Can you reshape your body?
BACK in the 90s it was all about the Coca-Cola bottle shape, and today many women seem to be obsessed with the idea of a muscular body like that of Serena Williams.
The truth is, some of us wished we were well proportioned, regretting our physique and moping about it. But what many of us don’t know is that reshaping the body is possible.
General, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr Alfred Dawes said it is possible once the individual loses the excess fat.
“Where the fat is deposited in the body is based on genetics; however, if you lose the fat, you can work on specific body parts for a different look,” he said. “For example, if you have a flat butt, you can work on your glute muscles for bigger buttocks. If you want bigger thighs, there are leg exercises that can be done and you can also tone up your arms.”
According to Gisel Harrow, personal trainer at Gymkhana, achieving this will take time, dedication, discipline and the right mindset as it’s no easy feat.
“To reshape your body means tailoring an exercise programme that will meet your requirements and also a balanced diet that will enhance your results,” she said.
With clearance from your health practitioner, Harrow said depending on what your goals are, a mixture of strength training and aerobic activities with the help of a professional fitness trainer will help you attain your new body goals.
Harrow said it is best to set short-term goals that will lead up to long-term results. Use daily logs for food and exercise so you can track progress. Focus on weak areas and develop them.
“Make it fun!” she said.
Ways in which you can exercise to reshape your body include:
1. Setting time to exercise at least 30 minutes per day to assist your body in burning calories and melting fat.
2. Involve both aerobic — walking, riding, running and jumping rope; and anaerobic exercises such as lifting weights, squats and push-ups. These will help you to burn fat and build muscles respectively.
3. Tailor your diet to reduce your calorie intake, so your body is forced to feed on the reserved fat.
— KH
