Getting That Perfect Body

Not really sure what to do, as I'm kind of stuck in a rut. 5'3.5'', 125 pounds. I know I'm within the average weight for my height, but I'd really like to lose a little bit more and get overall leaner- my stomach, thighs, and legs especially need some serious work. 

But, I don't really want to cut calories anymore- I don't count every day, but every now and then I'll check and I'm around 1600 though I run a few miles a day if I can, so if anything, I'm a little bit low. What can I do to mix things up and lose that last 5-10 pounds? I used to sprint a lot, but the past few months I've worked on running more than a mile (I joined cross country, so I'm good with 3-4 now) Should I cut more, though? Especially on the cross country team, I was shocked by some insanely fit skinny girls and I don't think I'm genetically as awesome as they are, but I still want to try to do what I can.

Any advice would be welcome; thanks in advance!

EDIT: I also do weights two-three times a week, but I'm not seeing much improvement with them.

sounds like its time to toss in alittle weight training

in order to get the perfect body....you have to workout for real...I mean workout hard!!! and eat properly Only you know whether or no you are working out to your fullest potential.   that's all there is to it.

Original Post by phoenix121:

EDIT: I also do weights two-three times a week, but I'm not seeing much improvement with them.

What's your weight routine like? If you aren't improving you probably need a better routine (assuming your diet and sleep schedule are ok).

Are you lifting heavy when you weight train? And how many sets and reps of each exercise do you normally do?

eddie's right, gotta workout HARD...no pain, no gain? They didn't make that saying up for nuthin ;op

Hit the weights a lot harder, and you'll see an improvement! You have to lift heavy, not the light stuff!

I am going to guess that if you are running cross country that you are in high school (or maybe college). Regardless, a teen needs to eat WAY more calories than 1600! Expecially if you are active (running and lifting weights).

My suggestion--buy the book New Rules of Lifting for Women (amazon.com) (or ask for it for Christmas!) and follow his plan! The weight lifting program is great. VERY do-able--especially if you already know about lifting weights. Though I agree with the above post, "no pain, no gain" you don't want to get injurred and this book gives you a fabulous WORKOUT PLAN that everyone can follow, no matter where you are today! Check out the NROLFW group on cc. Lots of progress reports and info.

Then follow the author's advice and eat LOTS MORE PROTEIN! I will place a bet~ follow the workouts and his eating plan for 2 months and your muscles will be much more cut and defined without "bulking up".

I'll get that book; thanks!

When weight lifting I'll normally do 3 sets of 14 reps with 4 different exercises and jumping rope or ab work in the minute rest between sets.

And unfortunately, I do know the no pain, no gain- I've gotten stress fractures, a Morton's neuroma, and a pulled ITB band from not taking it easy....