Hello to all you fine people. I am glad to have found this site. I am finally getting back into shape after not training for 12 years. I’m in pretty decent shape now, 5’6" 118 lbs.
My body fat was 18% a year or so ago without training but I get the feeling it’s a bit higher now even though I’m the same size. This is part of my motivation. I will get it measured next week. I started using the treadmill, stepper and eliptical machines almost two weeks ago to build up my stamina so I don’t pass out when I start lifting.
So to the question. I am thin. My upper body already looks good as I have natural muscle from doing day to day activities. My legs and ass look good in clothes but a bit flabby in a swimsuit.
I don’t want to cut down my bodyfat too quickly and end up looking skinny since I am already thin and have a small frame. Should I cut the cardio until I come along in building up some muscle?
Back in the day I ate probably 3000 calories a day but I also did alot of cardio. I really don’t want to eat that much if I don’t have to. Thanks for any advice. I’ll post when I get my bodyfat measured.
Amanda
Honestly, I would do some nice 10 rep squats. That will keep your legs really tight and also will firm up that ass. Squats will also burn a lot of calories so eat up. Other than that i would just relax. Get on the treadmill and eat normal. I wouldn’t be to worried with your stats.
Hey thanks for the reply. I can’t wait to transform my body.
Amanda
While I encourage you to continue to train hard in order to be healthy and happy, I want to toss out there that it is natural and healthy for a woman to have a bodyfat in the range of 20-25%.
By all means firm up, get stronger, and build your energy, but unless you are aiming to be in a bodybuilding contest I would not stress over getting your fat percentage much lower. The point where you can be happy with yourself in the mirror and feel vivacious is where it is at, not a number on the scale or the calipers.
I second what the previous posters have said.
I would also check out the ‘Muscle Sorority’ forum as well. It’s geared towards females, and fellow females (as well as males) can give you some solid advice.
Good luck with your goals.
Thanks again. I’m not really stressing over the fat percentage as far as the numbers go. I just don’t like that certain areas have gotten a bit flabby and well flab equals fat right? I just want my lower body to match my upper body in appearance. I think part of the problem may be from not eating properly combined with my busy schedule.
For the past year or so I have not been eating enough, skipping meals etc. while being on my feet from morning until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. Now that I decided to make a change I cut some of the workload from my day to day activities, added exercise and changed my diet. I guess the rest will fall into place. Thanks again for the advice.
Amanda
[quote]AmandaSC wrote:
Thanks again. I’m not really stressing over the fat percentage as far as the numbers go. I just don’t like that certain areas have gotten a bit flabby and well flab equals fat right? I just want my lower body to match my upper body in appearance. I think part of the problem may be from not eating properly combined with my busy schedule.
For the past year or so I have not been eating enough, skipping meals etc. while being on my feet from morning until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. Now that I decided to make a change I cut some of the workload from my day to day activities, added exercise and changed my diet. I guess the rest will fall into place. Thanks again for the advice.
Amanda[/quote]
Awesome.
It sounds like you are on top of things then. Best of luck to you.