Hi everyone, I'm new here, but can anyone help me? I am 5ft2 and weigh 116lb so pretty light but I'm desparate to tone up and decrease my body fat. I've posted some pictures below - I look bigger in them than I am - I only take a dress size 8-10 (US 4-6) so I'm really not big, but really feel like I have a unhealthy level of body fat.

I need to cut down on sugar and am perservering on that one, and I have recently started going out for 20 min HIIT sessions about 3 times a week.

Has anyone got any advice and judging by my photos is my problem as bad as I think?

Thanks so much.

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I don't think that's excessive by any means but if you're uncomfortable the key is to start doing something about it, and you have. If you add weight training that will help you burn fat on a regular basis as well.

Relax -- you look great. With some exercise, I'm sure you can look even better, but there's no need to feel desperate.

You don't look unhealthily overweight. Not even by an ounce.

What kind of physical exercise do you normally get? My guess is that if you stop drinking soda pop, and get a little more exercise, you'll lose the fat in the thighs and buns (I assume this is where you think you are too fat, since the rest of you seems rather slender).

Honestly from your photo, I don't think you should try to lose more than 10 lbs, lest you become underweight, which isn't healthy.

Women store fat in the butt and thighs first. Also, remember that genetics plays a big part in things. It looks like you have good hips for child bearing...which also adds width to the hips that you might be perceiving as 'too fat'.

Agree with everybody else you look good.

But if you are uncomfortable just keep cutting out the excess sugar and doing HIIT. You will tone up.

Like mom2twoboyz stated you could add weight training. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn even when resting.

Good luck

i agree with the others. add weight training and work on diet. it shouldn't be hard at all considering you're only 116 lbs. good luck with your goals!

I'm with everybody here. You should probably just try really cleaning up your diet and eating at maintenance calories while adding weight training and some cardio (HIIT works great, but make sure you know what you're doing). You may recomp pretty nicely that way, i.e. look better and not lose weight

Thanks everyone, I don't really want to lose weight anyway - more tone up as everything is a bit wobbly!

I feel much better that so many of you think that this amount of body fat doesn't look excessive - I felt like I had a mountain to climb!

Just one question on the weights though - I think it's agreat idea but don't have access to weights. Would exercises like tricep dips, sit ups, push ups, squats etc. have the same effect?

Yes, initially at least, bodyweight exercises will serve you well. but you will adapt after a few weeks.

is there a local YWCA you can join? if you have room for a few weights, shop garage sales and used exercise stores (2nd wind fitness is a local used gear shop)

Yeah malkore is right. Bodyweight is a great place to start and can be a great supplement for some things, but eventually you will need to progress to real weight if you want to see major changes.

Judging solely on appearance (as I am no personal trainer), I'd say focus on some excercises that would firm up your arms, abs, and buttocks. Also a bit on your theighs too. If you have access to an Elliptical machine, you might find better results quicker then running.

Your pics my no means show you as being even close to overweight. However, it is very apparent that you don't have any muscle either Firming pu those areas a bit and I think you'll notice your body fat has gone way down and you'll look and feel better then ever!

Just my 2 cents.