How to slim down and NOT increase muscle size??

[z_silversurfer_]

Hi this might be an odd question but I want to know how to decrease mass the best way. I am about 20 pounds overweight and I know that I have to lose that weight first but in the process I DON"T want to increase my bicep, chest or leg size. Basically I'm going for that skinny cut look. Now
"unfortunately" I was born with a very defined muscular body, now this was fine until a couple of years ago when I graduated high school, I got out of shape and gained alot of weight. However this weight that I have gained almost makes me look as if I've gotten into heavy bodybuilding, not only has my belly gotten bigger but so has my biceps, chest and quads. I often get asked if I've been working out when in reality I am in the worst shape of my life. Anyway I have started to lift weights and do cardio along with watching my diet very closely. But I am almost hesitant when doing exercises such as curls and squats as my arms and legs are already very large and have that bulky look. I fear that if Continue to workout I will just add more bulk, which is the opposite of the look the I am going for. If anybody has any tips or advice for me I would appreciate it, thanks.

 

[Yanick]

just do tons of cardio and maybe a little resistance training, like full body twice a week 2 sets/exercise to make sure you don't lose only muscle. you'll also probably not want to progress your training in any way, just maintain it.

 

[gopro]

Use very light weights that allow you to get 15-25 reps per set and you will not get any bigger.

 

[Missfit4all]

Use very light weights that allow you to get 15-25 reps per set and you will not get any bigger.

Hey Gopro,

you look 2B a man of good credibility by your picture alone!! While we're at it, i have a similar question? I am female needing to lose a good 10 pounds. I was doing (High reps) of 15 (3 sets) as recommended for endurance/cardio purpose. Well....here's my question? If i only need to lose 10 more, should i be looking to Start Building more muscle NOW and (decrease) my reps with higher weights (to build more?) Becuz we all know more muscle burns more calories? Anyway, what's your take? How long before it's time to (move up?) so to speak?

Thanks for your input.

 

[gopro]

Yes, I do think that you should try to increase muscle while trying to lose weight. Just remember though, that if you are gaining muscle you are adding bodyweight, and thus, it will show on the scale. You could end up only losing 5 lbs on the scale, but still could have lost 10 lbs of fat.

Better to not go by the scale, and to go by measurements and mirror.

 

[Missfit4all]

Yes, I do think that you should try to increase muscle while trying to lose weight. Just remember though, that if you are gaining muscle you are adding bodyweight, and thus, it will show on the scale. You could end up only losing 5 lbs on the scale, but still could have lost 10 lbs of fat.

Better to not go by the scale, and to go by measurements and mirror.

So that explains it!! LOL. Yes, i think it's time to invest in one of those "Calipers" to measure my BF? I can see how the Scale serves no purpose (only frustration) while building MM and losing BF at the same time?

THANKS Gopro!

 

[LAM]

Hi this might be an odd question but I want to know how to decrease mass the best way. I am about 20 pounds overweight and I know that I have to lose that weight first but in the process I DON"T want to increase my bicep, chest or leg size. Basically I'm going for that skinny cut look. Now
"unfortunately" I was born with a very defined muscular body, now this was fine until a couple of years ago when I graduated high school, I got out of shape and gained alot of weight. However this weight that I have gained almost makes me look as if I've gotten into heavy bodybuilding, not only has my belly gotten bigger but so has my biceps, chest and quads. I often get asked if I've been working out when in reality I am in the worst shape of my life. Anyway I have started to lift weights and do cardio along with watching my diet very closely. But I am almost hesitant when doing exercises such as curls and squats as my arms and legs are already very large and have that bulky look. I fear that if Continue to workout I will just add more bulk, which is the opposite of the look the I am going for. If anybody has any tips or advice for me I would appreciate it, thanks.

losing 20 lbs is easy as hell. decrease your cals and increse your level of activity. it is physiologically impossible to continually gain muscle mass if you stick with the same working loads. if you don't want to get bigger, don't go increase your weights. it's that simple

 

[gopro]

So that explains it!! LOL. Yes, i think it's time to invest in one of those "Calipers" to measure my BF? I can see how the Scale serves no purpose (only frustration) while building MM and losing BF at the same time?

THANKS Gopro!

Now you've got it!! The scale does not reflect body composition changes, which is what we all are after...less fat, more muscle. Remember than muscle actually weighs more than fat, and takes up far less space...so, you can lose absolutely no weight, and still get smaller.

 

[Missfit4all]

Now you've got it!! The scale does not reflect body composition changes, which is what we all are after...less fat, more muscle. Remember than muscle actually weighs more than fat, and takes up far less space...so, you can lose absolutely no weight, and still get smaller.

Thanks Gopro, You have convinced me to quit dinkering around and go On-line (now!) to search for my new BF Caliper!! Off i go....!!

 

[Missfit4all]

"BF Caliper" --- Mission Accomplished!!!
to arrive in the mail sometimes next week...
Now we can start to check some real Progress!!

thanks for whipping me into Shape, Gopro! LOL.

 

[kkschaef]

Remember diet is 80% of reaching your goals. you can lift weights and actually lift heavy the key is to reduce the layer of fat covering the muscles.
And do not go by the scale as gopro said earlier go by the mirror, body fat %, even a tape measure and measure yourself. Too many women get discouraged by the numbers on the scale. You may have gained weight but your jeans are baggier. I would say that is improvement. So stay off the scale.

 

[gopro]

"BF Caliper" --- Mission Accomplished!!!
to arrive in the mail sometimes next week...
Now we can start to check some real Progress!!

thanks for whipping me into Shape, Gopro! LOL.

I didn't whip you! I never got close enough to whip you!

LOL...you're on the right road now!

 

[Missfit4all]

I didn't whip you! I never got close enough to whip you!

LOL...you're on the right road now!

haha...!
many thanks 2U Gopro 4 putting me on the road 2 success! ...as i wave goodbye 2 my weight scale and wave Hello to my BF caliper!

 

[gopro]

haha...!
many thanks 2U Gopro 4 putting me on the road 2 success! ...as i wave goodbye 2 my weight scale and wave Hello to my BF caliper!

 

[ChrisROCK]

missfit...can you post a link to the BF calipers you purchased?

GP...any particular calipers you would recommend?

 

[gopro]

missfit...can you post a link to the BF calipers you purchased?

GP...any particular calipers you would recommend?

I like the electronic ones as they are quick and easy. They are pretty expensive though...like $150-$250.