Not happy? Any advice?

k so i am just under my goal weight, but im still unhappy with the way my body looks. And my body fat % is about 24% (according to a website i found) Any suggestions?

Strength training! Lots of people are better equipped to give you tips on that than I am but I would think that you need to move your calories to more of a maintenance level and focus on building muscle. What so many people don't realize is that a lot of what we consider attractive has as much to do with muscle tone as it does being a healthy weight.

Right now I don't think it has anything to do with your actual weight (number wise). the best way to start changing your actual physique is through exercising. Find a program (P90X is hard, but the results are awesome) and good luck to you!

Right now I don't think it has anything to do with your actual weight (number wise). the best way to start changing your actual physique is through exercising. Find a program (P90X is hard, but the results are awesome) and good luck to you!

This... Seriously. Find a strength training program. I know some members here us Les Mill's Body Pump and have seen amazing results. Jamie Eason has a 12 week program that is out there.

Toning and shaping will help you get the body you want.

hummm... i dont want to look too muscular tho--any ideas? i do yoga already. it's so weird to me that my body fat can be so high when my bmi is 17.6... URG! it's frustrating!!

Strength training. Eat at maintenance and lift heavy. You won't bulk up. Go to www.bodybuilding.com They have training programs on the site. New Rules for Women is on the best. Good luck!

Well firstly these are two different things, and a BMI is not an accurate way to measure fat, muscle etc. My mate's BMI has him as overwight when he is just a rippling ball of muscle, so you really shouldnt care about that. Go off your body fat percentage and water levels etc, and measurements instead of the scales (seeing as you are now at your goal weight Im guessing its about appearence and health for you now, not just a number?)

Would you mind sharing the website you are basing your body fat percentage from?

i just got my BCA done by a fitness director so i want to see if the web will be accurate or not- If I were you id see someone to do a BCA so you get all of the figures for your body =) I did it and it cost me AU$36

Just lift less than this, 'kay?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRkfaG38t7Y

If you maintain your calories you shouldn't get huge. The women who want to build huge muscles have to eat more and really work at it for years.

and the obligatory stumptuous links:
http://www.stumptuous.com/strength-without-size-how-to-get-stronger-without-getting-bulky

http://www.stumptuous.com/the-less-thinking-more-doing-starter-program

I also love The New Rules of Lifting for Women. You can check out The New Rules of Lifting for Abs if having the word Abs in the title reassures you that you won't get huge.

Thanks for all the advice guys! Not able to do ANY exercises rite now..i had a tachycardia over the weekend and now i have to "take it easy'

remember that having muscle tone and looking "muscular" aren't the same. i'd also get your body fat checked with a doctor, nutritionist or trainer rather than rely on a web formula. the workouts advocated here are never going to bulk up a smalled framed young woman like a profesional body builder - that takes enormous committment and, as others mention, very specific diets meant to assist creating unusual muscle mass. i know this form grudgingly learned personal experience and now have similar fears now behind me. i weigh more than my "goal" weight (based on lifetime low weights that i thought i liked) after months of strength training, but i have more muscle tone hence lower body fat, i look much better and i am a smaller size than i have ever been. when you feel better try out some weight work outs. exercize also helps me deal with the major problem i have with persistent distorted body image. i may never be 100% "happy" with how i look, but fitness makes me feel better.

By the way I checked a few body fat calculators online and they are waaaay off for me at least. I clip routinely under 16% at gym and nutritionist, but using my height, weight and measurements the online calculators online estimate a whopping 25%. I haven't been that high, even when I had broken 3 bones in my left foot and was inactive for months with 20+ extra pounds on me it was lower.

Sometimes I just want to scream from the rooftops "LADIES, YOU WILL NOT BULK UP FROM WEIGHT TRAINING!!!" You don't have the testosterone needed to do so. If you DID then you'd also have chest hair.

Weight training is the BEST way to add muscle tone and the sexy curves you are most likely looking for. P90x is a great program and gives excellent results. It's not the only one. Jillian Michaels 30 day shred is great (but rendundant) and Insanity. Cardio is wonderful but cardio alone is not enough. Give weight training a try! I promise you won't be disappointed.

Tachycardia means your heart is racing and being taxed. Are you anorexic or bulimic? Just curious. I believe you should be asking a specialist about these issues.

[quote=averagemo]Sometimes I just want to scream from the rooftops "LADIES, YOU WILL NOT BULK UP FROM WEIGHT TRAINING!!!" You don't have the testosterone needed to do so. If you DID then you'd also have chest hair.

[quote]

And a beard... and THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! seriously I wish some ladies would read and look at others as examples!!

Also a body fat percentage of 24 is NOT high. 30 is normal for women. 24 is very lean.

Yes i know i was in the hospital for a little while... I have to go see the cardiologist again in 2 weeks.

As for the 24% being lean--that's good to know! it's sounds high lol

Once i get the ok from the cardiologist i will try some weight training! U all make an excellent point on the "muscular" issue--never thought of it that way b-4

Thank you!!

I wish you well glowstix!

Glowstix, I have trouble believing your body fat is at 24!!! I am one inch taller, weigh 17 pounds more than you do and my body fat is 22 using a software to calculate. You are already underweight, So stop trying to lose. Do you smoke, drink soda, coffee or eat chocolate???? If yes, they have to be avoided!!! I used to have heart rate at rest of 150/min. Now that my weight is to normal and exercise regularely and ex-smoker, my heart rate at rest is now below 70/min.