Lose the weight, look great, in cosplay

[Dervish]

Wow Strings, that's a big improvement–you look great! I see the ab muscles are starting to come out to play. xD

Gah, I could use some more weight-loss myself. I used to weigh 125lbs when I started college and I'd like to get back to that. For me, my biggest weight saboteur is sugar. I have to have something sweet every day or else I go crazy--which is particularly dangerous for me because diabetes runs in my family. I've been cutting back on sugary treats and watering down the sugary drinks I love so much and it...kinda puts me on edge. eyetwitch Although I have been losing weight this way, so I guess I should keep at it. But…I miss my sugar SO BAD. ;__;

Any tips on how to break sugar cravings, guys?

[CoralSnake]

I think a good way to break suger cravings is to have something around that's sweet that isn't candy like maybe apples? I've actually dug my hand into the Cherio cereal and ate some of that as a snack when I told myself NO SWEETS xD;

Or if you can stand the taste of it… some diet pop tastes decent. I used to be addicted to Diet Mt. Dew and Diet Sunkist.

I'm sorry that probably isn't the best advice or anything but I'm struggling too so anyone else who has good advice would be awesome! I also keep around nuts o.o they're not sweet but somtimes when you want something crunchy... instead of going for that candy bar... eating some nuts could help xD though we all know NOTHING replaces a candy bar...xD

OR if you MUST ABSOLUTELY have some sort of sweets, having it in moderation also is a good idea xD

also...you look GREAT Strings o.o if only I'd improved like you have! xD

[omnichild]

@Dervish:

Wow Strings, that's a big improvement–you look great! I see the ab muscles are starting to come out to play. xD

Gah, I could use some more weight-loss myself. I used to weigh 125lbs when I started college and I'd like to get back to that. For me, my biggest weight saboteur is sugar. I have to have something sweet every day or else I go crazy--which is particularly dangerous for me because diabetes runs in my family. I've been cutting back on sugary treats and watering down the sugary drinks I love so much and it...kinda puts me on edge. eyetwitch Although I have been losing weight this way, so I guess I should keep at it. But…I miss my sugar SO BAD. ;__;

Any tips on how to break sugar cravings, guys?

I used to be the same way. I had to have a couple sugary things a day. And back a million years ago before popping out a kid that was fine. But after my kid it didn't help my new speed of metabolism to help me lose weight. A couple months ago though I started a simple change in my diet. I started drinking for cups of green tea a day. It was a simple thing and really easy to add into my day.

When I first started the "tea diet" I still had to have some sugary stuff in the day. But between those four cups of tea and eight glasses of water I wasn't really craving food inculding the sweet stuff. So I wasn't eating all that extra junk. However I would still crave the sugary stuff. As time wore on though I found myself craving junk food less and less. I still get really strong cravings now and then for sweets but I have found that when I start to eat teh sweet I don't really like how it tastes anymore or really want it.

If you can handle drink tea four times a day for 12 weeks on top of your eight glasses of water a day, I totally recommend it. You might not lose super tons of weight doing it however it does start up a life style and eating habit change. Make sure the tea is hot tea and preferrable a green or herbal tea. Don't put tons or any sugar if possible in it. You may get tired of drinking that much tea, so if you have any place like Teavana near you I suggest going to them and buying some different herbal teas. They even have teas geared more towards weight loss than others htat are quite delicious. Sometimes I will put a bit of peppermint extract in my green tea as well.

[Arei]

Drinking the Fuze for me helps cut down on cravings for soda and other sweets, it kinda gives you the same effect without all the bad stuff.

I will atleast have one small sugary thing a day, or I get a chocolate/sugar bit from a protein/energy bar.

[Cream-of-Chicken]

I eat alot of wheat and bread and sweets, and have one Coke a day. I don't eat meals, just throught the day…I take martial arts classes three times a week and I do 400 crunches every night, I jog and I dance and do extra little things. I get 5-6 hours of sleep on a weeknight.
I'm 4'11 and 97 pounds. Hooray, high metabolism! (no, I'm not lying.)

