Do you want to lose weight without worrying about stretch marks or loose skin? Try David Goggins' unconventional method. It worked for him, and maybe it will do wonders for you, too.

Lately, David Goggins’ body transformation has captured attention, as the ex-Navy SEAL, who once weighed almost 300 lbs, lost 100 lbs in three months. In a recent podcast appearance, he revealed the strategy that helped him avoid stretch marks and loose skin after his drastic weight loss.

David Goggins credits his intense high-rep resistance training with minimal rest as the reason behind his miraculous feat.

“I pick a lightweight. So let’s say it’s bench press. I can do the bar a hundred times without stopping. If I do stop, my rest position is the up position — and I only rest for 10 seconds. Keep that muscle nice and tight.”

David Goggins' strategy to avoid loose skin and stretch marks

Instead of relying on cardio or rigid diet plans, the ultramarathon runner focused on maintaining muscle mass. This method provided structure beneath the skin, which prevented sagging.

He followed an intense full-body lifting routine, including high repetitions, short rest periods, and continuously keeping muscles under tension. Here is how it works:

Choose a light weight

Choose a weight with which you can easily perform 100+ reps.

Continuously perform 100 reps 

Do it to get continuous movement and improve muscular contraction.

In case you need some rest, do it while keeping muscles under tension

For example, if you are performing a bench press, the rest position will be holding the barbell at the top for at most 10 seconds.

Follow the same routine for different muscle groups

It helps develop full-body conditioning, improve muscular endurance, and increase metabolic stress.

Why does this method work?

According to studies published in Nutrients in 2022 and a 2020 Obesity Surgery, resistance training during weight loss sustains lean mass and prevents sagging skin. 

• Prolonged muscular tension increases metabolic stress and the muscular pump. It results in hypertrophy.
• Weightlifting improves blood circulation, leading to skin remodeling and elasticity during weight loss.
• Maintaining muscle mass during weight loss retains structure under the skin, which tightens it as the body loses fat. 

This thus combats the various reasons for sagging skin, like drastic weight loss, lean muscle mass reduction, age-related skin decline, and lastly, genetics and skin type. While not much can be done for the latter two, the first two can be kept in check.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Joyita Das