How can I tell if I have loose skin vs fat?

[amdhunter]

I'm starting to get bummed out at losing weight now.

I've noticed that my stomach isn't going down while the rest of me seems to be disappearing. I've lost enough weight that people are commenting and complimenting. I feel like I am back in my 20s where I can actually carry a conversation with women again, and my confidence is definitely improved.

Here's the problem. My stomach still hangs, which is probably normal since I am still ~40lbs overweight. I don't remember it hanging so low before, and don't know if it's because the rest of me slimmed down, or if it's loose skin.

How can I tell? If it's loose skin, I think I will eventually give up on losing weight, since I looked more "rounded, but tight" when I was heavier. The skin doesn't seem wrinkly or anything, it still looks tight, but I don't know how to tell.

Is there an easy way to do so? I may make an appointment for a physical in September, but I fear that my doctor will tell me it's loose. lol

 

[KIAman]

Men just naturally accumilate more fat around the stomach than anywhere else. I have no fat (really ZERO fat) anywhere on my body right now except my face and my stomach. I got a 4 pack and the lowest 2 packs are under this layer.

What helped to make the appearance of my belly fat go down is to get bigger everywhere else, LOL. Shoulders, arms, chest, hips and legs. And fix my posture.

 

[rga]

I think this was addressed by some people in your original cry for help thread months ago. Your caloric deficit was too great and you lost the weight too fast. Your skin hasn't caught up yet. If you're in your 20s or early 30s the skin will contract back eventually.

Also, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you've only been doing cardio on your deficit, which means you've lost muscle mass along with fat. Stop running so much and start picking up a barbell.

Finally, belly fat is stubborn and is usually the last place to go. You may have loose skin elsewhere on your body, but I'm sorry to say that the patch on your belly is probably still fat.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

You can't. Essentially, listen to rga (although it's not necessarily true that your skin will pull taught eventually at any age). If you're only doing cardio while in a caloric deficit, you get what's called "skinny fat." That happens because you're reducing your overall body mass, both fat and muscle. You don't reduce your body fat percentage all that much because of this. In addition, as others have mentioned, belly fat is the last thing to go. Drop out processed junk, eat more whole foods, and start lifting. Also, make sure you're eating enough, as that IS a significant problem related to this.

 

[amdhunter]

I think this was addressed by some people in your original cry for help thread months ago. Your caloric deficit was too great and you lost the weight too fast. Your skin hasn't caught up yet. If you're in your 20s or early 30s the skin will contract back eventually.

Also, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you've only been doing cardio on your deficit, which means you've lost muscle mass along with fat. Stop running so much and start picking up a barbell.

Finally, belly fat is stubborn and is usually the last place to go. You may have loose skin elsewhere on your body, but I'm sorry to say that the patch on your belly is probably still fat.

Well, I'm still 40lbs overweight, and so far no loose skin on my arms or face, so I figure I'll still have a stomach. I'm trying to counterbalance not doing weights by running with 5lb wrist weights. They tire my arm out and my chest feels like its been worked out. I can't use them for any real length of time though, at least not yet.

My chest area is actually much nicer, I used to have tits, but now they've risen up quite well and are starting to take shape. I've actually had a few ladies tell me that they've never noticed my chest before.

I've become sort of obsessed with the gym. I will try to get to weights in a few more weeks. I want to thin out a little bit more first.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Well, I'm still 40lbs overweight, and so far no loose skin on my arms or face, so I figure I'll still have a stomach. I'm trying to counterbalance not doing weights by running with 5lb wrist weights. They tire my arm out and my chest feels like its been worked out. I can't use them for any real length of time though, at least not yet.

My chest area is actually much nicer, I used to have tits, but now they've risen up quite well and are starting to take shape. I've actually had a few ladies tell me that they've never noticed my chest before.

I've become sort of obsessed with the gym. I will try to get to weights in a few more weeks. I want to thin out a little bit more first.

Running with weights is NOT resistance training. You have to use weights much heavier than that to get your body to respond in the way you want. Also, just because the muscles feel tired doesn't mean anything good. Feeling "the burn" is actually detrimental to muscle formation and retention.

You can and should USE the weights to thin out. The concept that you MUST do cardio to lose weight is not true. Research on resistance training consistently shows better outcomes with regards to body composition than cardio. If you wait to thin out more first, the stomach problems won't get better and may get worse. I don't understand why you ask for advice and then disregard it.

 

[amdhunter]

Running with weights is NOT resistance training. You have to use weights much heavier than that to get your body to respond in the way you want. Also, just because the muscles feel tired doesn't mean anything good. Feeling "the burn" is actually detrimental to muscle formation and retention.