[captain usopp]

high metabolism can suck too. I have to buy so much food for myself. and I always feel bad at friends, I don't wanna eat all their food, so I bring snacks and soup cups etc, to snack on.

@strings: looking good, but I don't think you were that bad before.

I need to start working on my tummy and my butt. My cosplay skirt looks aquard on me. I got some good excersises for my tummy. I was told squats and lunges for my butt. any other suggestions?

[Dervish]

@CoralSnake: That's some great advice. I've been trying to substitute some of my usual sugary treats with healthier options, like sugar-free Jello and popsicles. Cutting out soda completely would probably save me tons of empty calories, so I'm trying to wean myself off of it gradually. The lack of caffeine has been giving me headaches, though. I do like some brands of diet soda, like diet Sprite & diet A&W but ALL of the diet colas are gross, imho. xD Maybe it's just because I'm used to the real stuff (and indeed, there is no earthly substitute for a candy bar).

@Arei: That's pretty much what I've been trying to do–just have a little sweet and then put them away. I've noticed that if I go preoccupy myself with something when I'm in the middle of a craving, the craving sometimes just goes away. Also, I've been keeping "safe" treats that have less calories and take longer to eat, like candy canes. The peppermint in candy canes seems to quell my appetite as well.

@omnichild: Oh yeah, green tea is fabulous! I've been taking these green tea extract supplements and I swear they seem to be giving me more energy. Haven't tried drinking it though because, well, it isn't sweet. xD I usually add a little Splenda when I want to add some sweetness, but I've heard Splenda isn't good for you? Maybe a spoonful of honey would be better. I do love tea, though. There's this honey-chamomile tea I buy at a local supermarket that is just, so amazing (although it always makes me sleepy). I don't really have any place to buy tea except the the grocery store (small-town life, ugh), but at least I know that they do stock green tea, so I'll go pick some up later this week and see how it goes.
@Cream-of-Chicken: 94lbs, huh… (just kidding, good for you xD). Your exercise routine sounds a little like mine–I usually spend at least an hour a day on the treadmill and another 30 minutes to an hour doing crunches and lifting weights, ect. Exercise isn't my problem, because I love to exercise. It's just unfortunately, I also love to eat and am usually eating stuff that isn't good for me. So, I've got this fat coating over my muscles which is just…well, gross.

I think I need to be switching up my exercise routine soon, though. I've been doing the same things over and over again, and I think I've hit a fitness plateau. Usually I just plug in my headphones and my body kinda goes into autopilot. Need to mix it up to keep it challenging, I think.

[MisterCrocodile]

Now, most laziness has negative effects. To be honest, the only positive effect from being lazy that I've experienced is that… by being lazy, I don't feel like getting up to eat. That combined with procrastination ends up forming an 'I can eat later' attitude. In other words, even though I don't eat incredibly well, I've managed to avoid becoming too overweight simply by depriving myself of what I'd usually eat.
That's also technically a bad thing, since not eating can lead to eating disorders other than overeating. The positive part is, it's not incredibly hard to break the habits, and I'll be going to a local gym soon. I plan on working this off until I'm around... 175-185. I'm around 6'0" even, so 175-185 is actually a good weight range for someone of my height... last I checked I was at... 216. However, that was a while ago, so it's likely higher than that. Although, that was also when I was around 5'10-11," meaning added weight could just be from added height.
Either way, I hope to burn this all off by my Senior year in high school so I can actually impress a little, as I plan to build muscle to the point where it's noticeable. Even if I can't get it off by next September, I plan on doing a Crocodile cosplay in January 2011 which will be a LOT more convincing if I don't look the way I do now.
Perhaps some before and after pics when I'm done, but the advice here is certainly good stuff. Anyone who doesn't already have a plan would do well to look here.

