This photo is of me at 155 pounds.. I will post my photo of me right now and the photo of the body I would die for!! Do you think this is possible for my body type to acheive?

maybe maybe not...

why not focus on being the best you - that you can be rather than some celebrity...

maybe maybe not...

why not focus on being the best you - that you can be rather than some celebrity...


I agree. You are beautiful and look great! I wasted so much time wishing I could look like celebrities or even close friends that it only hurt my effots. I can understand wanting to be healthier or fitter in my case and maybe you should set a goal like that, rather than going off a photo of someone else!

~MissD

thank you for your advice!

and haha this girl used to go to my school and was one of my friends! although she definitely dose look like a celebrity! :D

even after you loose weight your body will just be a smaller version of its former self, so dont expect any huge drastic changes. i expected to have this beautiful billboard body after loosing all my weight too but boy was i wrong. like mal said, focus on being the best that you can be and strengthening your own "sexiness" rather then trying to copy someone else's image

Yeah when I was in the process of loosing all my weight I used to "wish" I looked like this one girl... she was gorgeous! Funny thing is now she has put on about 40 lbs and wishes she looked like me...

Keep your efforts up and they will pay off... you may not end up looking like that pic, but you will be happier when its all said and done... and most likely you will look better than her!!!

Yes I think its possible. Anything is possible.

Before I lost a ton of weight when I was 17 I was around 185. When I lost it all and really hit the gym hard I had 6pack abs, toned arms and toned legs [runners legs]... I am going to try and find the picture of me afterwards where I was toned. Yes I am living proof and it is possible. Heck there are women on this forum who have posted pictures of themselves where before they weighed in the high 100's- low 200's and now weigh in the 120's-130's and have perfect toned bodies!

I also look at other pictures of women who have nice toned bodies and I don't think there is anything wrong with "hoping" to get a body like them. Its a goal... whatever keeps you motivated and determined to lose weight! [In other words... whatever works]

In all honesty....I think that you look a lot better than her.

And yes, I'm sure that with a lot of hard work that it could be done. ....


(EDIT: ....to a degree. You can't really change your bone structure with diet and exercise...Yes, people can become skinny as a rail, but still not look like the person down the street has the same weight and height...

even after you loose weight your body will just be a smaller version of its former self, so dont expect any huge drastic changes. i expected to have this beautiful billboard body after loosing all my weight too but boy was i wrong. like mal said, focus on being the best that you can be and strengthening your own "sexiness" rather then trying to copy someone else's image

Not true....you can do A LOT more with your body when you add in strength training. PM me and I can send you a awesome link to transformations that will prove my point. Adding lean muscle mass can completely change your look.

Man, you were getting some pretty horrible advice until very recently.

My answer: absolutely. You just have to want it, and not listen to the people proselytizing mediocrity. And it's a damn shame if you don't want it bad enough, because you'll be traffic-stopping-gorgeous when you get there. Seriously. But "dieting" and "going for walks" probably isn't gonna do the trick by itself, no.

Google westside for skinny bastards, do that (yes, girls can and SHOULD train like boys). Eat clean according to Berardi's 7 Habits of Highly Effective nutrition (you can google this as well) at 20% less calories than your maintenance (google bmr and activity level, get a rough estimate, track fat loss - NOT weight loss - and adjust until you know your true maintenance, then subtract 20%). Walk every day. After 3-6 months, add in 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week after a months, and come back here in a year or two.

If you don't look better than her (in the body, you are already much better looking), you are either doing it very wrong, or you have no one to blame but yourself. And if you do fall off, simply get back on the horse, immediately. Don't wallow, don't whine, don't take the excuse to roll all the way down the hill you just rode up. Slap yourself in the face until you get up and move along. If you never surrender, and you have at least some idea of what you're doing (and I just covered that part for you), success is inevitable. Patience is the only trick remaining.

Now, do it up! :D

Yes. Most definitely possible.

It's good to have goals, admire different bodies, have a picture in your head of what you would like to achieve.

People told me that you lose your figure after children, how difficult it is to tone up etc. They were right about it being difficult at times, but not impossible.

I had a good figure before children and didn't really have to work for it. I work hard now and have an even better body.

If you set your mind to something, live for it, breathe it, imagine it, tell yourself you have and are achieving it...it will happen.

I do this for everything in my life. I honestly have everything i have ever asked for.

Honestly, I think you can.

I say she looks like 110-115 pounds, and definitely decreasing your body fat will most likely make you look better than her.

Her tummy doesn't look that tone, think of how tanned she is....what she's covering with all that tanning juice. hahaha...

but yeah 110-115 pounds with 15-18% body fat is hot. that's my *dream* stats!

Well, you're a lot prettier for a start!

