Want to lower body fat %. Need Advice

[Shorty]

Hi, I'm new to these forums.

I am a 31 year old female. Started working out and eating right in October 2008. I'm 5'9" and I started at 180 lbs and 30.3% body fat. I am now down to 130 with 17.5% body fat. I would really liked to be around 12%. At the gym I am doing free weights and cardio (30 minutes) on either the elliptical or stair stepper. On non-gym days I am doing work out videos, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and a pilates video her last name is Mcgee but don't remember her first name.

I am starting to see definition in my abs. I would like more. And the trouble spots are butt/thigh area and the saddle bags. Granted it is MUCH better than when I started but these are the spots that aren't as toned as much as I would like. My arms/shoulders are perfect for me.

I am eating about 1600 calories a day. The only "treats" I really have are 100 calorie popcorn and skinny cow ice cream sandwiches. I don't deny myself anything but it is very rare and always in a small amount when it happens. I am eating 5 small meals a day. Tuna, chicken, salad, fruit, veggies etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LandonsBaby]

Is there a reason you want to go so low? Are you doing some sort of competition? It's a real struggle for female athletes to get that low and they don't usually stay there. I'm wondering why you picked that particular goal.

 

[SturdyWings]

Hi, I'm new to these forums.

I am a 31 year old female. Started working out and eating right in October 2008. I'm 5'9" and I started at 180 lbs and 30.3% body fat. I am now down to 130 with 17.5% body fat. I would really liked to be around 12%. At the gym I am doing free weights and cardio (30 minutes) on either the elliptical or stair stepper. On non-gym days I am doing work out videos, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and a pilates video her last name is Mcgee but don't remember her first name.

12% is a bit ambitious. Take it one step at a time. Don't get so ahead of yourself that you set yourself up for failure.

I am starting to see definition in my abs. I would like more. And the trouble spots are butt/thigh area and the saddle bags. Granted it is MUCH better than when I started but these are the spots that aren't as toned as much as I would like. My arms/shoulders are perfect for me.

Try lunges and squats to tone your thighs/rear. Elliptical, stairmaster, and high incline treadmill are also excellent for losing fat in these areas. Instead of doing 30 minutes of continuous low intensity cardio, try breaking it up into 3 sessions of high intense 10 minute workouts.

I am eating about 1600 calories a day. The only "treats" I really have are 100 calorie popcorn and skinny cow ice cream sandwiches. I don't deny myself anything but it is very rare and always in a small amount when it happens. I am eating 5 small meals a day. Tuna, chicken, salad, fruit, veggies etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Calorie intake looks spot on. Doesn't seem like your problem lies with your nutrition. It lies more with your workout. A common mistake people have is they get themselves in a routine, which you simply cannot afford to do. You have to try new things that really make you burn and sweat. Constantly changing your workout routine is an excellent way to ensure prolonged success. It sounds like you have reached a plateau, and the only way to get out of it is to shock your body. You should push yourself for at least a week to the point of throwing up. That should provide you with some stellar results, and should help you out of your plateau.