[maggie]

Woa, I want to be a sexy cosplay girl! joins the weight loss conversation My goal is Boa Hancock or Robin. I have the shape to dress as them, just need to shed 25 lbs or so.

@ dervish: Sugar is my weakness too. Just weaning off of it is hard. I personally go out and buy a box of high cocoa dark chocolate, and have a piece whenever I really feel the need to. Dark chocolate isn't all that bad, and when it's a high cocoa content it's actually not so bad for you. I can't get off of wine, either, but studies are showing wine is amazing and I'm sticking by it.
I also munch on lunabars in candy flavors. Once you go without sweets you start to forget what 'real' cake tastes like, and these make good substitutes. I'm also addicted to putting dried cherries in my morning cereal and salads.
I feel I can relate to you as I used to be 125 in high school and now I'm… 147? I think? I was a little too skinny at 125 so I'd settle for 130.

I have a hard time keeping the habit of working out. Life gets in the way. Any advice from people who have a system down-pat would be very, very helpful!! How do you make it so working out is ALWAYS in your schedule? Whenever I start to gain a noticeable amount of weight I work it off quickly, but then something always makes me stop.

[KoKuTanLuFi]

First Post! ( I have no idea why I didn't join sooner)

I am successfully on this journey because I want to cosplay at anime expo 2010 as Portgas D. Ace. I went as Trafalgar Law last year and I think it went well enough for me to try cosplaying again.

I have some before and after pictures, I have lost over 30lbs in three months ( Sep - Nov ) But I have not made much progress since then ( and I need to cause I am making my costume and the date approaches!)

Before -

After -

Before -

After -

[GuetaMinute]

I have no doubts some people here will hate me for saying that I consider myself TOO thin and I need to gain some more muscle mass on my body/torso area (arms and legs are alright)

[KoKuTanLuFi]

I guess one thing I should have mentioned in my first post was the importance of a diet. In the last "Before" picture I posted (non cosplay one) I had actually lost some weight from the first picture that I posted (cosplay one with me next to RE5 Sheva).

I had been working out with a personal trainer for about 6 months, spending wayyy to much money. My Max Bench went from around 120 to over 200lbs, but all I wanted was to slim down. I didnt lose a single ounce till I started eating 6 small meals a day and walking. ( Lost 10lbs in 3 weeks )

Then I started adding weight training, and the rest flew off. Then I was stuck at 188 around thanksgiving… I had a veggie juice fast for a week, and went down to 179lbs right after thanksgiving from the 215lbs I started at (in second before picture)

Was that clear??? LOL I tend to ramble.

[Cream-of-Chicken]

@Dervish:

@Cream-of-Chicken: 94lbs, huh…http://www.laymark.com/i/o/15.gif (just kidding, good for you xD). Your exercise routine sounds a little like mine–I usually spend at least an hour a day on the treadmill and another 30 minutes to an hour doing crunches and lifting weights, ect. Exercise isn't my problem, because I love to exercise. It's just unfortunately, I also love to eat and am usually eating stuff that isn't good for me. So, I've got this fat coating over my muscles which is just…well, gross.

I think I need to be switching up my exercise routine soon, though. I've been doing the same things over and over again, and I think I've hit a fitness plateau. Usually I just plug in my headphones and my body kinda goes into autopilot. Need to mix it up to keep it challenging, I think.

Lol, thanks. (most of it's just my height, I'm so short that even if I had some extra fat or muscle weight, I still wouldn't weigh much). I plug my iPod in, also; I think it's easier since you can get pumped an have fun while exercising. Otherwise, I just feel like "I don't want to do this." Music makes it better.
I eat often and my diet is terrible. I already have come to terms with myself and I know that I will look horrible when I'm old and/ or I will die young. But I'm having fun now so, hey, who cares. Food is just too good.

