My invisible flat stomach
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Have you ever considered that having a completely flat stomach means absolutely nothing? You look great, but you're chasing an image that isn't realistic (or ideal) for everyone.
There is actually truth in this.
Having a flat belly means you only have a flat belly.
It won't make you happier person - just a person with a belly and maybe ab's! :bigsmile:
It will make me happy for the pure fact i know i've worked my *kitten* off for it and deserve it
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You're body doesn't get used to exercise. Why would it?
Uh yes it does. Your body gets used to a certain exercise and it stops being as effective for weight loss. It's why you need to change it up so often.
It isn't really that your body got used to the exercise, it's that it got more proficient at it. Doing another exercise of the same intesity might use different muscles, but it won't burn more calories. To burn more calories you need to increase intesity.0 -
You probably have what i have. A flat tummy but loose skin giving the same appears as if it was fat. Keep strengthening your core but try focusing on more oblique exercises. People tend to forget to work those muscles. Keep eating clean foods and you will start to notice change. Beware, it does take a long time.
Why do oblique exercises? Do you want to appear wider?
Matt, I have a lot of respect for you and the results you get but I do wish you wouldn't post stuff like this without explaining, 99% of us on here are fitness newbs. ;-) x0 -
I think we've stumbled onto my favorite topic. Having a tight mid section or 6 pack is a pretty big deal. It takes a lot of disciple to get get there. Most workouts are one hour or so. We sleep 8 hours leaving us about 15 hours/day to be discipled in pursuit of our goals. Many choose to be undisciplined for those 15 hours. Abs/flat stomachs are products of nutrition/diet.
The best I've had recently was a 1.5 pack last October. I'm making a run at a 4+ pack for this July.0 -
It will make me happy for the pure fact i know i've worked my *kitten* off for it and deserve it
Also please realize that if you have to work really hard for a flat belly, you'll have to work really hard to maintain it. You don't just get to sit back and enjoy looking at your six pack LOL... I learned this the hard way. If I want to keep a flat stomach, it will mean being vigilant about very strict eating for the rest of my life. Took me some time to realize that a small amount of fat on my stomach is fine, that no one else on earth cares except for me, and it means I can eat like a normal human being rather than a baby bird :P
It's 99% diet and 1% exercise.0 -
Well if you run a mile every day, the first time you do it, it will be hard. The 50th time you do it, it will be a breeze because your body got stronger. The same exercises don't provide the same challenge once you've gotten strong enough to do them...
So you increase the intensity. Nothing wrong with the exercise.
Make sense?0 -
You're body doesn't get used to exercise. Why would it?
Uh yes it does. Your body gets used to a certain exercise and it stops being as effective for weight loss. It's why you need to change it up so often.
Really. Care to explain how that works? I use the same week in, week out, so do my guys.
The only reason to change things up is if your muscle grows and needs greater stresses to break it down which may involve a greater pace, not a change of machinery/equipment..I'm complaining because i'm sick of working hard and not getting the results i want.
I can give you the keys. I'm not blunt Jade, I'm just not telling you what you want to hear. I don't wish to come across as abrasive and I'm sorry if you feel that. I can get the results, all my guys and gals get the results.
Well if you run a mile every day, the first time you do it, it will be hard. The 50th time you do it, it will be a breeze because your body got stronger. The same exercises don't provide the same challenge once you've gotten strong enough to do them...
It's only a breeze to run that same mile taking the same amount of time. There's always room for improvement on your speed. Any "repetitive" workout is effective as long as you push yourself to do it better, faster.0 -
Matt, I have a lot of respect for you and the results you get but I do wish you wouldn't post stuff like this without explaining, 99% of us on here are fitness newbs. ;-) x
Ok, think about muscle. It grows outwards, thicker.
If you develop thick obliques, you will by the very nature the muscle on the side of your body, look thicker! Look at the diagram below - if you make the purple bits thicker, which direction will they go? Outwards!
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Ah, I get it - that explains why lots of lean trainers (Jillian / Chalene etc) have very wide waists despite the visible muscle.0
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It will make me happy for the pure fact i know i've worked my *kitten* off for it and deserve it
Also please realize that if you have to work really hard for a flat belly, you'll have to work really hard to maintain it. You don't just get to sit back and enjoy looking at your six pack LOL... I learned this the hard way. If I want to keep a flat stomach, it will mean being vigilant about constant exercise and very strict eating for the rest of my life. Took me some time to realize that a small amount of fat on my stomach is fine, that no one else on earth cares except for me, and it means I can eat like a normal human being rather than a baby bird :P
That is obvious. I'm not naive. I know it's going to take a lot and once i start there's no going back, i'm not going to just eat right and exercise until i get the stomach i want and then give up-do nothing and eat crap, it's something i'm willing to do for the rest of my life or until something happens where by i can't continue.0 -
That is obvious. I'm not naive.
jesus christ I'm sorry0 -
That is obvious. I'm not naive. I know it's going to take a lot and once i start there's no going back, i'm not going to just eat right and exercise until i get the stomach i want and then give up-do nothing and eat crap, it's something i'm willing to do for the rest of my life or until something happens where by i can't continue.