It's not all about weight loss, you can get a pretty mean body from doing weights / resistance exercises. It really pays off. BUT - even though someone's going on about "proselytizing mediocrity" my advice would be you may not be able to look exactly like that. You might be able to get your body fat down to that amount, you may be able to get the tan, but some things might be different. I'm 5'2" and a very small frame. My boobs are almost an A cup after losing weight and I have a bit of loose skin. I've made the most of what I've got, I'm 112lbs now and fit and toned and I feel great. But I'm not model perfect (and won't be without surgery).

I think it's fine to have something to strive for, and I reckon you could be even hotter than that girl in the photo. You really are gorgeous now! But just keep in mind that genetics may play some part...and you might find you end up looking different, but better!

You are much prettier!
And Yes i think you can look like that but why do you want that?

Yes I think its possible. Anything is possible.

Not quite.

There are just some people genetically inclined to look certain ways. Their training and diet has nothing to do with it.

This is similar to someone following the "LL Cool J training and diet plan" or the "Dude from Saved by the Bell training and diet plan." People buy their shit b/c those guys look great. What the ignorant comsumers don't realize is these guys would most likely look great regardless and their training probably is going to do very little for your own.

The reality of the situation is that you're not going to make your body look like anything other than what it wants to look like.

I've said before that everybody has the potential to look phenomenal, relative to their own starting point. Just that my phenomenal won't be anybody elses, so trying to look like Arnold or whoever else isn't going to happen.

People start focusing on ideals instead of realistic outcomes, which is too bad because even the realistic outcome will be enough for most people.

You are A LOT more better looking then her! Your body might not look LIKE HER in the end but if you stick to a good healthy eating plan and exercise on a regular basis..you will look good in your own way!! I always looked at other girls pics WISHING i looked like them but now that im to my goal, i love my body how it is..bc its my own and no one elses!! Love yourself for who you are!! Good luck with everything hun!

You are right BUT in order to find out if you are "genetically inclined" to be a certain way you have to try to achieve what you are wanting [in her case she wants to get seriously toned and slim] if you don't try well than you will never know will you?

I was a fat kid growing up and when I lost weight 5yrs ago my body was amazing. If I had posted my before picture and than asked if I could look like some toned Maxim model I bet 95% of everyone would have said No [and their reasons why] but I did just that. I changed my body to the way I wanted it and in the end I looked just how I imagined I would.

I was just giving my personal experience because most of the replies were NO YOU CAN'T and im sorry but I have to disagree... yes some people might not ever achieve the body they have in their minds but [like I said earlier] their is only one way to find out and that is to try.

Not quite.

There are just some people genetically inclined to look certain ways. Their training and diet has nothing to do with it.

This is similar to someone following the "LL Cool J training and diet plan" or the "Dude from Saved by the Bell training and diet plan." People buy their shit b/c those guys look great. What the ignorant comsumers don't realize is these guys would most likely look great regardless and their training probably is going to do very little for your own.

Im assuming she

The reality of the situation is that you're not going to make your body look like anything other than what it wants to look like.

I've said before that everybody has the potential to look phenomenal, relative to their own starting point. Just that my phenomenal won't be anybody elses, so trying to look like Arnold or whoever else isn't going to happen.

People start focusing on ideals instead of realistic outcomes, which is too bad because even the realistic outcome will be enough for most people.

You are right BUT in order to find out if you are "genetically inclined" to be a certain way you have to try to achieve what you are wanting [in her case she wants to get seriously toned and slim] if you don't try well than you will never know will you?

Right, but I'm not sure how that refutes my point.

I changed my body to the way I wanted it and in the end I looked just how I imagined I would.

You changed your body within the confines of what your genetics would allow. Nonetheless a spectacular transformation I'm sure. But people don't get to pick and choose how they 'mold' their body, unfortunately.

I was just giving my personal experience because most of the replies were NO YOU CAN'T and im sorry but I have to disagree... yes some people might not ever achieve the body they have in their minds but [like I said earlier] their is only one way to find out and that is to try.

And like I said before, that bolded part doesn't refute my point at all. I never suggested otherwise. In fact, I said something very similar. My post was not and shouldn't be misconstrued to be a deterrent from pushing forward.

I'm not sure where you're getting that from?

My post was to point out the flawed logic/trap many people fall victim too... that being the benchmark of your goals to the body of another individual.

Settle down, holmes. Steve's just providing the reality check to my juggernaut of optimism.

To say that genetics will play a significant role in the shape of her ideally composed body is not to say that she shouldn't try. He's just saying to keep it real, and when aiming to look like someone else, to realize that it's a motivation, and not a goal.

