jasonsed

If there was any way I could work off the loose skin, I would do it. I don't even think starving myself would do it. It is only in my midsection and if I am in a plank position it just kind of hangs there. Small folds of skin with no elasticity. Like I mentioned, I got down to around 7% body fat and people commented that I was too thin, but the skin in my midsection didn't change much at all.

Yeah. I figured as much, but I thought someone might have found an amazing new advancement in science that might help. Oh well. I will accept it as a battle scar and move on.

I try to do free weight/bench movements for most things and add some machine movements for smaller muscle groups. I do weights that can get me 6-8 quality reps and 3 sets. I am usually sore the next morning in the muscle group I did the previous day, so I always took that as an indicator that I am at least not 'under lifting'. Bench press is usually 135lbs to 155lbs depending on how I feel. Freeweight bench is usually 60's or 65's. Front squats at 135 or 155. Deadlift 155. All of these are 6-8 reps in 3 sets. I am sure I could do a little more on the leg exercises, but I always find that my knees feel bad if I go too heavy. I think one thing that would help a lot at the gym would be to work out with someone else. I don't try weights on the bench that could get me stuck and I think the motivation of a work out partner would drive me to do more weight. For whatever reason I've never come across anyone at the gym that comes regular enough or doesn't already have a partner from their workplace to work out with. As I mentioned, I've always worked out with the philosophy that being sore is my best indicator of working hard enough the previous day, but perhaps that is flawed if I want to grow. I think I am more concerned with being lean than I am about growing. I am 30 and although I am still young, I don't want to grow too much and then not be able to sustain my workout routine later in life. Perhaps I'm too practical. haha.

It's not something I enjoy talking about, but I find that I worry almost as much about my loose skin and stretch marks as my weight, so I guess I'll ask. Anyone have tips for removing or hiding stretch marks and overcoming loose skin after weight loss? Here's my story: My body seems to be fighting against my parent's differing genes because my mom is overweight and has a hard time losing weight, but my dad is naturally thin and doesn't easily gain weight. My brother got mostly my dad and is thin as a rail and my sister got mostly my mom's and has fought her weight her whole life. I'm right in the middle and I can gain fat quickly and easily, but I can't gain muscle easily at all. I fought my weight all through school and was overweight one year and ok the next. I'm 5'7'' and I stay at right around 140 now, but about 8 years ago I was at around 200. Using Atkins and exercise I was able to drop 60 pounds over the course of a few years and I have kept it off pretty well all the years since. The problem I face now is my skin no longer being tight and various stretch marks from the up and down weight. It seems that no matter how much I work out I can never overcome the extra skin I have and it drives me nuts. I was down to 7% body fat last year and I could still grab skin around my waist. I have thought that if I could bulk up enough I could increase the muscle mass under my skin and thus 'fit into my skin', but I don't know if that will work or not. It's not a huge amount of extra skin, but enough that it is annoying and makes me self-conscious. I realize also that even if my bulking plan works, the stretch marks are still there. I've used skin firming lotion on a daily basis over the last few months but have seen no change. Anyone have anything that has worked for them?

I am looking for some tips or suggestions regarding a new workout plan that I am going to try for a while. I have read about P90X over the years, but have never had much luck with DVD workouts. I have decided to try it and want to do it in combination with my regular gym routine. Here is some background: I am a dedicated gym member and workout during lunch M-F and some Saturdays and Sundays. I usually lift weights and focus on certain muscle groups (M-Chest, T-Legs, W-Arms, T-Cardio, F-Back, S-Abs). I have been doing this faithfully for about 3 years and have seen improvements, but I am a hard gainer and stay around 140 (+/- 5lbs) seemingly no matter what I do. About this time last year I would say that I was in my best shape, but after a busy summer I lost a little of the muscle tone and brought back some fat (maybe 5 pounds, but it is noticeable). My goal is to use P90X as a calorie burner, cardio workout, and stretching motivator while using my gym time for muscle building. I don't have any weights to use at home with the P90X, so some of the routines are a little pointless in sections, but the few days I've done it have been enjoyable. I want to lose a little fat, gain some muscle, and become more flexible, but I am little unsure where to be in the eating mindset since bulking requires eating and trimming requires less calories. Anyone have some tips or suggestions for timing on protein shakes or vitamins/supplements that might help me? Right now I have a protein drink along with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Green Tea Complex, and L-Glutamine at 11am (gym from 12-1) and then do P90X after work. I might have a scoop of protein after some of the P90X routines, but usually I will just wait for dinner. My meals are pretty good (no fast food ever, water, fresh fruits, and veggies), but there is always room for improvement in eating. I also take ZMA before bed. Well, that's a long post for an introduction to the forums, but there it is. Any tips?

My wife is Japanese and when she moved here she could believe that the stores were selling certain fruits and vegetables out of season. Seasonal eating is a way of life for a lot of Japanese and I have learned to enjoy it. It works out well too financially because whatever is in season is usually the cheapest!

I travel with boxes of protein bars and nutty snack mix from Fresh Market. I usually use a small second suitcase for food and then it becomes my 'souvenir' suitcase on the way back. I'm sure there is debate about the value of protein bars, but they fill me up and I find that breakfasts at hotels (unless they serve asian style breakfasts) are pretty worthless. I'm not a huge fan of eggs unfortunately, so that is another factor for me. For a few years I primary ate food I brought with me and whatever I could find at convenience stores, but lately I've decided to eat the local cuisine and enjoy that aspect of life and travel a little more even if it is not the 'healthiest' way to be eating.