body shape change?

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Steff32078

26 posts since
May 22, 2007

May 29, 2007 9:18 AM

body shape change?

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone's body shape has changed. I can't tell if it's because of running or my age change, etc. I have a medium frame but very athletic\muscular body, but I have always had a really slim mid section. Over the past 2 years, I seem to gain all my weight (nothing major but a few pounds in one section seems like a lot) in my stomach and my arms (i've noticed this recently too). I don't eat a diet high in saturated fat and run about 35 miles a week, do about one hour of light weights per week, and at least 2 hours of yoga a week (point being I exercise).

I was just wondering if anyone has noticed a change and body shape and what they contribute it to. Any experiences or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

NorthernElf

214 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. May 29, 2007 12:26 PM

in response to: Steff32078

You don't actually say what your age is. I have heard others say that as one hits late 30s/40s that weight gain around the waist can happen.

IMHO, as one gets older, one probably just has to watch one's diet a bit better to avoid this (and exercise consistently too of course). We can't get away with eating whatever anymore.

I'm 38 and haven't had this BUT I will tell you I got celiacs two years ago and that means I must avoid almost all processed and junk food and breads, etc. - so I guess I'm saying I watch my diet very carefully !

You can't really change your shape - I'm a ruler & always will be - but you can add weight or muscle. Maybe if you use a little heavier weights in your workouts, build some muscle. Arm work and ab work will help shape things, but increasing muscle mass and watching your diet will help the extra fat come off - and expose that shaping !

Steff32078

26 posts since
May 22, 2007

2. May 29, 2007 2:39 PM

in response to: Steff32078

Thanks NorthernElf. Btw-I'm 32, so not old

I already strength train, but maybe I need to take it up a notch? As far as my diet goes, I eat pretty clean and I am pretty disciplined, in all aspects of my life...in fact people always tell me to 'lighten up'. I just recently cut out alcohol, so I am hoping that helps drop a few.

Sandikal

96 posts since
Jan 22, 2007

3. May 30, 2007 12:26 AM

in response to: Steff32078

Stress can cause you to put on weight in the midsection.

------------------
Sandi

Melissa555

15 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

4. May 30, 2007 2:34 AM

in response to: Steff32078

Steff, take up tennis or boxing w/ a bag at the gym. Your midsection and upper arms will respond nicely.

Also increase your fiber levels (ground flax in cereal is awesome) and your H2O intake.

And to hear my 31 year old BF harping that this 39 year old girl's got the bod of a 20 year old is pretty cool. And I attribute it all to a heads-up diet, tennis & running.

Good luck!

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Steff32:
Thanks NorthernElf. Btw-I'm 32, so not old I already strength train, but maybe I need to take it up a notch? As far as my diet goes, I eat pretty clean and I am pretty disciplined, in all aspects of my life...in fact people always tell me to 'lighten up'. I just recently cut out alcohol, so I am hoping that helps drop a few.<HR>

Steff32078

26 posts since
May 22, 2007

5. May 30, 2007 11:47 AM

in response to: Steff32078

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Melissa555:
Steff, take up tennis or boxing w/ a bag at the gym. Your midsection and upper arms will respond nicely.

Also increase your fiber levels (ground flax in cereal is awesome) and your H2O intake.

And to hear my 31 year old BF harping that this 39 year old girl's got the bod of a 20 year old is pretty cool. And I attribute it all to a heads-up diet, tennis & running.

Good luck!

<HR>

Thanks Melissa555 for the pointers! I use to do a lot of kickboxing, but have tapered off the past couple years. I know it's great for widdling the waist and defining the arms.

I am actually going to cut back a bit on the mileage. Maybe drop back to 25 a week and work in more cross training. Since I have been upping the mileage (about 40 a week), I have been soooo hungry and my legs are bulking up a little too much.

Ariann092

681 posts since
Jan 4, 2005

6. May 30, 2007 2:11 PM

in response to: Steff32078

I notice the more I run, the slimmer my waist becomes - any weight I put on is in the legs. If I walk those miles instead of run, it seems to have the opposite effect. I noticed this the most when I had a job that required hours of slow walking per day as well as when I was walking for fitness (brisk walking about 8 miles at a time). My legs slimmed out as never before, but I started developing a weird little beer belly.

Steff32078

26 posts since
May 22, 2007

7. May 30, 2007 3:07 PM

in response to: Steff32078

I am def. bulking up in the legs from increasing my mileage, however my waist doesn't seem to be slimming down. I just get so frustrated. I am def. too hard on myself at times.

Melissa555

15 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

8. May 31, 2007 2:04 AM

in response to: Steff32078

Girlfriend, maybe talk to the trainer at your gym. You probably are being way too hard on yourself. When I was running 44+ miles per week last year, I was constantly hungry, shaking, overly emotional and just downright f'g miserable and still not at my optimum weight. Now that I'm only running 20+ mpw and about six hrs of tennis pw, incorporating more complext carbs and fiber, I've shed those pesky pounds, not eating nearly the calories I consumed before, just not getting as hungry, improved mood, and able to finish my workouts without feeling inadequate or that I didn't try hard enough.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Steff32:
I am def. bulking up in the legs from increasing my mileage, however my waist doesn't seem to be slimming down. I just get so frustrated. I am def. too hard on myself at times.<HR>

May 29, 2007 9:18 AM

body shape change?

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