If you feel bored with your current exercise routine, try switching up the order, or do stuff you couldn't normally do. Make a goal to do a certian number of push-ups or maybe even try doing a split or a handstand or even just a bridge. Flexibility is on of the most overlooked components of fitness (LOL, my fitness teacher would be proud). Handstands will help build arm and shoulder muscle, while splits target the legs and bridges help the arms and abs. Plus, all three are something that take time to acheive, so you'll be at it for a while (trust me, I've been trying for a split for a month and I still don't quite have it).
Start safe, though. It's really easy to hurt yourself while attemping a handstand. Use a wall to help you first and have a friend there to catch you if you fall. Your wrists will probably hurt, too, but that can be fixed by placing your thumb on the underside of the wrst (where the veins are), wrapping your fingers around the top or your hand, and gently pulling. To build up wrist strength, simply do push-ups.
La la la, hope that was helpful.

[MiniLuffy]

Hey, here's something that I posted in that other "health" thread.

@MiniLuffy:

I know there are a lot of people dealing with obesity and find it harder and harder to deal with, so I thought I'd share something I came accross on the internet, which at first sight seemed like your everyday scam site filled with useless information and teasing advertisements that make you want to buy some amazing gadjets that are supposedly going to help you reduce body fat, but in the end prove to be useless. It's far beyond that, just read through it. It has been explained far better than anyone ever could. Only the information you need and only the facts about weight loss. I highly doubt you will find a site more helpful than this one when it comes to weight loss.

It's pretty useful.

[dirt monkey AL]

This sounds pretty close to what I was doing before January (which slightly backfired as once I lost my job, I also lost the walks I'd take with my co-workers).

Since then, I think I gained a bit back, and then maintained the weight.

Which, of course, ain't good enough.

Did anyone try that weird crouch that Greg suggested way back?

[Arei]

That seems all fine, but how do you determine your calorie matienence level.

Because if mine was 3000 I would be smoking. I very rarely go much over 2000 calories a day. Mine has to be like 1000 DX

[omnichild]

ROFL

Arei, did our convo inspire you to post in here again?

Get your butt kicking and working out! And I will too! Then when we meet at ACen, we can both be hot and sexy ladies.

[Arei]

Lol sort of. This has been bugging me for awhile since I saw that post.

I'll keep cracking at it, I just hate how sometimes I don't get done in time and then the gym is packed. I have no patience to wait around on shit. I need to be doing an hour a day, which is so dull DX Hopefully I can work it up to 2 hours soon.

Edit: It actually has a calculator and it says my level is 2,699.

Bullshit. I think I've got to eat less then 1200 something calories to lose weight, I need to find my biggest loser book and look up the formula again.

[maggie]

I did that calculation thing and I'm in the 1800 calorie mark. UGH. Been eating better and going on the treadmill every time I can and I think I'm already losing weight. Helps that I have a treadmill right in front of my computer, next to my bed, so I really don't have an excuse. That and I've suddenly become addicted to Lost, so I made a deal with myself that if I want to watch, it has to be while I'm on the treadmill.

Should be ready for Boa Hancock by summer… I hope.

Can anyone point me to a good place to find recipes for vegetarian or low-fat meals? I'm running out of ideas.

[Arei]

I lost weight cooking stuff out of The Biggest Loser cookbooks. I actually lost 10 pounds cooking that way, but gained it back coming to school where I can't prepare anything healthy DX

[onionsoup]

Arei you a woman :sad:
I always thought youre a crocofanboy
You make me wanna eat you *tries to munch Arei

[Jejune]

onionsoup I always wanted to ask if you actually know mmmbug or if you're just a creeper. But that post may have answered my question.

[onionsoup]

I am a shadow lurker, who hates to be seen in day light. Yes that's just me. I find the "creeper word kind of queasy. Common I am friendly (ﾟｰﾟ)(｡_｡)

@Jejune what joy do I owe you

[captain usopp]

i think one of the twins posted on the first page or something, they read in a magazine, you multiply your weight by 11 or something like that. mine ended up being 1400 calories or something like that. It wasn't enough for me. My body didn't like me. I've got high metabolism.

