Hi everyone! Everything is going very well as far as LCing and exercise. But, I'm getting nervous about the skin under my arms. I keep having this dreded fear that I'm going to have to have the skin tightened around it because exercise isnt working. I do cardio and lift weights, but it still seems to just "hang" there. I really dont want to have surgery like that, but I HATE the way my arms look. Has anyone ever had to have their skin tightened?? How do you know if you need it??

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I dont want saggy, flabby arms the rest of my life! Thanks for the advice!

"We've Only Just Begun"
- The Carpenters

260lbs 5/00
231lbs 8/15/03 (began Atkins)
189lbs now
150lbs goal
Fiesty Red-Head
www.sdsymphony.org

This site has a great article about tightening skin:

tighten skin

400/330/200

Those exercises are great. I just started doing similar ones yesterday, and I can already feel it!

I think you'll be fine with those exercises, Emily.

Started Atkins 08/23/03
160/142
Restarted 01/16/04
151/141/???
I'm gettin' there!

What about cremes and stuff to tighten your skin (esp around the belly) ??? I have been looking into getting something to improve the elasticity.

Anyone use them?

216?/201/170?
started 1/1/04
mini goal: under 200 lbs

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by merdiva:
What about cremes and stuff to tighten your skin (esp around the belly) ??? I have been looking into getting something to improve the elasticity.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The best way to tighten the belly is abdominal crunches or sit ups IMO. Also make sure to take at least 500 mg of vitamin C a day, as it promotes stronger collagen.

Also have a look at I know you're gonna call me crazy but . . . . . . and A little concerned here.

HTH

Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235--&gt;188; 150 goal

An interesting article

Studies show that Coconut oil will rebuild collagen. The stuff our body uses to tighten the skin.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing, unlike most lotions. The coconut oil can help bring back a youthful appearance to your skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine." And the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Also I saw a show on something called Rolfing. It is like ironing the skin with your hands. Rubbing it back and forth with the flat of your hands in a steady pressure will rebuild collagen as well.
I have done this ironing with the VCO on my belly for the past 3 weeks and I notice a huge difference! It is much flatter and tighter.


HTH

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/129/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Emily,

I know not everything works for everybody, but at my gym i've been doing the Ellipse machine (it's a gym machine that you push/pull with the arms while you do a pedal motion with the feet) and my "bingo arm" has disappeared. It happened pretty fast also...within about 4 weeks of serious exercise. I know some women don't want bulky arms, so this really works to "thin out" that area. Good luck.

180pg/170/144/140
Size 12/8/? 5'7"

Weight training. It may take some time, but it will work, especially combined with cardio to help burn fat.

Jen
175/129/120

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>i've been doing the Ellipse machine <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That machine is awesome! I am the only guy in the gym who uses it, but its the best damn workout. :-)

I think the fat under the arm is the last to go. I have been weight training for 4 months now and I am still struggling with it, along with the lower belly. But I think they are smaller and smaller. Weight-training is the way to go. try Tricep exercize.
Good luck!

I start weigh training and I am on week 3. I can just see the starting of a difference in my under arms. I still have some sag but it isn't as gigglely. I do upper body 2 times a week (lower body 2 times a week) and crunches 4 days a week. Haven't seen the stomach crunches and sit ups work yet but I feel them work so it will just take time. I will try the ironing and the coconut oil because it can't hurt.

travellost-51 yrs Young
1/20/03 195/145 first time
1/5/04 second time
150/144/135
"I am allergic to carbs they make me break out in fat"