You can and should USE the weights to thin out. The concept that you MUST do cardio to lose weight is not true. Research on resistance training consistently shows better outcomes with regards to body composition than cardio. If you wait to thin out more first, the stomach problems won't get better and may get worse. I don't understand why you ask for advice and then disregard it.

A big problem is the weight area is filled with the same people hogging the equipment at any given time. It's like a small club of guys there screaming and grunting at each other. I am doing light weights on the machines, but the bigger machines are always taken.

I guess I am intimidated. I had no problem when I went with a friend, but by myself, it's hard to get some time in.

What about rowing machines? They usually are empty, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

A big problem is the weight area is filled with the same people hogging the equipment at any given time. It's like a small club of guys there screaming and grunting at each other. I am doing light weights on the machines, but the bigger machines are always taken.

I guess I am intimidated. I had no problem when I went with a friend, but by myself, it's hard to get some time in.

What about rowing machines? They usually are empty, but I haven't tried it yet.

Everybody here had to start somewhere. I started in a university gym with a bunch of meatheads. You can't let that intimidate you. You're doing this for you and you alone - not for all the douchebags watching you. With Starting Strength, you'd need access to a squat rack and a bench. If there's nobody there (and no backpacks or stuff there), it's free to use even if there's weights on it. You have to take these steps to further yourself. You have this goal. We have the solution. But the solution involves getting over yourself and going out of your comfort zone. No machines with Starting Strength. You don't have to fight everybody for all the isolation equipment. In all honesty, getting access to the required equipment isn't very hard.

Rowing machines are for cardio, not resistance training. You're trying to get around the best solution for you. There isn't one. Lift some weight and achieve your goals.

 

[amdhunter]

Everybody here had to start somewhere. I started in a university gym with a bunch of meatheads. You can't let that intimidate you. You're doing this for you and you alone - not for all the douchebags watching you. With Starting Strength, you'd need access to a squat rack and a bench. If there's nobody there (and no backpacks or stuff there), it's free to use even if there's weights on it. You have to take these steps to further yourself. You have this goal. We have the solution. But the solution involves getting over yourself and going out of your comfort zone. No machines with Starting Strength. You don't have to fight everybody for all the isolation equipment. In all honesty, getting access to the required equipment isn't very hard.

Rowing machines are for cardio, not resistance training. You're trying to get around the best solution for you. There isn't one. Lift some weight and achieve your goals.

Which option would be better for a beginner? Lots of reps with light weights, or less reps with much heavier weight?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Which option would be better for a beginner? Lots of reps with light weights, or less reps with much heavier weight?

I keep saying you need to read Starting Strength. It's a great book with lots of details. Initially, you need to start with low weight and low reps and slowly work the weight up. Again, go buy the book Starting Strength. It will answer any and all questions you have.

 

[rga]

Low reps with low weight.

http://stronglifts.com
or
http://startingstrength.com

Start with the barbell - 45 pounds - and do 5 sets of 5 reps. Add 5 pounds each work out. When 5x5 gets too hard to recover from switch to 3 sets of 5. You'll be happy you did.

 

[amdhunter]

I keep saying you need to read Starting Strength. It's a great book with lots of details. Initially, you need to start with low weight and low reps and slowly work the weight up. Again, go buy the book Starting Strength. It will answer any and all questions you have.

I'll be 100% honest. I've never been able to read a book in my life. I've tried multiple times, but I have some sort of mental block. My mind wanders everywhere.

I know I am very frustrating to you guys, but I really do appreciate and take thought into everything you guys say.

 

[amdhunter]

Low reps with low weight.

http://stronglifts.com
or
http://startingstrength.com

Start with the barbell - 45 pounds - and do 5 sets of 5 reps. Add 5 pounds each work out. When 5x5 gets too hard to recover from switch to 3 sets of 5. You'll be happy you did.

Thanks. If I have trouble "balancing" the barbell, what should I do? Are barbells good to start with? I will buy a set on Amazon today if you think it's a good idea.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I'll be 100% honest. I've never been able to read a book in my life. I've tried multiple times, but I have some sort of mental block. My mind wanders everywhere.

I know I am very frustrating to you guys, but I really do appreciate and take thought into everything you guys say.

There's a first time for everything. If this it what you want, you need to stop making excuses. I'm not trying to be a hard ass, but you need to push yourself. Read 10 pages a day in conjunction to looking at the starting strength wiki. Make it happen. I'm not going to keep putting effort into informative posts if you're not willing to put in effort to meet your goals. Challenge yourself.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Thanks. If I have trouble "balancing" the barbell, what should I do? Are barbells good to start with? I will buy a set on Amazon today if you think it's a good idea.