[Arei]

jealousy

I thought I used to have high metabolism, but I don't think I did. Or I crippled it some those couple of years I went without eating much.
@onionsoup:

Arei you a woman :sad:
I always thought youre a crocofanboy
You make me wanna eat you *tries to munch Arei

.. You seriously thought I was a guy??? XDDDDDDDDDDD

[onionsoup]

@Arei:

.. You seriously thought I was a guy??? XDDDDDDDDDDD

Now I see why you like croc._.

[Arei]

Well I could have been gay and still liked Croc XD

[onionsoup]

Than how would you react if croc turns out to be a woman. Genderbender XDDDD

[CarlstonSolar]

@captain:

k I'm starting this. I go off topic sometimes, but at a certain point, I like order Lets talk about our weight loss here.

I'm such a couch potato. I keep thinking I need to get active, but I claim I never have time. Sometimes after a long day of work. You don't wanna do anything else that takes effort.

I found out I like Yoga though. I'm gonna try to get into that. My friend showed me this great website that she uses. I just gotta find some money to pay for it. http://www.myyogaonline.com/

If you can get yourself some music, get a hour of good cardio in… and oddly I swapped a lot of meat in my diet (Niku... Gyuunik...drool) for turkey burgers and turkey hotdogs. Half to one third the fat and cals...adds up. Scares me my old cosplay I was 30 pounds heavier and now I can't accept I lost a whole lotta weight...but eh. Cut soda out to, ice tea...even with sugar (in moderation) is better than soda. But honestly, you don't cosplay to be the mirror image of your fav character. You reflect you wish to be like them... I never would judge anyone by their weight...

Well one guy. He was 350 pounds NOT muscle and he was doing Franky. Yeah... I still have nightmare about that. He bent over it looked like two hippos fighting over a milk dud...

Just saying, T back cosplay for the larger people...well might not be the best. Maybe a more modest Story Arch.

[maggie]

Just wanted to update, I joined a weight loss club online so I've been keeping track of my weight the past 2 1/2 weeks. My goal was to lose 5 lbs in 3 months and I've lost 7.2 lbs in just the 2 1/2 weeks I've been counting! I'm totally and completely psyched! I just wanted to share as I'm on cloud 9 right now. 10 more lbs and I'm at my high school weight O_O

[Arei]

What is this club __

I'm back to having trouble losing weight again DX So stressed out, and if I try to work out everyday I can't breathe!! DX Even after the inhaler, what the hell is up with this DX

[MoonNeko]

@maggie:

Just wanted to update, I joined a weight loss club online so I've been keeping track of my weight the past 2 1/2 weeks. My goal was to lose 5 lbs in 3 months and I've lost 7.2 lbs in just the 2 1/2 weeks I've been counting! I'm totally and completely psyched! I just wanted to share as I'm on cloud 9 right now. 10 more lbs and I'm at my high school weight O_O

Where's this online club, and does it cost money??

[maggie]

LOL no money. I'm a member of an online fashion community and they have a weight loss thread where you weigh in every week. So it's encouraging, and we share tips on what works and what doesn't, and help each other tough it out. ^_^

I expect I'll hit a weight plateu in a month or so when I lose another 5-10 lbs. In the beginning of high school I played ODP soccer so I was in crazy shape. Going to be hard to beat that and my youth.

[CarlstonSolar]

@Arei:

What is this club __

I'm back to having trouble losing weight again DX So stressed out, and if I try to work out everyday I can't breathe!! DX Even after the inhaler, what the hell is up with this DX

Hmm used to have Asthma myself…had to build up how I worked out. I find the weekly weight things counter productive. I would only messure up once a month. I keep moving, would go to the gym, list to my fav play lists over and over for a hour or two while doing cardio. Play with my kid, she hit a play ground I'd use the monkey bars, climb after her, wii fit whatever excuse to join in.