Goals are specific to you, and need to be both measurable and feasible. So, with the motivation of looking like her, your goal would be to lose a certain amount of bodyfat, or consistently follow a plan similar to the one I suggested for 3 months. Then, review and adjust. Goal, motivation. Two different things. :)

Exactly what I'm saying....

Ur intellajint!

Well it worked for me, maybe it'll work for her. Instead of everyone saying NO it won't, I shedded some light on the situation by saying its possible. I know what I did [me personally] to achieve my goal [the same one I am assuming she is aiming for] and it worked.

I agree Kasey. A little too much negativity going on. She could definitely reach that body type if she desired. Wether its healthy or not, thats a whole different subject. :D Genetics to confine you in certain ways, but they can be overcome. If I wanted to look like Arnold I could totally do it with about 10 hard years in the gym, and some roids. :D

I see both points....While, yes, it is possible to become thin and toned, NOTHING can change bone structure (except surgery). For example, it looks like your friends legs bow out a little and don't touch at the thighs. While you can try to get your legs to do the same thing, it might not end up being IDENTICAL if your skeleton does not naturally do the same thing. Everyone is different and has their own unique and beautiful qualities. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....and I personally think you are shaped better than she is...

10 years and all the roids in the world and I'd still bet against that statement NB. My body has the genetic proclivity to carry a good base of muscle. I've been training for 10 years +. If I added all the right steroids over that time frame, I still wouldn't get close to Arnold's physique.

Genetics aren't something we overcome. Everyone has a Current Point. With consistent effort, balanced training, and smart diet.... they have a Future Point, which may look completely different than the Current Point.

A 'new you' even.

They did not, however, overcome their genetics. They simply followed their genetic spectrum to the opposite end.

I'm not sure why I'm harping on this since it's being viewed/skewed as some sort of negative attack but that's truly not the intent and it's certainly NOT what it is.

I hope the OP is observant and rational enough to see that.

This is equivalent to the following discussion:

Person A: Elephants can fly.

Person B: They can if they want to.

Me: Elephants cannot fly, unfortunately.

Person B: You are negative, elephants can too fly.

All along I've been speaking generally about the flawed logic people use about setting their goals based on other people's physiques. If you can't see that for what it is (advice) then I'm not sure what else I can do. My intent is to help; not disappoint. I've seen all too often in my line of work people, especially women, come prancing into gyms carrying a photo cut out from a magazine claiming, "Help me to look like this!"

As if it's a hairstyle that we can correct with a pair of scissors. Working in the capacity of a professional, I view it my duty to banish illogical thought processes that will more than likely lead to future frustration.

Sue me.

Maybe it would help if we spoke more specifically.

To the original poster... you are very beautiful. If you aren't happy with what you currently look like in terms of physique, there isn't a doubt in my mind that you can make huge progress. Said progress will take you to a point that I'm sure you'll be happy with.

Who knows, you might end up looking similar to the 'ideal photo' you posted. It's hard to say based on one photograph of you and her. My only point all along is just b/c there's a chance that your genetics might lead to a similar physique as the one in the photo... it's not always the wisest thing to benchmark too. Actually, in my experience, it's most often not the wisest thing to do.

Like it or not, genetics bind all of us. Who knows, your genetic proclivity might lead to a body you're more happy with compared to the 'ideal photo' you posted. It's a simple matter of digging in, being consistent and positive, and managing expectations.

Here Here!! I agree!

I always wanted to look like a Victoria Secret Model... but with these curves it will never happen... and without a boob job too! ha ha... But I am okay with that... they are too "skinny" anyway! If we could change our genetics we would all look the same... and boo to looking like everyone else!

Like I said before and as Steve said you are beautiful!

Edit: And I forgot to mention that if you work toward your goal, eventually that image of the "dream body" will fade and you will be happy with all your hard work whether or not your body looks like hers in the long run!

My point was that its not your job to manage peoples expectations. If I think I can look like arnold and I want to strive towards that goal and work hard at it, then thats what I should do. If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun!". If you don't want to be supportive then you could just STFU ;). True, I may never look exactly like arnold in his Mr Olympia days, but maybe I'll see certain things. "Oh, my shoulders are starting to get a lot more defined, my calves are getting some serious mass, etc."

I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are. As they make progress they'll realize things on their own and their expectations will change. IMO

YES the original poster is beautiful, I think she looks better than the other girl. If thats your goal though, go for it girl. It will take some hard work but I'm sure you can get there.

This photo is of me at 155 pounds.. I will post my photo of me right now and the photo of the body I would die for!! Do you think this is possible for my body type to acheive?


I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are.

What you mean to say is it's only acceptable when you're telling them what they want to hear, because a nice guy would never ever ever do otherwise. :rofl:

I agree with you that it's better to empower than to take away, but I think you're confused about the difference between true encouragement and creating unrealistic expectations that are bad for morale in the long run.

