Lower Body Fat %

K

kpearson

New Member
I recently started attending a strength training class where then took my body fat %. I have always had a major problem with my lower body, but to tell you how bad it was here were the numbers. My arm was 17%, my stomach was only 7%, and my leg was a 43%:( . Needless to say, I was pretty bummed out! I run and try to do strength training, but oviously I need to turn it up a notch. Do you have any advice that would help me lower my fat % in my lower body? This has been something that I have struggled with my entire life. To look at me in clothes you couldn't even really tell, but in a swim suit or shorts you can definitely tell that my lower body is my problem area. Can you suggest some tapes or a work out schedule? Anything is appreciated.
 
Something that worked for me in the hip, thigh, butt region was curcuit training. That worked wonders. I did the November rotation (more or less) and I was amazed by the results!
 
I don't have any useful advice but I can sympathize as I have the same situation. I believe it's genetic and due to a high concentration of alpha-2 receptors in the fat in our hips/thighs. Certain hormones (catecholamines) bind to these receptors, and make the fat cells hold onto fat. (Men have the same problem in their abdominal fat.) We would have to get down to a very low overall body fat level to get very lean in these stubborn areas. That's not to say that we can't improve, just that we may have to accept our genes to a certain extent.

I also have a skinny upper body, so I'm always torn between building my upper body (eat more, heavy weights, not too much cardio) and slimming my lower body (eat less, lighter weights, more cardio). These are 2 oppositite goals, and I may have to force myself to concentrate on one at time as I really have not seen the results I would like!

Anyway, I would be interested to hear others thoughts on this.

Sharon
x
 
I've never heard of them measuring body fat % in different areas. I always thought they tested several areas and then gave you one number, which I assumed was the overall bodyfat %. Is this a standard bodyfat test with calipers?
 
Thanks so much for all three replies so far. They pinched the fat with calipers on the back of my left arm three times. The average on the arm was 17%. Then they pinched my abdomen three times for an average of 7%. Then she pinched my upper thigh three times and the average was 43%. My overall body percentage was 26.7. It would have been a lot lower if my legs were leaner (obviously). It just bummed me out because my upper body was in a "fitness" category and my lower body is in the "obese" category. I'm not sure if everything was totally correct because she was in a hurry and I think she got a little more than fat in the leg - but still I just wonder if it is humanly possible to reduce fat percentage in just one area because I can't go much lower on my upper body without being a bone rack. I think I just need to do a lot more strength training on the lower body to even out everything. I thought of getting Leaner Legs, PS Legs & Abs, Legs & Glutes, and Power Hour. I currently do cardio about 4 times a week, but seem to not get in enough strength training. What do you feel is the best tape that just knocks it to your lower body? I also know that I need to built my upper body to balance everything. I currently have one of Cathe's cardio tapes and PUB & PLB. I love her tapes and want to invest in some more. Thanks so much everyone for listening to my fitness dilema!!!
 
Just to add something else.... I read yesterday that one reason (there are many others) why women find it so hard to reduce the stubborn fat in their hips/thighs is that the blood circulation tends to be poor in that area. One reason men lose stubborn fat from their abs easier than women lose stubborn fat from thier hips/thighs is because men have better circulation in their abs.

Apparently, dieting to lose fat can mobilize some fatty acids in the hips/thighs, but if the blood circulation is bad, the fatty acids don't get taken somewhere else, and they can just redeposit in the same place.

To increase circulation, regular exercise is obviously needed. I've heard of women slimming their legs by working them with weights every single day (can't remember what the program is). I wonder if increased circulation is one thing that helps this program work.
 
I know some people get really bent out of shape on doing things the un-natural way and some people think plastic surgery is taboo, BUT....you might be a really good candidate for liposuction. Its really not nearly as expensive as it used to be especially if you aren't having high volumes of fat removed. It works the very best on someone who is physically fit, works out and has stubborn areas of fat in localized parts of the body. I'm sorry if you find it offensive or anything, but for me, I am SO glad I did it!!! Old size 8-10 clothes are now at Good Will and cute size 4 levi's are now hanging in my closet. :) I'm sure it was a combination of diet, work-outs a little sculpting by the Dr.
 
By the way, I knew I wanted Plastic Surgery and made myself myself workout 6 days/week for one year to "earn" it. This would be the way I would fix whatever was leftover and within my pre-determined budget after doing everything I could do by myself.
 
I think a lot of us fall into that body type-in order to get your thighs reduced you have to lose so much weight you look like a skeleton on top! I've had to accept that the best I'll get is "toned" like Gin Miller ("if you have a big butt, have a great big butt.") Running was the only cardio exercise that really slimmed my thighs, and I can no longer do that due to knee problems. But if you can run, do it. So I have gone to lower body weight training 3 days a week and I do think it really helps. I personally think the Pure Strength legs gave me the best results. I love the new Legs and Glutes, but it is much more an endurance tape with lighter weights. I'm just starting to do that one 3 times a week and will compare results to pure strength.
Beth
 
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