So you want a nice stomach

mjharman

I really really want to give you a thumbs up but your number 4 is making me cringe.

Yes...this. ^^^

usmcmp

I really really want to give you a thumbs up but your number 4 is making me cringe.

Yes...this. ^^^

What's your reason for not liking #4? My reply to him is that if diet is on point you don't need much cardio. You can add more, but it isn't necessarily helpful. All good programs should include some cardio. I also said that food logging should be accurate, but it isn't always and doing cardio can help make up for inaccuracy (like going out to eat, the dishes can vary up to 500 calories depending on restaurant).

autumnsquirrel

Thank you for this sage advice:)

funforsports

Very nice...yes.

LishieFruit89

I like your #4!
I do about an hour a week currently (plan to do more to achieve my running goals that I haven't fully defined yet though)

Ophidion

I really really want to give you a thumbs up but your number 4 is making me cringe.

I think the OP's advice is solid and obviously understands moderation, and as cardio is :cardiovascular exercise. It is not a bad thing to implement. May not be your cup of tea (preference) for exercise but remember for people who are overweight or just starting, walking or taking the stairs could be considered cardio for them and a great place to start.

kbolton322

Thanks for this info... I will put it to good use..

H4rpy

OP, this post was very helpful AND lets me know I'm on the right track with my program. It brightened my day, so thank you! :flowerforyou:

GothyFaery

FINALLY: Losing fat is like trying to dry out a sponge. You can't dry a corner while the rest of it is still wet. You won't magically lose belly fat or thigh fat or any other fat. It will come off where it wants to. Keep working at it! It is possible!

Really love this visualization! It's a perfect metaphor.

84jeepster

How much cardio should I add to compensate for Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta? Would three 30 minutes sessions do it?

BusyRaeNOTBusty

2. Strength training. If you want that toned mid section look you have to put some muscle there. If you just want a nice flat stomach muscle will still help it look tight. You can begin with Strong Lifts, a hypertrophy routine or a strength program from bodybuilding.com (free!). One that includes compound lifts like deadlift, squat, bench press and pull ups will help. Work on increasing the amount of weight you use. When the weight gets heavier you engage your core more and it builds the muscle.

I want to expand on this. It seems some people, especially young women with very little muscle, might even need to go on a bulk to get a "six-pack". They just don't have big enough muscles. They'd have to get dangerously lean for them to show. The better way would be to gain weight (including fat and muscle, but hopefully mostly muscle), then try again to lose the fat and reveal the new pretty muscles.

usmcmp

How much cardio should I add to compensate for Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta? Would three 30 minutes sessions do it?

Depends on how never ending it was for you.

ElliottTN

I really really want to give you a thumbs up but your number 4 is making me cringe.

Yes...this. ^^^

What's your reason for not liking #4? My reply to him is that if diet is on point you don't need much cardio. You can add more, but it isn't necessarily helpful. All good programs should include some cardio. I also said that food logging should be accurate, but it isn't always and doing cardio can help make up for inaccuracy (like going out to eat, the dishes can vary up to 500 calories depending on restaurant).

Jumping back in, so tell me how it is not necessarily helpful.

Please explain that to me?

So go by just the rough average of say 100 cals burned per mile.

Say 10 minute miles (which we could say the average person could pull off)

Say they go for 40 minutes everyday.

That would equate to 400 cals extra burned.

Most people wouldn't come close to burning through their glycogen stores in 45 minutes. Assuming they are not sprinting for 45 minutes. So your precious muscles stay in tact and not used for energy AND you get the added bonus of 400 cals burned.

Oh, let's not forget all the added cardio bonus' you get to enjoy in the gym because of your cardio runs.

What is bizarre is your recommendation really REALLY heavy on the protein macro ratio then scared to death of the cardio monster.

What I find more funny than anything is the fact you have the usmc title in your name and you know damn well you wouldn't have anywhere close to the body you have now without all the fun cardio they made you do.

Other than that, two thumbs up.

Cayjominara

Thank you sir! I'll be sure to post my pimped out, abbed-out (yes! That's my word "ABBED") midsection as soon as I get mine tight and photo worthy! That was quality info. I'm checking out the web link now!

:glasses:

AmyRhubarb

usmcmp

2. Strength training. If you want that toned mid section look you have to put some muscle there. If you just want a nice flat stomach muscle will still help it look tight. You can begin with Strong Lifts, a hypertrophy routine or a strength program from bodybuilding.com (free!). One that includes compound lifts like deadlift, squat, bench press and pull ups will help. Work on increasing the amount of weight you use. When the weight gets heavier you engage your core more and it builds the muscle.

I want to expand on this. It seems some people, especially young women with very little muscle, might even need to go on a bulk to get a "six-pack". They just don't have big enough muscles. They'd have to get dangerously lean for them to show. The better way would be to gain weight (including fat and muscle, but hopefully mostly muscle), then try again to lose the fat and reveal the new pretty muscles.

This is true. If there is not enough volume in the muscles they won't show. Mine show at 20% because they have lots of volume. A great way in my opinion to add volume is heavy squats, deadlifts and front squats. I don't do crunches.

delicious_cocktail

Wow. Thank you so much for this. That is my next goal and I appreciate a reality check on the right mindset.

So much win in this. Thank you incredibly sultry sexy lady!

FIFY.

Bloomboom

This is the kind of information I need. Thanks for it!

BusyRaeNOTBusty

2. Strength training. If you want that toned mid section look you have to put some muscle there. If you just want a nice flat stomach muscle will still help it look tight. You can begin with Strong Lifts, a hypertrophy routine or a strength program from bodybuilding.com (free!). One that includes compound lifts like deadlift, squat, bench press and pull ups will help. Work on increasing the amount of weight you use. When the weight gets heavier you engage your core more and it builds the muscle.

I want to expand on this. It seems some people, especially young women with very little muscle, might even need to go on a bulk to get a "six-pack". They just don't have big enough muscles. They'd have to get dangerously lean for them to show. The better way would be to gain weight (including fat and muscle, but hopefully mostly muscle), then try again to lose the fat and reveal the new pretty muscles.

This is true. If there is not enough volume in the muscles they won't show. Mine show at 20% because they have lots of volume. A great way in my opinion to add volume is heavy squats, deadlifts and front squats. I don't do crunches.

Agreed. I don't do direct ab work either (I don't have a six-pack but I have "abs").

84jeepster

There is a lot of "Sir" talk going on here.

FYI...If you click the OP's name and without even needing to scroll, one can see HER profile and realize that SHE is not a "sir".