Several factors -- such as crash diets, pregnancy or illness -- can cause your skin to sag. Common areas that can be plagued by sagging skin are the midsection, arms and thighs. Loose skin can be tightened by decreasing your body fat percentage. Building muscle through strength training can help fill in loose areas to give skin a more taut appearance. Losing the fat that lies between the skin and the muscles will help give your body a leaner, more toned look.
Step 1
Consume a low fat diet consisting of whole foods in their natural form. Eat foods like lean meats, eggs, fish, low fat dairy, whole grain breads and pastas, fiber-rich cereal, oatmeal, brown rice, vegetables and fruits to help build muscle and increase metabolism, MayoClinic.com recommends. Steer clear of processed foods that are packed with sodium, trans fat and refined sugar, which encourage bloating and weight gain.
Step 2
Eat foods rich in antioxidants that contain vitamins C, E and beta carotene; those types of foods can improve skin's elasticity, according to CNN.com. Consume foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, grapefruit and carrots to increase antioxidants in your diet.
Step 3
Stay hydrated to minimize extra weight caused by water retention and to maintain the skin's elasticity. Drink at least eight cups per day, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Lift weights three times per week to build muscle and help tighten loose areas. Use body weight and free weights to perform exercises such as lunges, squats, pushups and pullups. Train with heavy resistance for four sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. The last few reps of every set should be difficult to complete.
Step 5
Engage in cardiovascular exercise three days per week. Perform intervals to burn the layers of fat that rest between the skin and the muscles. Jog on the treadmill for two minutes and walk for two minutes. Repeat for 30 minutes.
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