Getting rid of the tummy!

[Sheila]

I have lots of belly fat. I walk for 30mins everyday. Does anyone know of any exercises to reduce belly flab other than sit ups? Thank you!

[liz32]

try skipping. I just baught a skipping rope for about $2.50. I figure if
i could go as long as my kids I'll be shedding a few! hehe In hope it works.
Liz

[lelggren]

I have lots of belly fat. I walk for 30mins everyday. Does anyone know of any exercises to reduce belly flab other than sit ups? Thank you!
I do crunches for mine. I'm working on the same thing. But, I've also been trying to be sure to swing my arms when I do the treadmill or walk because you will notice your waist doing a bit of a twisting motion when you swing your arms more. It helps! I know it seems like such a small thing, but it was partially how I lost my belly fat a couple of years ago. Other than that, I can't think of much that I've had experience with that has worked for me. I know that the crunches are not fun either, but they do wonders, and they do said wonders quickly!

[Cinnabon]

Crunches & Pilates!!!

[jen_slc]

:dito: pilates all the way!

[TAutry]

Hi Sheila,

While crunches and other abdominal exercises are valuable for toning and tightening the abodominal muscles, they really aren't that great for burning fat. You can burn fat more effectively with a program of overall exercise. A good combination of aerobics and resistance training(weights) is what I would recommend. The more muscles you put to work, them more energy the body requires and the more fat you are likely to burn.

In addition to the exercise, you may need to change your style of eating. Instead of eating less, you might need to eat more. I found that eating 6 small meals per day, I maintain my weight more effectively. By, essentially, keeping food in my system I keep the thermogenic response of the food being digested working for me. Plus, I don't get extremely hungry and am not tempted to over eat.

I subscribe to Men's Health and they offer a bunch of articles on fat burning in the magazine and through their website of the same name. A few months ago they released Women's Health magazine. You might try a search to see if they also have a website with it. I've learned a great deal from the men's magazine and website, I'm sure the women's offers similar tips.

Good Luck!

[am1977]

Hi Sheila,

While crunches and other abdominal exercises are valuable for toning and tightening the abodominal muscles, they really aren't that great for burning fat. You can burn fat more effectively with a program of overall exercise. A good combination of aerobics and resistance training(weights) is what I would recommend. The more muscles you put to work, them more energy the body requires and the more fat you are likely to burn.

In addition to the exercise, you may need to change your style of eating. Instead of eating less, you might need to eat more. I found that eating 6 small meals per day, I maintain my weight more effectively. By, essentially, keeping food in my system I keep the thermogenic response of the food being digested working for me. Plus, I don't get extremely hungry and am not tempted to over eat.

I subscribe to Men's Health and they offer a bunch of articles on fat burning in the magazine and through their website of the same name. A few months ago they released Women's Health magazine. You might try a search to see if they also have a website with it. I've learned a great deal from the men's magazine and website, I'm sure the women's offers similar tips.

Good Luck!

I "dito" :dito: what Travis said. I don't believe there's such a thing as "spot training" ( I think that's how it refered). The thing that works is eating a good diet (low fat) and exercise. The unfortunate thing is that women tend to store fat around their middle, and that's the hardest place to lose it :frown:.

I also wish you luck! :)

[camjen1]

Since we are talking stomach muscles, does anyone know if the muscles that are cut during a c-section function again or is there no hope?

Also I have been doing crunches and I feel the way I'm doing them is actually working a tad. I lay on the floor of course with my knees up and I lift the heels of my feet so it is just my toes touching. When I do a crunch I also tilt my pelvic area up towards my chest and boy does it hurt. I do this as well as crossing each leg over and proceeding. You have to always remember to tilt you pelvis because after doing these for a few times it hurts so much that I forget to tilt my pelvis. The next day after trying these I was so sore and it literally hurt to bend over.

[zookeeper671]

I "dito" :dito: what Travis said. I don't believe there's such a thing as "spot training" ( I think that's how it refered). The thing that works is eating a good diet (low fat) and exercise. The unfortunate thing is that women tend to store fat around their middle, and that's the hardest place to lose it :frown:.

