Dropping below 22%

[SheFightsTheSea]

Hi all!

I'm very MUCH new to a fitness/bodybuilding lifestyle, but I'm really interested in learning and starting (forgive my ignorance).

I recently joined a gym...24 hour fitness just because it's where a lot of my friends and coworkers go, and I got some free training sessions.

Problem is, when they measured my body fat % the trainer put me at 21.6% and said that I should'nt lose any more fat and just tone. He also said it's really hard/near impossible for women to drop below 22%.

Now I'm thinking that's crap...I mean, look at most of you ladies. Plus, i'm looking down at my flab and thinking that I definately NEED to lose more body fat to have my ideal physique...

I would really love some help...maybe a mentor to help me lose this body fat and get down to at least 18-19%, build some muscle and look killer.

Any advice for cutting that fat? How should I eat? How should I lift? Diet pills like Hot Rox or Lipo 6 any good? How about Cardio? I have a ton of questions.

Thanks to all that respond.

 

[Gymgurl]

Hi and and Welcome! Go up to the top of the page and read the info up there on diet and ect....that should help answer some of your questions!

 

[jenscats5]

Welcome to EF!!

Check out ALL the stickies at the top of this forum for LOTS of info.....

 

[sbt2082]

Welcome And as the ladies said above... there are some great notes, tips, and advice in those stickies (thats where I started )

 

[Sassy69]

Welcome! How did they measure your bodyfat - calipers or an electronic thing?

This term "tone up"-- is sort of the most annoying term on the planet. WTF does it mean? You can argue semantics but you can do 2 things - drop bodyfat or gain muscle. If you gain muscle or drop bodyfat your bodyfat % will change. So your trainer person is full of shit. The only way you won't change your bodyfat % is if you 1) do absolutely nothing or 2) change your muscle mass & bodyfat such that the ratio itself doen't change.

I wouldn't worry about the bodyfat number. You want to build a solid base of muscle mass to help support the activities that you do as well as support your body as you go thru life. I.e. a strong body will go a long way to serve you when you are 80 yrs old. It will help you survive as well as recovery from injuries more quickly and its just all around better.

Start w/ the stickies at the top of the board and that will give you a place to start w/ any questions. There are lots of great sample meal plans and also The Shadow Project is a fantastic diet & trainin program if you are looking for a complete routine.

And lots of support, info and love from the girls here!

 

[Gymgurl]

Also you are right in the "normal range" really...so unless you want to compete just work on firming up

 

[nikkita]

Is it possible for women to drop below 22% bf? Absolutely!

It will really sum up on adding more muscle and following a consistent workout/cardio and diet.

when you read the stickies, feel free to ask anything and we'll be glad to help

 

[scorpiogirl]

Uhhh, yes, as Sassy says....your trainer is full of shit!

Welcome to EF!

 

[que_66]

Please tell me you aren't paying the moron posing as a trainer........

Like the ladies said, start with the stickies at the top of the forum and if you are still leary and need a little inspiration read this:

http://www.elitefitness.com/articledata/efn/040306.html

That is the story of our own hard-boddied *Bunny*


oh ya.... Welcome to EF!

 

[cugirl]

That's kind of funny that the trainer said you couldn't/shouldn't go below 22%. I've been working with a trainer for about 3 1/2 months now, and when we first outlined my goals, one of them was for me to get below 20-21%. He told me that less than 10% of his clients ever get to that range, but he has really encouraged me to strive for it. I'm currently at 23% (I started at 28.7%), and I definitely feel like there is still plenty of room for improvement to get down below 20%. I think it's all about what your own personal goals are.