Best to tone tummy: Pilates Reformer machine or personal trainer focused on weights?

ghartleroad1
ghartleroad1 Posts: 51 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
I've met my goal (134) and am working toward my dream weight (128, maybe 124). I'm 5'7" so my current BMI is 20.9 - in the middle of the "normal" category.

I'm trying to get in the best shape possible for an end-of-March trip. So beginning in January (besides my normal cardio classes) I have options of a Pilates Reformer class 2x/wk or a personal trainer (who pretty much seems to focus only on weight training since he trains body builders full-time).

My legs are very toned. My arms could use a bit of definition (which I could probably do at home with my free weights). I'm focused on working on my belly. It seems like no matter how much weight I lose (at 20lbs & counting!) the belly is still there! I can easily hold planks, do scissors & dives, etc. I know I have a strong core (attested by my Pilates instructor); it's just being hidden!

Thoughts? Or do I just need to keep losing weight?

Replies

  • s_pekz
    s_pekz Posts: 340 Member
    unfortunately you cannot spot reduce. ALl the ab work in the world will only strengthen the muscles but not move the fat. YOu have to reduce your overall body fat%. Where you hold your body fat is genetic.
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    edited December 2014
    6 packs and "toned tummys" are created in the kitchen not the gym. Or something along those lines is how the saying goes. For a toned anything you need to continue reducing body fat %. As you said, your strong core is being hidden!

    Personally I love the personal trainers I've worked with and always recommend them to those who can afford them (assuming they are as good as or better than the ones I've had). I learned so much by working with them and feel confident doing crazy exercises because I've learned the basics of good lifting. It certainly won't hurt your efforts - but it's really the nutrition that will get you to a toned tummy.

    PS - try to find a pilates YouTube video to do on your own and get both of your options for the price of one ;)

    Good luck!
  • redheaddee
    redheaddee Posts: 2,005 Member
    Abs are found in the kitchen. All the "toning" in the world cannot defeat poor diet. Most women don't show abs until their BF% is well into the teens. Sad but true.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    All of the above. And you don't need to keep losing weight. Congrats on the loss!!
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