I've never been the skinniest person in the world, but never overwieght either. I do have some chubby-ness, however, that I'd like to get rid of. According to all of the online bmi calculators I've found, I'm right at the healthy range (15 years old, 5'6", 120 lbs..here is a graph from fitday.com: http://www.fitday.com/WebFitGraphics/Spacer.gif) and I don't want to fall below that. So, now that school is over, I'm going to actually have time to exercise and such, and I want to start running more. If I go for about 30 min. a day for at least a couple days a week, will I lose my excess blub without slipping to an unhealthy weight?

Hi, I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, though about five pounds heavier. As long as you eat healthy and exercise, you really shouldn't lose TOO much weight. Make sure you are getting adequate calories, and running should just help slim you out. You mentioned toning, also, so you may want to add in some kind of weights routine. Since you're already pretty thin, toning exercises are probably exactly what you need to look a little slimmer. Again, don't over-restrict your calorie intake if you don't want to lose a lot. I pretty much eat what I want and just added in some extra exercise, and already see a difference. Good luck!

It sounds like you want to tone up some. So I wouldn't worry if you actually gain a little weight - 5-10 lbs if you put on some more muscle. Doing some light weight exercises would probably be good and help give you more of the look you want. Definitely eat a little more if you start running.

Great. I just didn't want to start working out and fall "over the edge". Plus, that'd be another thing for my mom to nag me about..:)

Thanks. :rockon:

Hmm I'm another one in the same boat :hi:
I'm 5'6" and 115 lbs, but I've got pretty flabby thighs and arms that I'd like to tone into some sort of muscle. I don't really exercise much, but would 30 min a day of running or jump roping hurt? I don't want to fall into an unhealthy weight either, just tone up a bit (I know it's not possible to spot reduce).

I just feel odd with a tiny upper body and these big thighs.. guess I'm just self-conscious.

For me, running has always been fine for about 2 days, kill for almost a week, then I'm fine as long as I keep it up. But I'll usually go through periods of several months where I do nothing and get really out of shape, so that doesn't help.

I haven't ever done jump roping as an actual exercise, but it's a different set of muscles than you usually use, so I'd imagine it'd be the same kind of thing.

running will definately tone you all down. It may take a while, but it is a great habit to get into for a healthier (and better looking) future. Pilates and yoga are also great for endurance and flexibility. Weight lifting is the best for toning muscles. Many girls emphasise cardio too much at the expense of other exersises.