My point was that its not your job to manage peoples expectations.

On here, nope. It's simply a portal for all of us to share points of view. It would be cool though if it were a job! :p

In real life, as a trainer, you damn well better believe it's my job to manage people's expectations. Or at least help them to do so on their own.

So I'm not sure what you're referring to with your above statement... the former or latter?

If I think I can look like arnold and I want to strive towards that goal and work hard at it, then thats what I should do. If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun!". If you don't want to be supportive then you could just STFU ;). True, I may never look exactly like arnold in his Mr Olympia days, but maybe I'll see certain things. "Oh, my shoulders are starting to get a lot more defined, my calves are getting some serious mass, etc."

I understand all of what you're saying. I just think peoples expectations are their own, it's not our job to manage them or tell them how realistic they are. As they make progress they'll realize things on their own and their expectations will change. IMO

Yea, that would be fine if that's how things played out in real life commonly.

Too bad it's not the common experience, especially with women. I see your point. Shoot for the moon... if you miss you'll be among the stars. We were just talking about this in my journal yesterday... or someplace around here.

I'm a huuuggggeee believer in setting BIG goals.

I'm also a firm believer in being logical.

These two things must be mixed. In my experience, take it for what you will, in real life scenarios people hold on to illogical goals and expectations to the end. Instead of being dynamic and flexible in their approach, their poor logic starts butting heads with reality. Frustration sets in. People give up.

I'm not suggesting this is everyone. It might not be the case with you, NB. If it's not, chalk yourself up there as one of the logical, rational, flexible, dynamic, bright ones. :)

But when it comes to my role as a trainer and my experience with a rather large spectrum of clientèle, what you're saying doesn't mesh with the reality of it all from my perspective.

So STFU ;)

Ya see, being realistic and guiding expectations to the logical realm doesn't automatically mean I'm being negative or I'm being unsupportive. It's not so black and white.

I educate, align expectations with said education, and than support, cheer, motivate and whatever else you want to add to the list.

Focus posted at the same time and put it much more succinctly than me, but nonetheless I agree wholeheartedly.

If you want to be supportive then you should be, "yeah, you can do it shaun

Part of being supportive though, at least in my experience around "support" forums and the real world - is to tell people where they are going wrong and not feeding into what could be a delusion or keeping false hope alive...

If you want to look like Arnold - go for it... I'll encourage you to work hard... but if you start shooting 'roids... I'm not going to sit back and say go for it...

People have to work within their capabilities and be the best that they can possibly be - given the work that they are willing to put in...

the OP asked what we thought -it's really not up to us -it's really up to her - and whatshe's willing to do..

the OP asked what we thought -it's really not up to us -it's really up to her - and whatshe's willing to do..

And that I think is something we can all agree on. :)

;474436']What you mean to say is it's only acceptable when you're telling them what they want to hear, because a nice guy would never ever ever do otherwise. :rofl:

I agree with you that it's better to empower than to take away, but I think you're confused about the difference between true encouragement and creating unrealistic expectations that are bad for morale in the long run.

Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.

Part of being supportive though, at least in my experience around "support" forums and the real world - is to tell people where they are going wrong and not feeding into what could be a delusion or keeping false hope alive...

If you want to look like Arnold - go for it... I'll encourage you to work hard... but if you start shooting 'roids... I'm not going to sit back and say go for it...

People have to work within their capabilities and be the best that they can possibly be - given the work that they are willing to put in...

the OP asked what we thought -it's really not up to us -it's really up to her - and whatshe's willing to do..

I couldn't agree more.

As for me, I dont think its delusional to think she could drop 40lbs and look like that. So I think she can.

Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.

You're still confusing what I'm saying or I'm not saying it clearly. Either or, the horse is dead.

Is that to say if she drops 40lbs she won't look that way? How do you know? Can I ride with you to the future McFly? :D I just think we shouldn't prejudge people like that. Ive seen plenty of before and afters on here that I would have almost never believed. I don't think any of those people reached thier goal weight and weren't happy...

Apparently I am wrong about everything though, so I'll take Steve's advice and STFU ;).

Haha, I love you guys.

You are seriously failing at getting the point. Here's what you're saying to me: "YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY KNOW THE FUTURE, SO YOU SHOULD SAY NICE THINGS." You also seem to be confused about what rational argumentation is - Your statement refutes your position, but not mine. You are saying she absolutely can, and I'm saying she probably can, but keep in mind certain possible limitations. Which one of us is claiming certainty about the future, hmm?

All I've done is point out that your beef with Steve makes no sense, as he is also on our side (but, like myself, lacking your divorce with logical consistency). Did you read my original post in this thread?

