Skinny Fat - not a humble brag

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'7" and 125 lbs. In the last year I've lost about 20 pounds due to stress and a serious illness and I'm not sure I will ever regain it. I know 125 is not super skinny, but on my frame it's not a great look. And I know I need to start working out again, if for no other reason than to reduce stress. My concern, other than my health, is that my chest (not boobs, although they are awful, but whatever) and arms are bony and gaunt. I'm not planning on hanging out in a bikini, but I now look awful in sleeveless/halter tops. I used to love wearing sundresses in the summer and now I look so bony and skeletal.

Will weight training bulk up my upper half at all? I know my arms and back will improve, but my chest and shoulder area are super-bony. I don't even have any saggy skin. Other than trying to gain some weight, does anyone have any advice or has anyone else faced this problem? My legs are thin too, but not stick thin like my upper half, just thin.

TIA.

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'10" and for a long time, fluctuated between 125-130 pounds. I've always just been really thin. I started going to the gym about six months ago to get stronger - I have a lot of lower back problems, some mild scoliosis, and in general feel better when I work out (it's been a few years since I've had a gym membership). Within the first month I was up to 132, then eventually 135, all from muscle weight. I begin with a little cardio to get warmed up, but mostly work on core and with weights. I try to eat sensible meals and snacks throughout the day that are high protein, low sugar (but I do love carbs and eat a lot of bread). I think if you start with a moderate plan like going for an hour a day and commit about half of that time to weight training, you'll be in a good place very soon.

[Anonymous]

I have the same body shape.
Tried weightlifting to bulk up, to no avail - it changed the shape of my arms, which was nice, but not the circumference to any significant extent. There was a barely there increase in volume after a year of consistent weight lifting.

It's genetic and you will always have that shape, OP, with some fluctuations due to hormones and any training you do. I will either go on to look like my mother, who is a walking skeleton (people look horrified when she wears a swimsuit), or plump out like my father, and develop a pear shape (still with itty bitty arms!).

I think we need to enjoy the body we have, honestly. I too had a life-threatening illness last year, and I'm glad to still be here, complaining about my body

[Anonymous]

I'm glad you're okay, OP. I would do light weight lifting and light cardio and focus on eating healthy fats and proteins.

[Anonymous]

I know how you feel OP. I was just looking at pictures of me where I was 20 pounds lighter and thinking how positively awful I looked- all cheekbones digging out and sharp angles.

I agree working out is a good thing. Also a good thing is that you can eat fairly naughtily if you want since you don't need to watch your diet. Just relax, and focus on getting your health back. If you look a bit too thin or don't like the proportions, the gum and weightlifting can really help with building confidence

[Anonymous]

OP, I know what you mean. I have always been very thin. I'm 5'6.5 and about 114 pounds. I'm sure to some people I look too skinny. My chest and shoulders are kind of bony and my legs are thin and my breasts are tiny (made worse by breastfeeding 3 babies). Luckily my face is round-ish so doesn't look too gaunt. I pretty much eat whatever I want, but I try to not eat much junk. There have been times when I have gone through health issues or having babies when I was not able to work out, and I lost muscle mass and looked too skinny. I now work out regularly, do barre/yoga/Pilates and weights, and very light cardio (walking). I feel like I look better. I have some muscle definition in my arms and legs, my core is stronger, and I feel stronger in general. But I'm still skinny, and I'm okay with it. I will never be curvy. It's okay. I'm trying to accept my body the way it is and enjoy the perks of being built this way (not constantly battling weight gain), and just focus on being strong, finding clothes that flatter my body type, etc.