Ive been lurking here for some time and am finally ready to get back into a fitness routine. In high school I was an athlete but have let myself go in recent years. Im now 24, 235 lbs, 5ft11. Over the past 6 months I have developed stretch marks around my lower abdomen coming up as far as my belly button. My question is will it be possible for me to achieve nice defined abs if I follow a strict diet and routine? Or do stretch marks signify that I will have too much loose skin not be able to achieve this kind of body?
Ive been searching around the interent trying to find some pics of someone who gained too much weight life myself, and then got back in shape. What Ive found is somewhat scary in terms of what my stomach may look like after so much weight. (wrinkly and loose) My question is, can someone in my position move past this stage and not only look good with a shirt on, but without one on as well. Please help!
Thanks for talking the time to read my post.
NEWKID

I've never been in your situation, however I've seen enough people go from where you are to 6-pack abs to know it's possible.

I would suggest you do it the right way and not eat on a severe calorie deficit while doing only cardio to lose the weight.

Eat just under maintenance to start (around 15x bodyweight) and start with a full body routine lifting, 3x per week. Focus on compound movements and hit each major muscle group with 1 exercise. Then after a few weeks/months of that, move into a split routine or some more advanced full-body routine.

Cardio you should do as often as you can, just start with some lower intensity exercise for as long as you can maintain it under an hour.

Be patient and stay dedicated. Good luck!

Or do stretch marks signify that I will have too much loose skin not be able to achieve this kind of body?

While you'll never really get rid of stretch marks once you get them - all that signifies is you stetched the skin too far too fast.

If you want some inspiration - check out one of the guys from last years mens health fitness model competetion - Dave Leather.

http://www.menshealth.co.uk/images/talk/model_dl.jpg

(you'll notice he still has stretch marks - but also a pretty impressive midsection too.)

(pic blantantly stolen from this Link (http://www.menshealth.co.uk/talk/thread.phtml/thread140398/page5/))

I'm loaded with stretch marks. Did not stop me from getting a six-pack.

Most of what people claim stops them (genetics, metabolism, stretch marks, etc) are excuses. Some people have very valid reasons but most of the time these are excuses. The fact is, it's not easy to reach a six-pack. In fact, for many, it's the most difficult thing they've ever accomplished. It requires razor focus, discipline, consistency, and the will to allow change into your life.

Most I'd say just don't want it bad enough. They want it for the superficial reasons but when the going gets tough, it's easy to convince themselves that just a bite of this or that will feel better and is okay rather than have to continue to resist until they reach the goal.

What I'm saying is the stretch marks don't matter ... your mindset does. Only you can keep you from achieving that six-pack.

Jeremy

I'm loaded with stretch marks. Did not stop me from getting a six-pack.

Most of what people claim stops them (genetics, metabolism, stretch marks, etc) are excuses. Some people have very valid reasons but most of the time these are excuses. The fact is, it's not easy to reach a six-pack. In fact, for many, it's the most difficult thing they've ever accomplished. It requires razor focus, discipline, consistency, and the will to allow change into your life.

Most I'd say just don't want it bad enough. They want it for the superficial reasons but when the going gets tough, it's easy to convince themselves that just a bite of this or that will feel better and is okay rather than have to continue to resist until they reach the goal.

What I'm saying is the stretch marks don't matter ... your mindset does. Only you can keep you from achieving that six-pack.

Jeremy


Wow, thats really motivating. :bow:

3 years ago, at 5'11", I weighted in at 300 pounds. These days, my abs are visible. Visible even though I have a lot of stretch marks, a lot of loose skin, and body hair ;)

So yes, it can be achieved, it just requires dedication and work.