I also wish you luck! :)

I double ditto what Travis and Andrea said. It's true... you can tone the muscles underneath, but it's cardio and strength training "all around" that will burn the belly fat. Spot training only tones the muscles in one location, but won't necessarily burn the fat in just that location. Time to start "sweatin' to the oldies." (Wow... that was lame. lol)

[camjen1]

I double ditto what Travis and Andrea said. It's true... you can tone the muscles underneath, but it's cardio and strength training "all around" that will burn the belly fat. Spot training only tones the muscles in one location, but won't necessarily burn the fat in just that location. Time to start "sweatin' to the oldies." (Wow... that was lame. lol)


LMAO...... I used to do the whole workout with my mom's tapes when I was younger. I couldn't even imagine seeing Richard Simmons in them tight short shorts again. :laugh:

[zookeeper671]

LMAO...... I used to do the whole workout with my mom's tapes when I was younger. I couldn't even imagine seeing Richard Simmons in them tight short shorts again. :laugh:

Actually, those videos might still serve a purpose... as an adequate, natural, appetite suppressant. :D

[someone]

Shouldn't any excersice help get rid of it?

[dacruzer]

go to http://exercise.about.com/cs/abs/f/abslosingfat_p.htm , lots of helpful inof here.:thumbsup:

[rzrbks]

camjen1

Since we are talking stomach muscles, does anyone know if the muscles that are cut during a c-section function again or is there no hope?

While I haven't actually had a C-section (and don't think one will ever be in the cards, thank goodness:thumbsup: ) I did have my spleen removed---higher up set of muscles---and I can tell you that they will indeed regain function, takes a bit of work, but they'll be just as strong, if not stronger, if they're brought along and kept up.

[Ritehsedad]

Yup, you cannot spot train for fat loss but you can for muscle tone.

[KickStart101]

Since we are talking stomach muscles, does anyone know if the muscles that are cut during a c-section function again or is there no hope?


I agree with Rz, he probbly won't need a c-section. :D Also your
muscles do mend and you do get full function back.

I had 2 c-sections(a 4", horizontal, bikini-cut)and another slice
through the c-section scar tissue, 2 yrs later, to have an ovary
removed. My Doc was happily surprised at my 6 week check-up to
see that I was totally healed, abdominal muscles working good, no
pain. I did do exercises every day and kept my sugar in decent
control most of the time. I am slim so I can feel my muscles working.
There is a slight numbness of the skin close to the scar. I know TMI. :D

[littlebuddy]

Try jogging. I started jogging about 4 months ago and I have lost 5 kgs. Most if not all came from my belly. I know have pants that are too big for me to wear. Which upsets me because they are really expensive, but if gets the pounds off the gut then it is worth it.

littlebuddy

[pancreas]

I have lots of belly fat. I walk for 30mins everyday. Does anyone know of any exercises to reduce belly flab other than sit ups? Thank you!

Any kind of ab exercise may tighten your ab muscles but has actually no effect on dropping weight.
If you want to drop weight, you need a negative energy balance. This can be achieved by either burning more calories than you get (eat) or by eating less than you burn (or even better: both). Of course this should be done carefully considering diabetes and stuff.

What I actually wanted to say ;-):
"Spot reducing" does not exist, ie. you can not lose bodyfat on designated parts of your body. It's your genetics that decides where you lose or put on fat first/last. Therefore special exercises like situp/crunches have no effect regarding your belly fat. If Mother Nature does not like you, the belly may be the last part where you drop fat.

What you can do: As somebody already mentioned, skipping is very effective to lose fat. But you should always do something you really like (what about tennis, etc.).

[KickStart101]

Points for Travis, so it seems, as far as getting rid of tummy
fat......I'm just reporting what I read in the news. :vroam: :)

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060303/weights_fat_060303/20060303?hub=Health

[Sheila]

WOW!! The replies have been great. To be honest I forgot that i hade started this thread...very hard week. I am hearing positive things about the big balls you can sit on. Will be purchasing one soon. I will slowly shrink this stomach!