Try to let the stress go, make that the part of the work out a nice big f ya to the stress. I never kept track or a journal ...

And the numbers came in and I just basicly realized it when I threw on my old Vash the Stampede cosplay, Last year I wore it I was pushing 209, I'm now down to 161 from a near 38 waist to a 35 and my pants are all to big and my belts don't have holes enough to tighten... seems I lost it just falling into the routine and knowing in time it would work and not nitpicking week to week...

When I did try and keep track and see my weight go down then back up it would put me in a funk, then just went with the flow...

Well just find whats good for ya and hope to see you at Akon

[sporkbot]

Exercise. Eat right. Learn the difference between FAT WEIGHT and MUSCLE WEIGHT. Pro tip: Muscle weighs more. Do cardio to burn fat. Get off your fucking ass and WALK or something. Ride a fucking bike for fuck's sake.

Metabolism and stress are a bitch. Being thin does not equal being healthy. Can you run a mile or two? If you can, you're just fine the way you are.

[MoonNeko]

@sporkbot:

Exercise. Eat right. Learn the difference between FAT WEIGHT and MUSCLE WEIGHT. Pro tip: Muscle weighs more. Do cardio to burn fat. Get off your fucking ass and WALK or something. Ride a fucking bike for fuck's sake.

Metabolism and stress are a bitch. Being thin does not equal being healthy. Can you run a mile or two? If you can, you're just fine the way you are.

Quoted for truth. In complete agreement with all of the above, only I walk instead of run since my asthma kicks my ass if I try. One of these days though, I'll be running. I will.

[Arei]

I just don't want my thighs to touch each other when I walk. There will I reach the level of contentment XD

I don't plan on trying to get myself as low as it will go, it was extremely obnoxiously high maintenance to stay under 160 (when I was beginning to fit into an 8).

I made myself eat junk food (which made me gain those 5 pounds back in 2 days, orz, but I lost them in about 5 days so I can do it again XD) this weekend I felt like shit. It's making me feel bad to eat that stuff even though I love it, I felt sick.

I'll do what I can to get those 5 pounds back down but I don't have time to stress over it at the moment. I don't think I really stressed over it last time I lost a bunch of weight, I had fun with it (though I don't have a good DDR mat to play DDR with anymore DX). I shouldn't be adding stress on top of stress.

I definitely cannot run a mile straight. When I run/walk a mile, I end up running about half of it, but that's not anything special (it's not half of it at one time, its about a tenth of a mile at one time) I'm trying to build up to it though, but when I break out running my throat closes up, so I'll be working up to it with intervals.

[CarlstonSolar]

@MoonNeko:

Quoted for truth. In complete agreement with all of the above, only I walk instead of run since my asthma kicks my ass if I try. One of these days though, I'll be running. I will.

I had Asthma when I was younger, hit me at 9 went away around 20…

I did work out on ellipticals (sp?) but then again hot humid weather of Houston is a asthma attack waiting to happen.

Also my fellow cosplayers avoid those vinger red pepper drinks...not sure who makes that crap up. But I was told, if they sell a get thin quick product and there are still fat people chances are it doesn't work...

Know I had my chubby times...heh

[Arei]

Though the claims of acai berries helping you lose wait is pretty BS, the energy I get from taking it is amazing.

Red vineger pepper…? Never heard of it, but I have heard of taking apple cider vinegar to help cleanse.

I think I've always had the exercise-induced asthma to a certain degree, I've never been able to run for very long without my throat closing up. My mom and grandma noticed that when I was little and was tested for asthma (which I've been tested twice since then) and they said I didn't have it =_= But there is a good difference if I use an inhaler before exercise.

I think my problem with not being able to breathe right now is stress related. That's probably why I can't lose weight either =_= But I'm not sure how to axe it all out...

