Skinny fat: I want to exercise without losing weight.

[thelegohooverer]

I’ve been a size 8 most of my life, occasionally going up to a 10 after a particularly indulgent holiday.
In my 40s now and I’m back up to a 10 and disinclined to lose the weight. I feel normally sized after a life time of skinny. I look good in clothes. Not so great undressed though.
Both my thighs and belly are distinctly fat and lacking tone. And, aside from looks, I need to start exercising again for health and fitness but I don’t want to lose weight.

I’ve really struggled in the past to hold my weight, eg when breastfeeding. I did some high impact exercise in my twenties and ate crap to keep up the calories. I know most people think that’s an enviable problem. But it was a genuine health issue for me.

I’m hoping going forward toward menopause and beyond that my body will naturally hold more weight.

Oh and my knee and back are knackered so that limits my choices.

Does anyone else have this problem? Is there someone I could consult? Any time I’ve spoken to gym trainers or coaches, it’s all been about burning fat and losing weight and I feel like I’d need to go up another dress size and come back to them.

Can anyone recommend particular types of exercise that aren’t heavy on weight loss? I’m vaguely thinking of Pilates or Callanetics but I don’t know much.

Sounds like you need to build muscle by doing strength training and eating plenty of protein.

Yeah just eat loads and do strength training. As long as you eat enough you won’t lose weight.

Yeah, strength training.

Strength training, weight training. If anything you might even gain weight but be in good shape!

God I miss being fit and strong!

Yoga? I do vinyasa which has toned and lengthened my muscles. I love it

I do a combination of strength training and yoga.
I love feeling stronger but definitely haven't lost any weight.

Reformer pilates

Most people who exercise lots are fat like the rest of us are fat.

Swimmers are especially likely to not be skinnies, maybe swimming would suit you. Especially with the knackered body parts.

Not running (although I do know plenty of plump runners). But the high cardio especially suppresses appetite for some.

Another vote for reformer Pilates.

Unless you undertake elite-level athletic training, it’s unlikely that exercise will cause you to lose weight (just look up how far you need to run to burn off the calories in a slice of cake or whatever) and exercise will tend to increase your appetite anyhow.

Agree that strength training is the way forward - toned muscle feels goooood!

Best of luck

Oh, if you can find it near where you are, aqua aerobics is an excellent way to get into/back into training. Low impact but great cardiovascular and whole-body toning exercise if you put in the effort and don’t just bob around

I wouldn't worry too much as it's not a given in your forties that you'll lose weight like you did before. I was the same as you and last year I started running and barre. I haven't lost a gram!

Strength training. Also work out how much you need to eat to maintain your weight in terms of calories protein etc. There’s calculators out there which will factor in your exercise and activity level so you’ll be able to train without losing weight

Exercise doesn't make you lose weight, it's a nice thought that fat people could eat what they like if only they exercise but untrue.

So I think you could easily incorporate exercise which wouldn't affect your weight but would certainly improve your health.
running is bad for knees even if they aren't already knackered.
You mention Pilates and that is brilliant for all round strength, balance and suppleness.
I have Rheumatoid arthritis which started around the menopause and Pilates has been great for me.
Swimming?