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Three weeks to get some shape?

36 replies

GoGoSuperBug · 15/03/2026 21:00

I have lost weight which I thought would make me happy but it hasn’t. I now weigh seven stone seven pounds, have a 25 inch waist and I thought I would be over the moon.

instead my bum looks flat from the sides, my boobs are empty flaps and my belly sags between my hips.

I have a bikini holiday coming up in three weeks. Can I realistically make any improvements? What do I focus on? I exercise already but with little focus and have fallen by the wayside a lot as I have been super busy at work.

OP posts:
Katrinawaves · 16/03/2026 07:54

The next three weeks are going to pass anyway so you might as well use them to start working out again and improving your muscle tone. Will you be all the way there in 3 weeks? No of course not. Will you be in better shape than you are now? Yes almost certainly. I can’t think of any good reason why you would do nothing though and rely just on posture and clothes!

In my experience the two things which work very quickly to show visible results are 30 Day Shred done daily or Reformer Pilates done every other day. Joseph Pilates is famously quoted as saying after 8 Pilates class you will feel better, after 16 you will see the physical changes and after 24 everyone else will see them. They are expensive however.

momz1 · 16/03/2026 07:25

Focus on glute workouts (squats, hip thrusts) and core exercises to improve shape and tone. Also eat enough protein, stay hydrated, and maintain good posture to look better for your holiday.

GoGoSuperBug · 16/03/2026 07:13

Has anyone seen decent one pieces with bra sizing and underwire?

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GoGoSuperBug · 16/03/2026 07:12

I was a regular gym goer, last years holiday I looked pretty good but work has been super stressful and I have had a lot of professional exams and I have ended up taking weight loss a bit to far. Just seeing myself clearly last night for the first time and panicking about how I have ruined my shape.

I just look empty, that’s the only way I can describe it. I still have defined thigh muscles and my arms are ok but the front and side views are terrible. My back is fine though bizarrely!

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ParmaVioletTea · 15/03/2026 23:15

Good clothes and excellent posture. You can’t develop visible muscle in 3 weeks.

And a flat bottom etc is genetic. I’ve been doing heavy weight training for 8 years eating a good diet at maintenance calories and lots protein plus creatine but my bottom is still flat. I have very strong glutes but genetically a flat bottom.

Ditch a bikini and wear a flattering one piece or a tankini two piece - boy legs shorts can look really good and help flabby unconditioned bodies into a good shape.

SandwichMakerHater · 15/03/2026 22:04

I started Caroline Girvan's Epic programme and I could see muscle definition starting to show after 3/4 weeks. I"d lost weight but hadn't been able to exercise during the weight loss so was very untoned.
It was hard work, 5 workouts a week using progressively heavy weights, but I was amazed at how quickly I saw muscle on my arms and abs, and more shape to my bum/tops of legs.

minipie · 15/03/2026 21:54

Longer term sounds like you need to build muscle. This will help your boobs to some extent - mine have perked up since I started weights and got some pec muscles. Same with bum - squats, lunges and kettlebell swings will definitely help build a rounder bum (do build core strength first though to protect your back).

You should expect to get a bit heavier when you build muscle of course - I’m 5’3 and I weigh 9 stone, I weigh more than I used to (and ideally I’d lose 4/5 lb) but I’m much fitter and look more toned.

Not achievable in 3 weeks though! More like 3 months plus to see results. For now I’d start with Pilates/core as I said before and good supportive swimwear.

GoGoSuperBug · 15/03/2026 21:40

I’m short, 5ft 2 - I might look better a little heavier but it’s guaranteed to go straight into my stomach and not where I want to fill out.

I definitely need some bust support for this empty tennis socks.

OP posts:
minipie · 15/03/2026 21:17

7 stone 7 pounds? How tall are you? Is it possible you would look better with a little more weight on… ?

Exercise wise you won’t build much muscle in 3 weeks - but doing Pilates may change your posture which always helps your shape look better. And it’s a good foundation if you want do weights without injuring yourself.

A good one piece with decent bum coverage and boob support will be your best bet. Lands End, Boden, John Lewis have decent coverage without being too frumpy IMO. Seafolly is a good brand too.

GoGoSuperBug · 15/03/2026 21:11

That’s soooo not the answer I wanted 😭 any links to decent swimwear?

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Gettingbysomehow · 15/03/2026 21:04

I have much the same problem after losing 5 stone. Its tankini time for me.
I think you need to be realistic. Choose swimming gear that will hide the worst bits.
Im busy at the gym but its going to take months.