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General Fitness & Nutrition: 3 questions about weight management

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    runningisawesome

    I'm 22, 4'11 and weigh 118, my BMI is completely normal. I run because it feels good and it's my me time but also to get to my weight goal of 110 or 105. I know I look fine, but I want a flat stomach and toned arms...

    So here are my questions:

    1. Should I Iose the weight then start to work on my core (even though running helps with that) along with weights?

    3. When I reach my goal weight what should I do to maintain it?--I'm a vegetarian.

    3. Is 105 too small? I'm already  between sizes 6 and 4.

     

    If you have any advice I'd appreciate your response.

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    Trainbellsway
    Don't try to lose weight!  Try to gain muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less space.  Your clothes will fit better.  The muscle is what burns the calories.  Build your muscles and you'll burn more calories while you go though your daily life as well as your running.  You don't have the testosterone to build big muscles so don't worry about that.  Begin right now working your core.  It will help your running.  By the way, that does not mean sit ups.  Your core muscles are underneath your "six pack".  Try doing the plank for your core.  Also, do some additional strength training as well. Talk to a trainer if you can.  It is money well spent rather than taking the shotgun approach to fitness. 
    • CommentAuthorFree Membertrihardist
    • CommentTimeJul 15th 2009
     
    trihardist

    I agree with Trains. The idea of a goal weight is outdated and old-fashioned. If your main focus is on appearance, ignore the scale and trust the mirror and your clothes. Also consider that genetic predisposition will play a role in how you look at your most fit; if you make your peace with that now, you will be much happier with your appearance in the long run.

    That said, nothing should prevent you from running and working with resistance simultaneously. Make sure you work your whole body, though; don't focus too much on your core and arms, or you may end up with muscular imbalances that will jeopardize your running. And to reiterate the previous commenters' points, don't focus on crunches. Again, that can lead to muscular imbalances that will compromise your spine and postural problems that will compromise your appearance. Working with a trainer is ideal, but be sure you get someone who knows what she/he is doing. Look for someone with ACE or NSCA certification, and maybe ask them some questions about what kind of work they've done with spinal stabilization relative to Chek or McCall. If they know that much, they probably know enough to help you reach your goals without making things worse.

    If you happen to live in the midwest, I might be able to help you find someone. You can send me a direct message if you'd like.

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    Hugh-slow-at-37

    I'd agree that goal weights are not a good idea. Even just going with a fat percentage would be better.

    In principle I'd fully agree with what Trihardist says about "trust the mirror". owever even perceptions can be a problem. Once people start focusing on weight loss, it can become obsessive (just one more pound ...) Anorexics can look in the mirror and still believe they are too fat. Your friends and family may not (or may) be a good source of support. They may like people who are a bit heavier, or build their own self-esteem through your own neglect. You may find they are resistant as you get in better shape.

     As for a good core ... I've been doing ashtanga yoga for the past year or so. The breathing exercises and postures have really built me a strong core. Having used gyms sporadically for 3-4 month bursts over the years, I never built a sixpack like it. If you learn to breath right, and expel all the air from the base of your lungs using the core muscles you'll get some serious strength there.

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    runningisawesome
    Thanks for the comments everyone. I appreciate it.

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