[klpants]

80% of how your body will look like on the outside is from diet alone, 20%training (cardio and weight bearing exercsie to increase the metabolism), so change the diet mostly and you should see a slimmer stomach:biggrin:

[christie]

i have had 2 c-sections and i really don't think my muscles will ever be the same, i do some stuff at the y which i really can feel, and i might look into the pilates if it is possible without doing damage to my back,i've got 2 discs on my back that are bad so some things i cannot do.

[Nakki]

You can spot train to a certain degree, actually. :biggrin:
I have to sweat my horse's neck for show season to get a cleaner, thinner neck that appears longer because of the fat that is sweat off during exercise. There are full throat, neck and shoulder sweats we use on our horses as well. People can do it, too. In fact, a few of the adults in our karate class will workout with a neoprene sweat that simply velcros around your midsection, or wherever you want to sweat off fat. True, it does not build muscle, but it's a quick way to lose some of the fat especially for those who have difficulty doing sit ups, etc. :itsme:
The material is easy to come by. It's the same material used for wetsuites. That's pretty much what it is. That's why swimmers wear them because it keeps the cold out while underwater. Therefore, when you exercise, it keeps the heat in and you sweat more. It's simply a one piece with adjustable velcro, nothing more.
I don't know how much credability there is to this product but there is a similar sweat that you can adjust heat to it and sweat off fat. Saw it on TV, but I don't know much more than that.
These sweats come in different shapes and sizes depending on where they are used. For personal use around a midsection, I suppose one would use a plain, straight cut sweat. For anyone interested, you can go to ebay and type in neck sweat so you can see what they look like. :ahhhhh:

[Beenthere]

There is no exercise that is specific to reducing belly fat. Use cardio exercise - whatever kind you like to reduce your overall body weight. Don't be fooled by those "ab busting" machines. They are not going to rid you of your belly.

I work out 4 -6 times a week every other workout is for my "core muscles" including abs. I do up to 200 stomach crunches and my abs are ok for a guy my age - but certainly not 6 pack worthy.

[Technobarbie]

80% of how your body will look like on the outside is from diet alone, 20%training (cardio and weight bearing exercsie to increase the metabolism), so change the diet mostly and you should see a slimmer stomach:biggrin:

YES!!!!

Diet and overall fatloss and you will get rid of the belly. Warning though - it is the LAST to go - you will see significant changes everywhere else first but that belly fat is stubborn in us women. Be persistant and consistent with your diet and training and I promise you WILL see it shrink.

Note - I train competitive athletes for a living and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

[Technobarbie]

You can spot train to a certain degree, actually. :biggrin:
I have to sweat my horse's neck for show season to get a cleaner, thinner neck that appears longer because of the fat that is sweat off during exercise. There are full throat, neck and shoulder sweats we use on our horses as well. People can do it, too. In fact, a few of the adults in our karate class will workout with a neoprene sweat that simply velcros around your midsection, or wherever you want to sweat off fat. True, it does not build muscle, but it's a quick way to lose some of the fat especially for those who have difficulty doing sit ups, etc. :itsme:
The material is easy to come by. It's the same material used for wetsuites. That's pretty much what it is. That's why swimmers wear them because it keeps the cold out while underwater. Therefore, when you exercise, it keeps the heat in and you sweat more. It's simply a one piece with adjustable velcro, nothing more.
I don't know how much credability there is to this product but there is a similar sweat that you can adjust heat to it and sweat off fat. Saw it on TV, but I don't know much more than that.
These sweats come in different shapes and sizes depending on where they are used. For personal use around a midsection, I suppose one would use a plain, straight cut sweat. For anyone interested, you can go to ebay and type in neck sweat so you can see what they look like. :ahhhhh:

This just gets rid of Sub-Q water (under the skin) and it is by no means permanent. In fact it will have a rebound affect as it is not healthy to keep water off permanently and if you continually use this method the body will go into survival mode and retain water even more no matter what you do.

I use this method to pull the last bit of water out before a bb competition - the night before and it does work but as soon as I start drinking it comes right back.