You're still confusing what I'm saying or I'm not saying it clearly. Either or, the horse is dead.

I'm pretty sure you said it quite clearly, and I even paraphrased it for you. I think we can safely assume the horse died of natural causes. ;)

I'd rather skip the reading part and just make illogical assumptions :D

My point was that you guys are nitpicking, but agreed... dead horse.

As for the OP yes its possible.

Steve your a personal trainer? Thats great, especially since you can offer advice when needed. You aren't the only one with a brain full of knowledge. I was a personal Training Leader when I was in the Military , took numerous amounts of nutrition and fitness classes and led Physical Training sessions for my Squadron 3-4 days a week..... Im not [[I]that] dumb you know ;)

Oh, I think the poor things still has a heart beat...

Nit picking what exactly?

As I said to you in my previous post... this is something that often times really becomes an issue with people's success, happiness and consistency. I don't see that as nit picking.

As for the OP yes its possible.

It's possible for her to successfully lose fat and look great or it's possible for her to have that other person's body?

Steve your a personal trainer? Thats great, especially since you can offer advice when needed.

I suppose.

You aren't the only one with a brain full of knowledge.

Who said I have a brain full of knowledge?

I'm pretty average, at best.

I was a personal Training Leader when I was in the Military [I am no longer one because my enlistment ended last July and I opted to get out], took numerous amounts of nutrition and fitness classes for the Military.....

Yea, I'm a trainer. It's an industry that's in a sad state of affairs. Anyone can call themselves a trainer nowadays unfortunately. Have you trained outside of the military?

Im not [that] dumb you know ;)

Who called you dumb?

The assumptions are rampant around here.

Heh, Steve.. you're in rare form today :D

:grouphug:

Am I gonna have to throw on the leather and heels again? ;)

Okay calm down

I'm sure some see me as an argumentative grouch but I promise I'm not. I'm not arguing and I'm not pissed off.

And this certainly isn't rare form.

It's just rare that people actually debate around here about a worthwhile subject so it's actually enjoyable to me. You have your opinions and I have mine. If you don't see my point, no harm really. But I'm sure some good can come from it one way or another.

Okay calm down

Haha...

Appeal to emotion much?

Somebody (probably more than one person) said that it is important to be supportive and not negative, and I fully agree that we should be. However, with that said, I think we should keep in mind that the original poster asked the open question as to whether it was possible or not and to respond by telling her yes without telling her the possibility of no (because genetics does play a role in our body types) would be unfair to her. Not to say that it is impossible, because hey, maybe she has that body type, but nevertheless, even if she doesn't she'll still look great anyway so don't worry too much about the 'ideal' photo.

Right on....

I like merry-go-rounds.




On another note, Steve I think ya got a tad bit defensive on Kasey and I don't think shes used to it. :D

I AM CALM.

TAINTLICKER I WILL MURDER YOU.

Yeah, it's not often we get to fight around here. Mostly people are just stuck in their particular ways and do their thing. The f~dawg is always ready for battle, though. But I assure you, I really am quite calm, and I try my best to be cumbersomely civil. While there's even the slightest chance of learning something, that is. After that I let it all out. :p

I'm glad this came it... its a great topic to throw back and fourth!

I like merry-go-rounds.




On another note, Steve I think ya got a tad bit defensive on Kasey and I don't think shes used to it. :D


Nope... not one bit. I got my feelers hurt. :willy_nilly:

Haha, its ok Kasey :grouphug:

I was just a little thrown off guard. Instead of answering my logical questions Kasey brought up my level of calmness, as if he/she had any clue.

But :grouphug:

Hey steve.... :chillpill:

:D

I'm chill, homie. Have been the entire time believe it or not.

Just calling it how I see it, is all.

Call a duck a duck.

An appeal to emotion an appeal to emotion.

I understand it's past now.... just despise fallacious reasoning within the context of argumentation. Especially when the identification of fallacious reasoning is misconstrued with being defensive.

Wow who would have known that in less than 24 hours, this post would be such a hit? LOL I was expecting to come back to 4 or 5 responds and then I saw 50's!! hahah! I like all of your advice and I believe you are right. When I lose all the weight, my body will be toned and I will be happy with it no matter what and will be happy that I can fit into my desired clothes. I just want to look good in a bikini for vacation!:party:

Hey also I always see places that doing situps and weights for your arms and stuff and lunges and squats are all useless because spot training doesnt work. Do you believe thats true? I do about 50 minutes of cardio 5 days a week but I like doing arm stuff with 5 pounds weights and situps and stuff like that. Is it a waste of time??

Hey also I always see places that doing situps and weights for your arms and stuff and lunges and squats are all useless because spot training doesnt work.

