To be honest, I’m unsure if it’s excess skin or fat at this point. I lost almost 5 stone around 2020/21 and I wasn’t exercising really, just a stupid diet I did. It’s left me with what I think could be excess skin, predominantly around my inner thighs and lower stomach and around my knees. However, it could be fat- how would I work this out?

I’ve been going to the gym 3/4 times a week since August now on a good plan by a friend who’s a PT. Plan gets changed up now and again and is mainly strength focussed. But I just don’t feel any change? Nothing seems to be toning up and I don’t think I’m gaining much muscle.

I will admit, my diet isn’t great but it’s not terrible, I’m not constantly eating junk food but I know I probably dont get enough protein. I don’t really like vegetables which leads me to probably have a little more carbs than I should. Could this be the core reason? My friend said I need to be eating more than what I am but I feel that’s going to just add to the problem?

Surely I should have seen some difference from this long at the gym, raising weights each time too. The answer may seem obvious for some but I’m not entirely clued up on the fitness world yet! Any ideas would be appreciated.

    • MaybeSarahx@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Idk why you got downvoted. It’s impossible to spot reduce fat, and it’s impossible to out run a bad diet.

      • party_benson@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Because people want to have the miracle workout and while eating bad food. OP even said their diet isn’t good, and really that’s the cause of 90% of their problems. I’m not as strict as I used to be, but I’m not aiming for a bf% in the low teens anymore either. It’s tough to hear, but really, diet is going to be a major factor in physical health.

  • Mysterious-Arachnid9@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Definitely increase protein uptake. It will keep you fuller longer.

    If you don’t really like veggies, try mixing them in with other foods. Spinach can be added to soup or sauce. Dice up some broccoli with sauteed chicken.

    You lost a lot of weight! Congratulations!! I would guess it is some excess skin. I don’t know what all you can do to get rid of it, but filling in with some muscle will help. Remember it takes a long time to build muscle bulk. Make sure you get your protein about 1 gram per pound or 2 grams per kg of lean body weight is a rough estimate of what you need.

  • pixeldeadmau5@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    If the weights you are lifting are going up - you are doing things right. I dont think mild macronutrient change will change much. You just need to wait a bit more. If it is the excess skin - you can build muscle to “fill” it. Fat is more firm than excess skin. If you want to build muscle you , ideally should be in a surplus.