Are my goals realistic?

[alexandrahanna]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some opinions on whether or not my goals are realistic. Here is a little background info:

21 y.o.
5'6 1/2" tall
Heaviest weight ever: 165lbs
Weight when I started working out this time around: 157
Current weight: 147.5
Best estimate for BF%: 23% (body fat calipers)

Goal:
135 lbs by June 19th
15% BF by August 2nd

I am currently on week 5 of Jamie Eason's Livefit program. If you have any questions ask away!

Thanks!!

[alexandrahanna]

55+ views and no opinions? Anything would be appreciated.

[Artistry]

...Do you actually know what 15% bodyfat looks like on a woman? Have a look at this: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...3726731&page=1

Dropping the scale weight is probably manageable, but it doesn't sound as though you've been lifting long. If that's the case, just trying to lose weight is going to leave you skinny-fat at this point. Focus less on the numbers, lift as heavy as you can and go by the mirror instead.

[JenMc14]

You're looking at trying to lose almost 2 pounds a week, steadily, when you likely don't have that much to lose. So, it may be doable, but I don't think it's realisitc. I don't know a lot about losing bodyfat percentages and the realism there, but I don't think getting down to 15% in 3 months is all that realisitc, especially if you don't have a great muscle base to begin with. Focus less on the numbers and a set goal and more on the journey and how you look and feel.

[alexandrahanna]

Yes, I know what 15% bodyfat looks like on a woman and I read that thread yesterday before posting. Going to adjust my weight goal according to one of the stickies:

Fat lost per month =
Obese : 6-8%
Moderately overweight: 4-6%
Average: 2-4%
Lean 1-2%
Very lean .5-1%

Using 3%, .03*147=4.41lbs per month x 1.63 months = about 7 lbs = goal of 140 lbs by June 19. Not going to worry about the BF%.

JenMc14, you say I don't have 2 lbs/week to lose and that I don't have a great muscle base to begin with - can you clarify? In my mind it seems like I either have to have fat to lose or have a muscle base. My goal is to keep my body where it is at about 114 lbs of LBM and lose fat simultaneously by focusing on lifting and keeping my macros in line with my requirements - just beginning to add cardio back in after 5 weeks of lifting only.

[JenMc14]

I guess I was just more assuming that you haven't been lifting that long, so you may not have enough muscle mass to see the fat loss you want without being skinny fat, as someone else said. It's kind of where I'm at right now as well. I lost about 45 pounds without doing significant/heavy lifting, so I'm sure I lost some muscle with the fat, even though I was doing a decent amount of high rep/lower weight and body weight exercises. I feel a bit "soft" all around, especially in my midsection. Since starting heavy lifting in January, I have noticed a difference in my upper body, still waiting for the middle jiggles to catch up. I think I need to actually gain a few pounds and add muscle, then go back to a cut to see a good bf% loss. I could also be totally talking out of my a$$.

On the 2 pounds a week thing, I say that because the closer you get to a healthy weight, the slower you lose it, and that's ok. Slow and steady wins the race over fast and furious. Those who lose slowly and steadily while making lasting lifestyle changes tend to keep the weight off more often than those who lose it quickly as quick weight loss tends to come more from "fad" diets than healthy lifestyle changes. I've defintiely found that to be true for myself.

[kimm4]

It's a realistic goal, but the timeframe is a bit off. Don't plan on a steady loss of 2 lbs a week, because it's not going to happen. The leaner we get, the harder it becomes. Nutrition plans need to be spot on and there is no room for error. You need to understand there will be weeks when no changes happen, there will be trial/error with your diet and you'll need to fine tune/tweak along the way.

Good luck to you.

[alexandrahanna]

Thanks! I have always been active and genetically predisposed to be more on the solid/muscular side but I have been more of a runner since high school (did a few weight training classes in HS) but never really saw any changes in my body. Only recently have I gotten serious about lifting to get in shape. I know I will never be a (healthy) size 2, and my husband told me about a year ago when I wasn't even working out that I have "legs like tree trunks" (umm thanks? lol), so I am good with slowly getting as healthy and strong as possible. I am especially dedicated to losing weight in a healthy way because a family member has slipped back into her eating disorder (she is 5'7", 105lbs, small size 0, has coffee for breakfast, keeps down lunch which is usually chips or a fried chicken sandwich, pukes up dinner and then takes 3 laxatives), and I'm not sure how to help her other than being a good example.

[Artistry]

Yes, I know what 15% bodyfat looks like on a woman and I read that thread yesterday before posting. Going to adjust my weight goal according to one of the stickies.

Ahkay, just wanted to be sure. I apologize if I came across as condescending; there seems to be a massive misconception on what bodyfat numbers actually look like on women, so seeing a goal in the teens immediately makes me skeptical. However, it sounds like you have a good grasp of what you want.

Good luck! =D

[alexandrahanna]

Thanks!