Hi,

I've been taking Alli since last summer, and so far i've lost 76 lbs.  I would like to lose at least 40 more to get down to 145.  I have been doing mostly cardio, but trying to incorporate weight training as well, I'm just not as consistent with doing that portion of my exercise routine.  My problem is i have A LOT of loose skin on the backs of my upper arms-I can see nice muscle shape on my biceps, but then there's a big flap hanging off of it!  Yuck.  I don't want to fill this skin up with muscle, I would look like a football player.  So, is there anything that can be done, short of surgery, to get rid of it?  I won't be able to afford surgery, so I'm hoping there are some sort of exercises that I can start to try and reduce it somehow. 

Thanks,

wendy  

Hi Wendy! Wow....76 pounds is great and you should be so proud of yourself! Cardio is a very important element for burning those calories, promoting your daily caloric deficit! However, strength training is just as, if not more important, to become more metabolically efficient by maintaining/increasing lean muscle mass while losing the weight! Because muscle burns more calories than fat, as you become more lean, your body requires more energy to function all day! I would encourage you to really make the effort to get in 3 strength training workouts each week for approximately 25-35 minutes each session. Unfortunately, short of surgery, it is going to be challenging to completely rid yourself of the loose skin on your arms. However, if you begin really focusing on lifting your weights, you will definitely begin to notice a big change! The alli website provides animated demos for a full body workout. Go to "myactivity" and click on "strength training log" to view them. You only need to perform 2-3 sets and 8-10 reps of each exercise to begin to see positive results! Additionally, I see wonderful results with using your own body weight, such as push-ups. Try to incorporate a couple of sets of push-ups even on your cardio days. The exercise bands are also great for creating lean, long muscles! Keep up the great work and stay committed! Kelli

Hi Wendy! I really know personally the problem of which you speak. Two things are helping me to tighten up that underarm chicken flap. One is a modified push-up---sort of a beginning beginners version just on my tum, hands underneath shoulders and lifting from there. I am doing 3 sets of 8 reps and it is helping. The other thing that is helping is this; I tightly grip a 2# can of whatever (or wt. or bottle of water) hold it over my head and lift it up and down behind my head. Same 3 sets of 8 reps. Jangles

Hi jangles, Thanks for the good advice. I know that it really helps and gives a lot of encouragement when you speak from personal experience. Push-ups and triceps extensions (with your water bottle!) are both excellent exercises as they work the back of the arms (the triceps muscles)! There are also other very effective exercises that also work the triceps. Look on the alli website for animated demos under "strength training log" to view them. Keep up the great work and best of luck to you! Kelli

Hi Jangles-thank you so much for the encouragement.  Unfortunately, instead of "chicken flap" it's more like a turkey.  But hopefully I'll be able to shape it up a bit!  :)

Hi MissLV,

Consistency is key.  Follow the advice Kelli provided and remember that through your combo of taking the pills, careful diet and a combination of strength training and cardio, you will see results.  Stick with it and be patient.  It will be worth it!

Good Luck,

Paul

MissLV:

i've lost 76 lbs

Happy Dancing for you Wendy - 76 freaking pounds - WOW!!

Was wondering what happened with you and was so happy to see that you're still with it and doing fabulous!!  Don't be such a stranger, come visit Team 40ish (changed the name since some of us have already reached 40) on your thread!  Everyone would love to hear from you!!

Take Care Wendy and Congratulations again!!

Bobbi