Spot reducing fat doesn't work.

But that's not to say resistance training is pointless. Quite the contrary actually. If your goal is to look tone, it's actually necessary.

I do about 50 minutes of cardio 5 days a week

I'd share some of this emphasis with weight lifting and diet.

Actually, to get a 'toned' physique I'd order things in this importance:

1. Diet
2. Weight Lifting
3. Cardio

but I like doing arm stuff with 5 pounds weights

This is pretty much pointless.

This is pretty much pointless.

What will get my arms toned then???

Why are weights pointless? Is it b/c they are 5 pounds? What if they are 8-10 pounds each? I don't even think I could go heavier than that for hand weights at this point!...:confused:

Just start out doing a weight that you can handle..i started out curling 10 pounds for working my biceps (4x12)...i am now up to curling 20 pounds (4x12)...you just start out with what you can handle...if you can do 4x12 (or whatever many sets/reps you do) and it was easy for you..then go up! Thats how you make gains!..but if you stick with a light weight and never go up..it will be worthless.

What will get my arms toned then???

Toning is a function of fat loss while preserving muscle mass. Toning isn't actually a verb in my book. Rather it's toned, and it's a adjective to describe what someone looks like after they shed much of their excess body fat while preserving their muscle mass.

Make sense?

What are 5 lb dumbbells going to get you in the sense of fat loss or muscle maintenance?

Not a whole lot from what I know.

In terms of fat loss, sure, you could burn a few calories doing some arm exercises with them. Or you could simply drop 50 or so calories from your diet and not waste your time.

In terms of muscle maintenance, light weights like that aren't going to send the signals to your body for muscle maintenance. Preserving muscle via exercise involves, for the most part, heavy weights relative to your strength using compound exercises with adequate volume.

In a nutshell, you need a caloric deficit. Said calories must be comprised with the appropriate 'ingredients.' (protein, carbs, fats)

The deficit should come from a combo of controlled intake of food and appropriate levels of exercise (weights and cardio).

Where you lose fat is completely genetically dependent. You can't pick and choose where you look toned first. A good rule of thumb is the first place the stores fat is usually the last place to loose it. So problem spots, which for women tend to be thighs, butt, belly, and arms, are usually the last place the fat comes off.

Why are weights pointless?

I didn't say there are pointless.

I actually said they are critical.

Is it b/c they are 5 pounds?

In this particular case, yes. Five pounds may very well be 'enough' for a complete novice who lacks upper body strength. But my guess is the OP is using these weights for exercises that aren't giving her a high ROI.

Like I said in my previous post... it's much more economical to use compound exercises opposed to isolation exercises in the context of caloric expenditure and muscle maintenance.

My guess is if she were to do compound exercises, the five pound weights wouldn't be so heavy.

What if they are 8-10 pounds each?

It's all dependent on goals, relative strength, exercise, stats, etc.

I don't even think I could go heavier than that for hand weights at this point!...:confused:

Heavier in what exercise?

To the original poster:

Sorry- No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to look like her. Your legs are way better than hers, (which are sorta shapeless in the calf). You on the other hand have beautiful legs and with the weight loss they will be incredible.

You'll walk all over her. She'll want to look like you, but she'll fall short.

DC

Steve- thanks for replying. I am a novice and so I don't know the difference between compound and isolation exercise. Can you explain? Also, I have no idea what ROI is either :blush5:

"Heavier in what exercise?"

The two that are tough for me are:

Standing with legs apart, Hands down touching the front of the thighs and lifting the weights to eye level with arms extended toward the front.

The other toughie is: Standing with arms down in the front, hands together at lower abdominal...palms facing each other...extending arms straight to the side at shoulder level.
I do several moves, but those are the two that I can't imagine using heavier weights just yet.

I use 8 pound hand weights. (It's all I have for now at home and I am not a member of a gym.) I really shouldn't have said in my previous post, that it's all I can do, b/c honestly, I have no idea what I am capable b/c I haven't tried.

So are hand weights useless? Should I switch to something else to gain muscle or just heavier weights?

Thanks for your time! I appreciate any help I can get...seriously.

...if you can do 4x12 (or whatever many sets/reps you do) and it was easy for you..then go up! Thats how you make gains!..but if you stick with a light weight and never go up..it will be worthless.

Makes a lot of sense...thanks a bunch! :)

~Kristi

Steve- thanks for replying. I am a novice and so I don't know the difference between compound and isolation exercise. Can you explain?

Certainly. :)

I definitely suggest reading through the stickies too.

A compound exercise requires the use of multiple joints and muscle groups.

An isolation movement revolves around one joint targeting a singular muscle.

Take the biceps for instance.

To train it in isolation, you would do something like a dumbbell bicep curl.