[onecoolc]

A bit late, but I'd like to throw my lot in as well.
I'd like to cosplay a girl next year if possible, but I just can't do that with the current shape I'm in. ^^;

It's frustrating because I'm physically fit but still packing the pounds. I'm a Cross Country runner, I can jog three or four miles without a problem. But I've still got a good fifteen or twenty in fat that my body just doesn't seem to want to get rid of.

[sporkbot]

Your thighs touching can have less to do with fat and more to do with how wide your hips are and where your bones are set. Toning and shaping up will help for sure, but don't have "thighs not touching" be your only motivator.

There are good exercises for asthmatics. Biking, jogging, walking, swimming. Don't sprint. That will just make your asthma flare up. Work your way up to running. Start with a walk. Then fast walk, an easy jog, then some light running. Your lungs will become stronger.

@onecoolc:

A bit late, but I'd like to throw my lot in as well.
I'd like to cosplay a girl next year if possible, but I just can't do that with the current shape I'm in. ^^;

It's frustrating because I'm physically fit but still packing the pounds. I'm a Cross Country runner, I can jog three or four miles without a problem. But I've still got a good fifteen or twenty in fat that my body just doesn't seem to want to get rid of.

Some people do tend to hold more fat than others. You sound like you have great muscle stamina and endurance, but do you have burst power? Try doing some intensity training. You can get a greater exercise in the 3 miles you would normally jog if you walk, run as fast as you can for 30 seconds, walk for a minute, lather, rinse, repeat. This could help.

Oh. And if anyone wants tips for muscle growth vs. strength training vs. muscle toning, I can help with that, too.

[Arei]

I need to lose about 30 pounds to be at the ideal normal weight zone. When I was at that weight before, my thighs were barely touching, if at all.

My fat is in my thighs, even moreso then around the middle. As soon as I start losing weight I immediately notice it in the thighs.

My thighs not touching is the best kind of motivator. It's warm enough to wear shorts, I love shorts and hate wearing long pants when its warm, but I can't wear shorter shorts because I can't stand my thighs sticking together, and after working at the waterpark wearing short shorts, the chaffing @_@

It's like wearing wet clothes, it's a super pet peeve of mine.

I wish I didn't have sinus issues so I could run and bike as far and as long as I wanted DX Working out indoors is boring boring.

It's warm enough to swim now so I'll be adding that into my exercises, but I have to do it at weird times as it's awkward while the builders are around >_>

[MoonNeko]

@sporkbot:

Your thighs touching can have less to do with fat and more to do with how wide your hips are and where your bones are set. Toning and shaping up will help for sure, but don't have "thighs not touching" be your only motivator.

There are good exercises for asthmatics. Biking, jogging, walking, swimming. Don't sprint. That will just make your asthma flare up. Work your way up to running. Start with a walk. Then fast walk, an easy jog, then some light running. Your lungs will become stronger.

Some people do tend to hold more fat than others. You sound like you have great muscle stamina and endurance, but do you have burst power? Try doing some intensity training. You can get a greater exercise in the 3 miles you would normally jog if you walk, run as fast as you can for 30 seconds, walk for a minute, lather, rinse, repeat. This could help.

Oh. And if anyone wants tips for muscle growth vs. strength training vs. muscle toning, I can help with that, too.

I doubt anyone else in here is really wanting to tone/gain more muscle, but I know I'M interested in that Spork!!!! If you have some aesome tips, I'd love to hear them. I know I'm never gonna be small, so I'd rather be muscular Also..any advice that you can give that doesn't require a gym would be beneficial since right now I'm not a part of one x_x;

[KamenRiderNeko]

This may have been said a few pages back, but making sure that you do not skip meals and wind up eating a large meal to make up for the one you missed is a bad idea!

Stay away from overly greasy heavy foods and soda especially at dinnertime. Eat a salad or soup. Also cutting down on carbs in the evening helps too, what are you going to use them for? I hate seeing people that complain about losing weight but still drown their food in cheese or drink more than one soda in one sitting. >_>

I haven't been eating fast food lately, thank god. Since I've been staying over at my boyfriend's house, I try to eat 3 meals a day. Its kind of irritating that the only time everyone else here cooks is at night, and its usually heavy and carbtastic. Whenever I cook something I try to keep it light, I'm glad that my man likes to eat healthy too.