You won't have trouble balancing it. There is a neutral point. Barbells are good to start with. It'll cost several hundred dollars if you're gonna try to buy a good barbell and start at home. Just go to the freaking gym, man.

 

[amdhunter]

You won't have trouble balancing it. There is a neutral point. Barbells are good to start with. It'll cost several hundred dollars if you're gonna try to buy a good barbell and start at home. Just go to the freaking gym, man.

I'll give it a shot tomorrow. See what I can do. I'll post results.

 

[Whisper]

Everybody here had to start somewhere. I started in a university gym with a bunch of meatheads. You can't let that intimidate you...

Others have addressed the actual weight-lifting portion, so I'll just reiterate the above portion. Odds are, those guys you see in weight room portion of the gym aren't going to even really notice what you're doing. If they do, and if for whatever reason they think it's a problem, they're likely a$$hats who can be safely ignored.

In general, the very last thing I'm concerned about when I'm at the gym is what everyone around me is up to. So long as they're considerate, wipe down their equipment, re-rack their weights, and don't break stuff, more power to 'em. Remember, you're a member of the gym, and you have every bit as much right to the equipment there as does anyone else.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I'll give it a shot tomorrow. See what I can do. I'll post results.

That's all anyone can ask of you - even yourself. Try it out at least. Good on you.

 

[amdhunter]

So. Trying dumbbells was an EPIC failure. I figured I'd start "easy" with 25lbs. Hah. I could BARELY lift it. I tried doing an easy set of 5, and couldn't manage it without twisting my arm or just completely look like I was going to injure myself.

I ended up going with 10lbs, but that seemed a bit too light and not really stressing me enough, so I went back to trying the 25lbs for as long as I could stomach it. I did learn my right arm is much stronger than my left.

It was hilarious because from what little I did, I went to lie down on my bed and my arm slipped trying to hold my body weight - my dog got caught in the aftermath (fell on top of him) and he was like WTF is wrong with you.

I'm actually determined now. I can't believe I am so weak.

 

[blackdogdeek]

what exercise did you attempt?

 

[alkemyst]

could be loose skin, but that's rare unless you really dropped weight fast usually.

Check if you have a Diastasis...lie on your back and do a leg lift. Keep your hand between your belly button and xiphoid process. If a football like mass raises, then you split your abs.

This happened to me sometime in the last two years after I torn my shoulder apart. I am going to see my primary care about it, I have not found much help online.

 

[amdhunter]

what exercise did you attempt?

I just tried to curl 25lbs. It's much harder than I thought. I'm weak as hell. :\

 

[amdhunter]

could be loose skin, but that's rare unless you really dropped weight fast usually.

Check if you have a Diastasis...lie on your back and do a leg lift. Keep your hand between your belly button and xiphoid process. If a football like mass raises, then you split your abs.

This happened to me sometime in the last two years after I torn my shoulder apart. I am going to see my primary care about it, I have not found much help online.

I just tried at work. Doesn't seem like it from the pictures I've seen on the web. All I feel is my stomach coming up because I'm breathing in as I raise my legs It's nice and round.

I've lost ~50lbs in 10 months, I don't know if that's considered "fast." There is no hanging skin on my arms, and my "tits" actually look like a chest now - and no loose skin anywhere else. I've also noticed "little amdhunter" is more at attention lately - hopefully I'll get him some action soon.

I've actually (I swear) had a few women rub my chest and tell me, good job. Everyone is saying I look a lot more fit now too.

What is funny is that I am inching towards that border between "obese" and "overweight" according to my BMI. I have about 8lbs to go. I'm not losing as fast as I was before - but I'm still going down about 1/2lb a week or so. Weighed in at 211 yesterday.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I just tried to curl 25lbs. It's much harder than I thought. I'm weak as hell. :\

Granted, nobody starts by curling 25lbs. When I started out, I started with 15s and worked my way up the chain. However, when I actually did curls, I was able to work my way up to 65s for a set of 4-6. Just keep trying. Btw, were curls mentioned in either of those programs?

 

[blackdogdeek]

don't do curls. if you can't read stronglifts or starting strength info then just do these 5 exercises:

squat
deadlift
press
bench press
upright row

youtube to find out the form for each. use the empty bar to start. do 5 sets of 5 reps. rest a couple of minutes between sets. take one day off in between workouts. increase each exercise by 5 pounds on subsequent workouts.

i'm pretty sure i just summarized stronglifts 5x5 for you. please someone correct me if i'm wrong.