To train it in a compound fashion, you would do something like a dumbbell row.

bicep curl = YouTube - Exercising Your Biceps With Weights : The Dumbbell Curl Weightlifting Exercise for Biceps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUvg1m_54XA)

dumbbell row = YouTube - Strength Training Exercises : Dumbbell Row Exercises (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is-dh-L2tGE)

Note, I'm not suggesting these videos show proper exercise form. They do exemplify what I mean by the two exercises though.

With the former, you're really only targeting your biceps. (isolation)

With the latter, you're using your back/lats, shoulders, and biceps. (compound)

More muscles used = more efficiency. When dieting, you don't want to spend a huge amount of time in lifting. If you were to use primarily isolation movements, it would take you much longer to train your entire body since 1 exercise = 1 muscle, right?

So you want to utilize that efficiency associated with compound exercises. They, in general, also expend more energy. So they're better for muscle maintenance and they're better for caloric expenditure.

Follow me?

I should also note that there are times and places for isolation movements. Nothing is black/white, either/or in this field.

Also, I have no idea what ROI is either :blush5:

It was just an analogy.

ROI = return on investment.

What I meant by that, related to what I said above, is isolation exercises don't give you as much bang for your buck in the context of this discussion.

"Heavier in what exercise?"

The two that are tough for me are:

Standing with legs apart, Hands down touching the front of the thighs and lifting the weights to eye level with arms extended toward the front.

If I'm understanding you, it sounds like a front raise, targeting your shoulder. If that's the case, I wouldn't concern yourself so much with this movement.

The other toughie is: Standing with arms down in the front, hands together at lower abdominal...palms facing each other...extending arms straight to the side at shoulder level.

This is basically doing the same thing as the first exercise.

It sounds like you need to restructure your program.

I do several moves, but those are the two that I can't imagine using heavier weights just yet.

Most people are weak in these movements. It's not necessarily b/c you're weak either... the lever arm is really long in this movement. Fancy way of saying the physics and the angles of movement make this exercise feel harder than others that train the same exercise, thus requiring you to use less weight.

I use 8 pound hand weights. (It's all I have for now at home and I am not a member of a gym.) I really shouldn't have said in my previous post, that it's all I can do, b/c honestly, I have no idea what I am capable b/c I haven't tried.

As someone noted above, eventually, and probably sooner than later, you're going to want to progress.

Dumbbells that don't allow you to adjust the weight really limit what you can do. Lifting weights is a stressor. Our bodies are highly adaptive and don't like stress beyond what they're used to. This being the case, when you place it under stress above and beyond what it is accustomed to, it's going to adapt to make this stress easier to handle.

In the case of weight lifting, this adaptation entails bigger, stronger muscles.

If you're aren't placing a stress beyond this threshold... adaptation isn't going to happen.

8 lbs in the beginning may very well be an sufficient 'overload' in certain exercises. You will undoubtedly outgrow this though.

Also, isolation exercises require the use of less weight than compound. So where 8 lbs might be heavy for your isolation shoulder exercises from above, the same dumbbells may feel very light for compound exercises for your shoulders, such as overhead presses.

I feel like we're really hijacking the thread. If people wish, we can certainly move this convo to my journal or something.

Questions?

I'm really enjoying learning more about weights and the technicalities of muscle building. But could I just add, for those of you who are overweight and bewildered and just starting out on this journey...

You can lose weight and start to tone up using lighter weights, resistance bands and using your own body as resistance (eg push ups, tricep dips etc). It's still very worthwhile and you'll see results. You can start small and build up. To get the low body fat, "cut" body yes you will need to do some more serious weights down the track. But all things in good time. If you have 60lbs to lose and have just started walking around the block (which leaves you breathless) you might not be hefting 10kg weights yet. Focus on your diet, get moving and try to burn more calories than you eat. Start reading up on muscle toning/building and you can build it in to your routine. I've got some good muscle definition now and most of that was from walking up hills and stairs, lifting my kids and doing stuff with my trainer like tricep dips, lunges, squats, push ups, crunches and light weights etc. Now I'm down to my ideal weight and lower body fat I'm upping the ante with my weights and working on building a bit more.

As I said though, I've found this thread very interesting!

Josie, that's a good point... one I've made quite a few times around the forum. It's not applicable to the two that I'm predominantly chatting with here but be that as it may... if you have a lot of excess fat, in many instances I think higher rep, lighter weight strength training is ideal rather than the heavy stuff.

Two reasons:

1. When you have a lot of excess fat, losing an appreciable amount of muscle isn't a real concern.

2. Higher rep, lighter weight stuff tends to burn more calories and since fat loss is the primary goal in the beginning, it's a fine place to start.

