Toning up

[FreakyFit]

I'm new here. I'm a dancer so in very good shape! However I'd like to tone up any maybe lost a little weight and get a 6 pack. Any advice?

[bethtwenty4]

Lift weights. Heavy ones. And make sure your diet is in check.

Welcome and good luck!

[Twisterstar]

Basically what the person above said. Hit the Stickies for diet and work out moves

[juliacheh]

114 pounds? You are underweight, what exactly do you mean by toning up?
Further fat loss is not feasible, you'll look like a stick.

[FreakyFit]

114 pounds? You are underweight, what exactly do you mean by toning up?
Further fat loss is not feasible, you'll look like a stick.

I'm not underweight. I'm just very fit from doing huge amounts of dancing.

[juliacheh]

I'm not underweight. I'm just very fit from doing huge amounts of dancing.

I'm not talking about physical level of fitness here.
To get a six pack you need to lower your body fat percentage, which means dropping some bodyweight (fat). To do this one needs to have some muscle base in order not to look emaciated at this lower body fat percentage.

I weighed 116 pounds in this picture (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/5547492) and I am 5'4, not 5'8 as you are. People told me I look skinny.

[FreakyFit]

I'm not talking about physical level of fitness here.
To get a six pack you need to lower your body fat percentage, which means dropping some bodyweight (fat). To do this one needs to have some muscle base in order not to look emaciated at this lower body fat percentage.

I weighed 116 pounds in this picture and I am 5'4, not 5'8 as you are. People told me I look skinny.

You didn't look skinny there. You looked great! I do have some muscle mass.

[AirChair]

Do you want suggestions or not? Cuz it already looks like you're just going to argue...


If at 5'8"/114lbs you aren't as lean as you think you should be, it's one of two things. First possibility is you've got a body image problem. Second possibility is that you're classic "skinny fat", i.e. very svelte but with no appreciable lean mass, creating a 'soft' appearance regardless of weight.


Now, assuming you fall into the latter group, the suggestions in this thread are valid and what you should take away from this thread is that you're going to need to muscle up to achieve the look you want. Should you belong in the former grouping, start looking for professionals to assist you in your recovery, and I wish you the best.

[AirChair]

Good time to recycle this one...


http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt354/OmahaRounder/SV1.jpg


That's 5'8"/108lbs. If you aren't looking a lot like that, you're pretty classic skinny-fat and need to add lean mass before even considering trying to cut fat off your body; you literally won't have anything to cut down to otherwise.

[FreakyFit]

Do you want suggestions or not? Cuz it already looks like you're just going to argue...


If at 5'8"/114lbs you aren't as lean as you think you should be, it's one of two things. First possibility is you've got a body image problem. Second possibility is that you're classic "skinny fat", i.e. very svelte but with no appreciable lean mass, creating a 'soft' appearance regardless of weight.


Now, assuming you fall into the latter group, the suggestions in this thread are valid and what you should take away from this thread is that you're going to need to muscle up to achieve the look you want. Should you belong in the former grouping, start looking for professionals to assist you in your recovery, and I wish you the best.

OK I'll take your points on board! I don't have an image problem as I think I'm pretty close to what any girl wants to be at.

[Emma-Leigh]

At 5'8 and 114# you are clinically UNDERWEIGHT. This is not healthy and can lead to further medical issues down the track (osteoporosis, increased risk of injury or illness, decreased fertility, etc).

Although you feel you are 'pretty close to what girls want to be' - that doesn't make it 'the best' option. Many girls want lots of things that might not be 'right' for them.

If you TRULY want what is best for your body - something that will allow you to be a strong, healthy, fit and powerful young woman (and athlete, if you indeed dance a lot), then you will rethink your current belief re 'ideal body size' for a female of your height.

[Emma-Leigh]

ps = a pretty cool link to illustrate height v's weight
http://www.cockeyed.com/photos/bodies/heightweight.shtml

[discdoggie]

I weighed 116 pounds in this picture (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/5547492) and I am 5'4, not 5'8 as you are. People told me I look skinny.

Maybe a tiny bit. ;) But your midsection looks amazing!

[juliacheh]

Maybe a tiny bit. ;) But your midsection looks amazing!

Oh thank you:)