way I looked (at that time) but for me it was not sustainable, or healthy.
The second is whether your natural physique will enable you to reach the image you have in your mind. I am pear shaped and no amount of diet or exercise will give me slim long legs. At 15% fat my legs were the slimmest they had ever been, but I still had bad cellulite and my upper body was scrawny and bony. I totally lost my boobs - I had to decide whether that was what I wanted.
Thirdly, how bad do you want it? I did some progress pic comparisons today to see how I was getting on. From FIVE YEARS ago. I don’t train for aesthetics so my progress will be a lot slower than someone who does, but it takes time, commitment and serious dedication to build muscle. If that is what you want then go for it! But it won’t come instantly.
I think you have a great figure, but as I said - I’m just a random internet stranger.
I want some muscle definition but not a whole lot. I think I am just not happy with my waist not being smaller. I want an hourglass figure.
I want this REALLY bad. I eat a clean diet literally everyday and I’ve been going to the gym for 2-3 times a week for three months now. I still have a bit of lower belly fat that I want gone.
You look amazing--just to say it.
But you want a smaller waist but keep the butt/thighs the same? More 1950's pin-up girl?
You can do this in a couple of different ways. Since you are already pretty thin, you have options.
You could do squats to round out the butt and thighs slightly more. Squats will build up thighs/butt and helps slim waist.
But if you don't want to build up butt/thighs because you like where they are, you could use yoga, planks, or HITT to tone your midsection more. More toning will help the waist appear leaner.
Yoga --certain exercises--will help tone your waist. Plus, it helps build your flexibility.
Waist exercises.
https://healthline.com/health/body/how-to-get-an-hourglass-figure#tone-hips
I’ll definitely look into yoga. I was actually considering trying Pilates
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claireychn074 wrote: »I’ve posted these before but I’ll do it again - first pic - flexed. Second pic braced.
My mouth is dropped open that you would call that "still having a belly".
What is instagram doing to people?? Ive never gone on it.
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