We're planning on joining a gym sometime soon, we're going to be sexy bitches by the end of summer! XD

[sporkbot]

@MoonNeko:

I doubt anyone else in here is really wanting to tone/gain more muscle, but I know I'M interested in that Spork!!!! If you have some aesome tips, I'd love to hear them. I know I'm never gonna be small, so I'd rather be muscular Also..any advice that you can give that doesn't require a gym would be beneficial since right now I'm not a part of one x_x;

Well, one thing to keep in mind is that even if you lose weight, you can still look flabby if you have no muscle tone. And I'm not trying to sound fat phobic at all here, because I'm the exact opposite. But, if you want to lose weight to look good, you will have to tone as well.

One of the best ways to tone is to do repetitive exercise with small amounts of weight. This can be done quite easily at home. You'd never expect it, but a soup can is a great workout tool. It fits in your hand, and has good weight for its size. Sitting and doing some bicep curls and triceps extensions with a can of soup isn't particularly taxing, but if you do 20 to 50 reps three or four separate sessions a day, you'll start seeing toning and firming of the arms.

A good way to build mass is with things as simple as push ups and pull ups, lunges and squats, crunches and sit ups. These exercises are for building mass, though. They're not going to make you look smaller. So, if looking smaller is your goal, don't do these exercises. They start out difficult, so only do as much as you can do in one session. Even if it's only one, that's fine! Do multiple sessions through the day. If you keep up on it, you'll notice yourself improving rapidly.

Keep in mind, too, that muscle growth does have to do with your hormones. It's the reason that males naturally have greater muscle mass than females. Don't take hormones or steroids just because you want bigger muscles. That's stupid, and you could fuck your body up.

[maggie]

LOL about thighs not touching. I HATE THAT! I've gotten a space there now and I couldn't be happier. It's really a comfort issue. I got sick and lost a few more lbs, but am expecting they'll come back. But then I'll lose them anyhow. 5-7 more lbs and I'll be at my high school weight, really happy about that. I'm teetering on going down a pant size, which is nice too. I have really stretchy pants, though, so I don't have to go shopping for more (thank goodness)!

Here's a nice incentive, I was reading SHAPE magazine and it said that people who stayed within 10 lbs of their weight as a late teen throughout their life are 80% less likely to get diseases or cancer. Food for thought. Pay all that money for figures, might as well stay around to enjoy them ahaha

[maggie]

Just an update (even though this thread isn't very active, I think of it from time to time)… I've been working out a lot and my measurements are down! well, my waist is up a touch but it's more muscular. I'm cosplaying velvet, and had to take my measurements with my bra & panties on and I struck a 35-25-35! woo! my lower hips around my butt are still more of a 39 but bah! I'm excited! I just wanted to tell everyone to stick with it!!

[MoonNeko]

DAYUM Maggie xD That's freakin' FANTASTIC!!!!! It's kinda funny you posted about your measurements, cause mine are down too, but ..I mean..down from being even BIGGER x_x; like 40-33-41. I'm soo soo happy with my ass measurement though, it's down by 3 inches xD Which for my GIGANTIC ass is much much smaller. my waist used to be up to 38 inches when I was at my heaviest, so hard work is totally paying off!! I hope to see you at Otakon next year for sure

[maggie]

Yay moonneko!! Stick with it! 3 inches, that's fantastic!! _ otakon for sure!! Boa Hancock!!!!!

[MoonNeko]

One of my goals for Otakon is to cosplay Nami. I don't even care WHAT version, I want to wear my heels, and my wig and actually LOOK like a damn girl since I am one. I will do it, I WILLLLLLLLLLLLL!! triumphant fist and ..I totally wanna take pics with you in your Boa __