Good point.

to the OP--you are beautiful!!! Keep working at it :) I'm going to see if you have a journal and stop by if you have one :)


Josie, that's exactly how I started too. I was very surprised how fast my endurance improved.....From being winded from a 1/4 mile bike ride to 2 miles not phasing me in only two weeks!! I'm still out of shape, but I just keep adding more as things get easier and I hope I will adapt if I stop progressing :) Oooh I can't wait until I can do a real push up or dip. I can now do a few "girly" push ups, but there's no way I can do a real one :(



Two reasons:
1. When you have a lot of excess fat, losing an appreciable amount of muscle isn't a real concern.

2. Higher rep, lighter weight stuff tends to burn more calories and since fat loss is the primary goal in the beginning, it's a fine place to start.

Good point.

Sweet. I've been doing a lot of work with my 3 lb weights (more than my 5 lbers) and I can already see definition in my arm. I like the definition, but my primary concern is obviously not with muscle building, just burning fat right now. It's great to hear it here too. I'll def. add more, but I can feel the burn big time with just the 3lbers or if I do enough reps, my arms alone.

Sweet. I've been doing a lot of work with my 3 lb weights (more than my 5 lbers) and I can already see definition in my arm. I like the definition, but my primary concern is obviously not with muscle building, just burning fat right now. It's great to hear it here too. I'll def. add more, but I can feel the burn big time with just the 3lbers or if I do enough reps, my arms alone.

That's great. :)

Keep in mind that high reps don't tone.

And the burn doesn't mean much in terms of changing your body.

That's great. :)

Keep in mind that high reps don't tone.

And the burn doesn't mean much in terms of changing your body.

I just meant while doing P90X or whatever work out video doing boxing or similar moves repeatedly, I can barely finish them and that's without weights. I'm not sitting around lifting my arms up for a million reps weightless or anything :)

thanks again!!

you look damn FINE right now RAWR Haahah!!

i'd say just judging by your body shape u'd look something like that, but probably better, no offence to her she's lovely and she has lovely legs and things, but she's like a girl i know, she's got a slightly almost pot belly that makes her look like she doesn't eat enough, or just she's got a slighly boyish shape.

Yea its possible, it will just take alot of time and commitment for you to achieve that. Its the same thing when your trying to lose weight/tone up to build muscle mass. Everything you want in life takes time and motivation to continue on achieving the "impossible".

Did you read this thread?

I guess it's possible but at what sacrifice? Intense training and upkeep?
Unfortunately like a few people have mentioned some people are never going to look like that!
I think you have an amazing figure RIGHT NOW!!
If you really want it then go for it but don't waste your life trying to be a size zero!

Who are you to say she would be "wasting her life"?

Most people around here don't see physical improvement and hard work as a "waste of life".

Geez.

Who are you to say she would be "wasting her life"?

Most people around here don't see physical improvement and hard work as a "waste of life".

Geez.There's a difference between physical improvement and killing yourself to become something you're not genetically capable of being.

I don't know what the o.p. is capable of, so I'm not suggesting that becoming a size 0 is impossible for her, but for a lot of people it is. Making unreasonable goals is not healthy and can lead to serious problems psychologically as well as physically when they become an obsession.

Who are you to say she would be "wasting her life"?

Most people around here don't see physical improvement and hard work as a "waste of life".

Geez.

I think you misunderstood me slightly.
All I was meaning is that I used to look like she did and thought I was enormous and tried so hard to resemble my slimmer friends.
I definately wasted an entire ten years trying to be something I wasn't ready for.
I wish someone had said to me back then 'actually you don't look so bad what are you getting hung up on?'

Just trying to make her realise she looks amazing as she is.
Maybe I worded it wrongly. I would never suggest that anyone wanting to make themselves look and feel better is fighting a losing battle.

I apologise if that's how it came across.

Ok! I get what you are saying, and I apologize for getting my feathers ruffled. :)

Ok! I get what you are saying, and I apologize for getting my feathers ruffled. :)


Not at all, I'd much prefer someone to tell me I'm sounding like an idiot so I can correct myself!
I'd hate for anyone to think I was being unsupportive!
:)

I think it all depends on your body type in the first place....me...I definitely have my mother's figure...my waist is not that curvy or defined...I'm pretty straight up and down and even when I had lost that weight, there was still not a lot of definition...but I'm still going to try and get down again because my body just felt so much better when I was really working out hard on it.

The girl in the picture has an extremely long torso. Just look at the girl to her Left ( would be the girl on the right when you're looking at the picture)
They are of similar height but the other girls hips are quite a bit higher.
Your figure looks like it has a very nice shape, you might not look exactly like her but it is certainly very possible to become as lean as she is.. for your own body type.
It's really all about becoming the best version of yourself.