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Original poster

Skinny Fat

11 replies

JeSuisPetite · 28/08/2023 07:48

Getting married a year from now and would like to wear a sleeveless dress, showing off toned arms and a pert butt. I am size 8 but soft all over and in mid forties, every biscuit I look at is adding to that softness.

I know what I need to do - cut out sugar and get consistent with weight training. But why is it so hard with working full time and all the other stuff going on in life? It does not actually help being small as a little voice inside says you can still get away with it as you are. I want to do better but lack that determination. How do you make yourself be consistent? Thank you.

OP posts:
NancyStStacey · 28/08/2023 07:58

I’m exactly the same. Still a size 8 but soft around the middle and untoned. I’ve started weight training with a PT but I really need to overhaul my diet to try and lose the perimenopausal middle. I’ve cut out all sugar in the past and that really helped but I’m lacking motivation right now.

Original poster
JeSuisPetite · 28/08/2023 08:05

@NancyStStacey would you like to do it together, keep each other accountable? We can figure out how technically. My loved ones are too kind to kick my ass.

OP posts:
NancyStStacey · 28/08/2023 08:08

We may have to start tomorrow as I’ve just started the day with a leftover slice of lemon pie 😳
What is the plan- no sugar or something a bit gentler. I read the Glucose Goddess book last month and that’s a little easier to stick with.

NancyStStacey · 28/08/2023 08:28

Oh and congrats on the wedding too!

Seashellies · 28/08/2023 08:32

Start pilates! Honestly I absolutely love it and my body has never looked better- toned and strong. I go in person and enjoy the social element too (keeps me motivated too) but there are variations online which don't need equipment on YouTube etc. I also find it really relaxing and good for my mind even though its a decent workout.

Ilmecourtsurleharicot · 28/08/2023 08:43

Can I join? I’m an 8 on top and 10 in the hips and I have struggled with showing any upper arm skin over this summer which hasn’t been great. Same time constraints with work and kids so I just need a kindly kick up the arse with eating and exercising.

Eyesopenwideawake · 28/08/2023 08:45

Do you have a riding school nearby? Go and volunteer to clean stables and shift bales of hay around - you'll develop arms of steel and killer abs in no time!!

ZolaBudd · 28/08/2023 08:46

Because you are simply not devoting enough time to it. Is there really not an hour every night? Why are you just lying about watching telly when you could actually go to the gym? Tough but it’s true

Bubbles254 · 28/08/2023 08:52

I think if helps to fit a few minutes here and there in throughout the day. I do 5 min after meals to lower glucose spikes e.g planks, jumping Jacks, calf raises, squats etc and when else I remember plus 30 min weights when I wake up.

hermioneee · 28/08/2023 08:56

Congratulations on the wedding!
Doing some weights does not take as much time as you think and the great thing about it is you'll see a difference pretty early on.
You don't even need to join a gym if you don't want to. Have a look at Caroline Girvan on YouTube or look up body weight exercises. With good form and slowing down the movement you can progressively make it harder even if the weights you have start feeling lighter.

"Exercise Snacking" also helps - so a few times a day just do as many press-ups as you can manage, or sit ups, or hold a plank, wall sit. All these things will make a difference super quickly.

Original poster
JeSuisPetite · 28/08/2023 11:06

@ZolaBudd To clarify, I do not lie around watching telly, I do not even know how to put it on. I work office hours mostly sitting down, I do actually enjoy house work as a reason to move, gardening and cooking from scratch daily. These things take up time. I regularly walk and run and do a spin class and a slow swim weekly. I rarely get to relax on the sofa before 9.30 pm, but that’s when I feel I need a treat with a cup tea. The exercises just about helps to keep the weight under control (slip a week and jeans are tight), so I need to kick the sugar habit and focus on weights at the expense of some of the things I enjoy more.

@NancyStStacey and whoever else want to join in! I propose rule of 2 - sweet treats limited to twice a week and weight training minimum twice a week. May be one arms, one legs and a little abs work at both.

If you missed your training target, you miss the sugar treat, e.g. if only trained once a week, you get one sugar treat a week.

What else can we improve on that?

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