I have a gut, but can easily see ribs on my chest...

JagerLewis

Good morning all (or afternoon) I'm getting very close to goal weight and now many people are telling me I don't have any to lose. They say it looks like I hit goal awhile ago. The problem is I know I have more to lose because of my horrible gut that sticks out (I'm sucking it in my pic lol), but I have very prominent collar bones and I can see the ribs in my upper chest. I REALLY don't want to look boney by no means, but I still have at least a couple of inches to lose around my waist. Does anyone else have this issue? I know I can't spot reduce, but I'm wondering what I can do to help "balance out". My normal work out is strength training. Thanks in advance!!

madhatter2013

You can't spot reduce. Just keep at it and you'll see results.

ninerbuff

Good morning all (or afternoon) I'm getting very close to goal weight and now many people are telling me I don't have any to lose. They say it looks like I hit goal awhile ago. The problem is I know I have more to lose because of my horrible gut that sticks out (I'm sucking it in my pic lol), but I have very prominent collar bones and I can see the ribs in my upper chest. I REALLY don't want to look boney by no means, but I still have at least a couple of inches to lose around my waist. Does anyone else have this issue? I know I can't spot reduce, but I'm wondering what I can do to help "balance out". My normal work out is strength training. Thanks in advance!!

Based on your photos, I'm estimating that you're still over 20% body fat overall. Usually when you get down to that percentage, a flatter stomach is more prevalent. So you still have some room. Will that affect your collarbones and ribs definition? Possibly.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

kommodevaran

Yes, I noticed today that I'm beginning to look like E.T. :sad:

BigT555

i have a similar situation. you and i just lose fat around our collar bones and ribs first, your stomach will catch up eventually though as now there is less fat around those areas for you body to burn. the most you can do is keep to your deficit

Fit_Fox88

I was concerned about this a while back and my personal trainer said cardio would help reduce the waistline (of course, she wasn't implying it would spot reduce). I'm in training right now for the police dept physical tests and I will say that I've noticed a significant difference in my waist line, love handles etc since I started doing almost daily runs. It won't be fast and it may not work for everyone, but for me that's what worked. Before I got real heavy into my training my left side was smaller than my right but now they are balancing out nicely

_lyndseybrooke_

Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.

happysherri

Yes! I can see my ribs and rib cage in my upper mid section, under my boobs but lower mid section is a pooch. I have had 2 c sections so I know my body is not the same as it once was However I also have seen women that have went thru c - sections and have great abs!

Everyones different. But I will keep trying. :-)

madhatter2013

Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.

WHAT?!? You're perfect! What's this rubbish you're spewing out?

truelypinkthing

Theres quite alot of talk about cutting out wheat/grains to help reduce your belly. Not cutting out carbs obviously that is bad, but not getting them from bread, pasta and other grain based foods. I havent tried it, but have 2 friends who have and it certainly slimmed their bellies down. just a thought.

sculli123

YOu can't really "spot reduce" but if you continue eating right and working out and you'll eventually get there. Not sure if you're lifting wieghts but it will help a lot if you are. Also, your profile says you had two kids which is probably the main reason for what you're having trouble with but you can do it might just take a little longer. Great pics by the way. The black dress one especially!

_lyndseybrooke_

Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.

WHAT?!? You're perfect! What's this rubbish you're spewing out?

You think that because I'm tightening my abs in every picture I have up. haha. You have no clue what this looks like relaxed.

JagerLewis

Thank you all so much! I will keep chugging along, maybe I will consider giving up bread...though I like sandwiches. I will try to add more cardio to the mix as well (I'm trying to fall in love with running again).

mayaysf

oh im in the same boat. I've lost some weight, I have no goal weight, so that's not a problem for me. I have tighten all over my body and my cellulite is almost gone, I can see my ribs and what seems the beginning of baby upper abs.. thanks to 1 round of insanity and 2 months of weight lifting. but my belly is still there. it annoys, it depresses me, it frustrates me seeing my body change for the better and my belly being the SLOWEST to change. it's changing, but SLOWLY. I've really lowered my carbs, even healthy ones, I also lowered my dairy... and I can see a bit of a difference. I've continued with cardio + strength training, and I hope it will continue to change.

notamoment

Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.

WHAT?!? You're perfect! What's this rubbish you're spewing out?

