When you lose a large amount of weight, typically more than 25 percent of your total body weight, you are at an increased risk of developing excess skin after weight loss. Losing weight quickly affects the elasticity of the skin and it may not shrink back as you drop the pounds. To prevent excess skin, lose weight at a gradual pace with a one to two pound per week average.
Step 1
Keep the skin well hydrated. Dehydration can adversely affect the elasticity of the skin and make it difficult to tone the area after weight loss. Apply a moisturizer on a daily basis and drink six to eight glasses of water.
Step 2
Continue to exercise on a daily basis. If you want to tone the body after weight loss, continue to perform cardio exercise at least 30 minutes per day. Some activities you can participate in include running, swimming, stair climbing, cycling and jogging. You should also consider adding a yoga or Pilates class to your routine. The exercises performed in these classes can help strengthen and tone the body.
Step 3
Start a weight training routine. Building muscle can help eliminate any leftover skin after you have lost weight. Plan to strength train at least three days a week while taking days off between sessions to rest the muscles.
Step 4
Perform exercises that work both the upper and lower body muscles for an overall toned look. Some examples include abdominal crunches, push-ups, shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and squats. You can use several online websites to demonstrate how to properly perform these moves. One example is the Global Health and Fitness website.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are unable to get rid of the excess skin on your own, then you can speak to a plastic surgeon. Procedures like a tummy tuck can be performed to tighten the skin.
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