Thin but "soft" what would you do

[kkallus1]

Unfortunately, I went to the doctor's office this week for a migraine. When I weighed in, I weighed less than I thought I would-128. I was suprised because I feel like I am carrying around a bit of extra padding right now-nothing that shows through clothes, but otherwise....soft in my mid section and lower body.
I was wondering if any of you had some thoughts on what might work best in this situation. I am small framed and a bit of an hourglass.
Should I concentrate more on heavy weights or add in more cardio?
Your thoughts?
Thanks Kathy

[NeonJungle]

Hi, Kathy,

First, I'd ask how tall you are to be weighing 128. I'd guess probably 5'5" or shorter? Many women over that height weigh more than 128, if they are atheletes (except marathon runners) or regular exercisers. That's because a body can pack on more muscle in the same space as it can fat, because muscle is more dense fibers.

I'd do cardio AND weights. For the first several to six months that you do weight-bearing workouts, you'll feel results, as the muscle builds underneath the layer of fat. And after about six months (which really is a drop in the bucket), you'll see your metabolism increase and the muscle burn off that fat layer so quickly.

I've heard from so many people who begin a weight regimen that they started, enjoyed it, saw some strenght gains and soem definition, and then at about six months it was as if all of a sudden the adipose tissue just dropped off.

In reality, what happened was that they'd built enough muscle to be able to burn enough calories -- a pound of muscle burns about 35 calories a day, as opposed to a pound of fat, which burns only a few.

You do need cardio for heart/lung/lymphatic health, so don't skimp on it either. If you like cardio, you could do 30 minutes 2 to 3x a week and then do AWT tapes like the FitPrimes or Anna FIRMS 2 to 3x a week, but be sure to have a rest day.

Kathy, you've probably read all this already, having been a longtime FP forum member, so hope you don't mind me typing it all again.

I hope your migraines get better! If it was serious enough for you to go to the doctor's office, it must've been a doozy. I used to get them, always around my period, and regularly, in my early 20s, but now I only have them every 5 years or so. My older brother used to get them when he was three years old! My mother (a physician) said that in our case they were genetic. She said they'd have to *make* my brother throw up (with ipecac I imagine) because he was so nauseated, and then send the poor thing to bed. He doesn't remember anything about them, but I sure do, cause they hit me at a later age.

Good luck!

[kkallus1]

Thanks. I really think I need to go back to the basics so to speak and yes you are right I am about 5'51/2.
I think the migraines are definantly tied to hormones since they usually occur during my cycle. I don't get the bad ones that often but when I do I am in trouble.

[Ginger]

I hope you feel better too. I have a friend who has suffered with this for several years also. :(