You think that because I'm tightening my abs in every picture I have up. haha. You have no clue what this looks like relaxed.

^^^^^^ i have this same problem im actually really happy to know im not the only one.

GameGirl777

Great post, OP. I have the exact same problem! Almost to my goal weight; seeing ribs but not abs because of this pooch. I think my main problem is beer :drinker:

Let's keep at it! Work hard; eat clean.

Warchortle

I have a wide bone structure and have had a similar problem. Keep lifting and dieting and things should start to proportion out.

stevee290

My legs are huge and rock hard, my arms are skinny and I still have a belly. I'm down 60 pounds and very close to my goal weight I just hope if I keep exercising and eating right everything will balance out in the next year.

JagerLewis

Great post, OP. I have the exact same problem! Almost to my goal weight; seeing ribs but not abs because of this pooch. I think my main problem is beer :drinker:

Let's keep at it! Work hard; eat clean.

Lol! I often sing the song "She's rocking the beer gut" to myself. Lol

jpapp13

Thank you all so much! I will keep chugging along, maybe I will consider giving up bread...though I like sandwiches. I will try to add more cardio to the mix as well (I'm trying to fall in love with running again).

-- I suggest LESS cardio and more weight based training, heavy lifts, etc .. it's all about working your core .. visible ab definition takes time, also eating at a slight deficit MAY help .. I currently eat at maintenance, have calmed down my cardio and lift heavy 2x a week, in 8 weeks I'm definitely noticing a difference in my mid-section..

Good Luck!

usmcmp

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1161603-so-you-want-a-nice-stomach

My stomach is one of the last to go. I've also had two kids (while I was obese). During competition prep I didn't eat clean. I hit my macros and my micros then had treats. I did cut out some stuff my last two weeks to reduce internal bloating and avoid possible water retention, but that's not necessary to get lean enough to have abs or a nice stomach.

Philp0718

I'll repeat what's already been said plenty: spot reducing is impossible, also, stomach fat is always the last to go. However, abs come from eating properly, no matter how many crunches you do! Eat tonnes of veggies, get your protein and keep an eye on your carb & sugar intake.

Eleonora91

Lots of women happen to still have some fat tissue left on their belly even if they're in a great shape overall. You might be one of those people who would need to lose a LOT of fat tissue (and weight) before getting their tummy where they want it to be... which might lead you to dislike other parts of your body unfortunately. It's all about balance, if you feel like there's still space for some improvement, do it. If you feel like you're at a good point and you can bear some "flaws", just enjoy mantaining your new body.
I am personally at the same point with my upper body - it looks okay, but I'm losing all my chest while my thighs are still huge. I'd need to get definitey thin on my upper body to lose enough fat from my lower body!

battybecks

Me too! It's incredibly irritating. I reached my weight loss goal, and my arms are about right, my legs are looking good, my neck is looking scrawny, and my belly is sticking out in a ridiculous way. It looks out of proportion to everything else!

Sooo, I made a new weightloss goal. I'm going to see if the belly's gone in another six pounds.

(What if you COULD spot reduce? How amazing would that be? Let's all just take a moment to imagine that wonderful world ...)

thatjosiegirl

I have the same issues and it has to do with my genetics and body shape. I'm more of a rectangle than an pear/hourglass/apple, so I have a wider rib cage and not a whole lot of waist definition.

Not much you can do except keep losing and eventually it will get better.

spirit095

I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

usmcmp

I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html

spirit095

I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html

I actually meant to say "lift weights" not "light weights" lol. I'm doing Strong Lifts at the moment. My bad, sorry! :embarassed:

usmcmp

I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html

I actually meant to say "lift weights" not "light weights" lol. I'm doing Strong Lifts at the moment. My bad, sorry! :embarassed:

Haha OOPS! There are tons of women who lift light. Glad to hear you lift heavy!

SueInAz

Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.

This! I am the same way (thanks, Dad!). I carry most of my extra weight in my hips and thighs but I definitely have a few inches to lose from my waist. Even at a near overweight BMI my upper rib cage is quite prominent. You can easily see each rib. Not a good look for a 5'3" woman, I assure you.

JagerLewis

You guys are all awesome! Thank you so much! I really enjoy using my own body and dumbbells for strength training...not really so much going to the gym.