Losing the belly

elliej

I KNOW that I can't spot reduce but I'm nearing my target weight and from running I have lost fat and got nicely muscular legs, my top half isn't doing so well though, whilst I'm losing inches and feeling stronger and using weights machines at the gym the belly and arms are still distinctly more squidgy.

What can I do to improve muscle/tone/trim down without losing much more weight? More weights / strengh training right? But free weights are a little intimidating and I don't know who to ask (the gym team are mostly unapproachable and quite possibly morons) and certainly don't want to hurt myself doing it wrong. Any advice appreciated.

mperrott2205

There are tens of thousands of videos on youtube on how to do certain free weight exercises. Watch them and then practice them with light weight before you go higher in weight.

However, this won't get rid of the fat on your belly. The only way to do that is be in a caloric deficit. So keep going.

helpfit101

I was going to say youtube too, then I read the second post. Yes he's right just watch youtube and you'll find out how to do the exercises.

As to the belly he's right too, eat at a deficit. Flat bellies sometimes happen only way below target weight when people start to tell you to eat more and only then.

Jeneba

I have been experimenting with leg lifts but with a slight modification - instead of keeping both legs straight and parallel, I have been touching my feet together and separating my knees. I really feel it right in the belly!

lauraleighsm

I'm with ya! Just trying to do more muscle workouts is the only way I know. I take a pump class that is solely lifting, but really I think you have to have a pretty low bf % to have a lean stomach. I'm not sure I care that much. My body fat is about 23% and I'm shooting for 20%.

elliej

Thanks for the replies, I was hesitant to trust youtube as I could teach myself bad habits but will look into it.

Alanhalil

Have you measured your body fat percentage? That's probably the best indication of where you are in regards to attaining the stomach you want looks wise. Mine still feels flabby and I was down to 18% last time I got checked so I've no idea how low one needs it to get...

For your arms, push ups will tone you perfectly. You only need weights if you want to bulk up.

shannashannabobana

Even though I know you can't spot reduce per se, I had a friend who took up tennis and said it is the best thing she's ever done for her torso! I think boxing and bellydancing will also focus on those areas.

You only need weights if you want to bulk up.

Women are not likely to bulk up unless they are making a special effort to do so.

P3MK

I am in the same position! I got told to get a flatter tummy or middle area I would firstly need to eat healthy and loose some of the fat around this area first!

guessrs

Also remember that flat stomach is the last part to happen. So patience and you'll get there.

Alta2000

Check bodybuilding.com; Also download the jefit app on your phone and watch the videos they have for each exercise- go to jefit.com and select different exercises depending on the muscle that you want to exercise and what available tools you have -free weights/machines/bodyweight/balls/dumbbells etc (do not forget to add stretching exercises at the end ) then use the phone app when you are in the gym to remember and track what you have to do. You can either create your own workout or copy one of the suggested ones.
For abs and core:
The past month I started spinning and dedicated abs/core exercises. Incredible change on legs!. Even though inches have been down minimal and weight only 1.lb, I went down more than 1 size and the whole abs/stomach area has been greatly strengthened and tightened. (Gap thighs and thighs went down 1inch, and calf 0.5 inch) The most helpful exercise for abs/core has been different variations of the one that you lie down with arms/legs extended in straight line and then do 20 each of as many variants as you want/can 3 times per week: bring legs to the ceiling but only move down the waist, hold between feet a large ball/pillow/stuffed animal and bring legs to ceiling; hold feet 6inches from floor and do scissors; leave legs extended on floor and bring arms towards leg; hold a weight and bring towards legs; lift your legs to ceiling simultaneously when you do the previous arms crunches so you will meet arms and legs in the middle towards the ceiling; do the arm exercises but having the legs in the v position; do arms exercise but when you come to the seated position bring your body turned towards a side so you will do the obliques. In a month I went from being unable to get up, to now hold a 12lb ball and doing 20 repetition of each exercise with ease and without wobbling like a fish out of the water.