I love this outlook. First class a*** way to look at it.0 -
That is obvious. I'm not naive. I know it's going to take a lot and once i start there's no going back, i'm not going to just eat right and exercise until i get the stomach i want and then give up-do nothing and eat crap, it's something i'm willing to do for the rest of my life or until something happens where by i can't continue.
I love this outlook. First class a*** way to look at it.
That a bad thing? Maybe i worded that wrong...
eta: yep that's a bad thing lol0 -
With respect to the diet suggestion made in this thread, are you talking about reaching certain macros or are you referring to completely (or mostly) eliminating certain foods?
re-quoting myself in hopes of receiving an answer from Matt...sorry for being so pushy0 -
Ah, I get it - that explains why lots of lean trainers (Jillian / Chalene etc) have very wide waists despite the visible muscle.
Most BBers avoid it for this very reason. Also squats and deadlifts etc hammer the core and so you don't need hit them much directly if at all.
In this photo below i'd done about half a dozen sessions before the comp:
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With respect to the diet suggestion made in this thread, are you talking about reaching certain macros or are you referring to completely (or mostly) eliminating certain foods?
re-quoting myself in hopes of receiving an answer from Matt...sorry for being so pushy
I use fairly set diets but that allow a good mix. Message me and i'll give you more details!0 -
That is obvious. I'm not naive. I know it's going to take a lot and once i start there's no going back, i'm not going to just eat right and exercise until i get the stomach i want and then give up-do nothing and eat crap, it's something i'm willing to do for the rest of my life or until something happens where by i can't continue.
I love this outlook. First class a*** way to look at it.
That a bad thing? Maybe i worded that wrong...
eta: yep that's a bad thing lol
LOL no, a triple star. Not a diet, but a life style. Thats what it is.0 -
If you aren't willing to change what needs to be changed you can always get a tummy tuck.
(edit)assuming that's your picture you do look fantastic)
Why would i have gone to all of this effort to start getting myself into shape then just take the easy option and get a tummy tuck when things get tough? Sorry but that is ridiculous. And i never said i'm not willing to change, all i've said is i dont want to give up everything that i like eating.
That's my sarcasm, sorry if you didn't get it. :frown: I wasn't actually suggesting a tummy tuck.
Besides, you are a woman, your tummy is already as flat as it will naturally be (which looks fantastic).
But If that's not good enough for you & you want that "model" flat you'll have to take a look at the lean folks with flat abs, & or 6 pack abs, they made a choice to cut body fat %. Your diet (not a temporary diet) is a huge part of lowering your bf% and you will need to make adjustments for the results you're looking for. (Which most likely will include giving up things you don't want to give up)
Good luck with it & I hope you find the advice you're looking for.
PS>Looking @Matt_Wild's picture I think he might know a bit about lowering bf%0 -
That is obvious. I'm not naive. I know it's going to take a lot and once i start there's no going back, i'm not going to just eat right and exercise until i get the stomach i want and then give up-do nothing and eat crap, it's something i'm willing to do for the rest of my life or until something happens where by i can't continue.
I love this outlook. First class a*** way to look at it.
That a bad thing? Maybe i worded that wrong...
eta: yep that's a bad thing lol
LOL no, a triple star. Not a diet, but a life style. Thats what it is.
*phew* panicked a bit then! Thought you was calling me an *kitten* LOL!!0 -
LOL - not a first class a r s e way to look at it or similar - a triple star. To stay lean all the time it IS life style. You can't eat 3000 calories regularly as someone who doesn't train seriously and expect to stay lean! (ps not directed at ANYONE).0
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With respect to the diet suggestion made in this thread, are you talking about reaching certain macros or are you referring to completely (or mostly) eliminating certain foods?
re-quoting myself in hopes of receiving an answer from Matt...sorry for being so pushy
I use fairly set diets but that allow a good mix. Message me and i'll give you more details!
Ooh Matt message me about this! 0 -
LOL - not a first class a r s e way to look at it or similar - a triple star. To stay lean all the time it IS life style. You can't eat 3000 calories regularly as someone who doesn't train seriously and expect to stay lean! (ps not directed at ANYONE).
:bigsmile:0 -
Will do - I've had about a dozen emails about this gals so please give me the rest of the day to get back to you all - genuinely need to sit down and chat with you all via the messaging system so I can see if I can help you one by one! 0
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I think you look amazing, but I completely understand the want for more, especially when you've been working so hard. I do TurboFire... one of the comments Chalene Johnson says during the ab workout is that you can workout your abs as much as you want, but if you don't make a change in the kitchen, you will always have that layer of fat covering up the muscle. It's really just up to what you are willing to give up in order to get what you want. :-) Best of luck to you and keep up the great work! Don't let being discouraged keep you from continuing to work hard!0
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Will do - I've had about a dozen emails about this gals so please give me the rest of the day to get back to you all - genuinely need to sit down and chat with you all via the messaging system so I can see if I can help you one by one!
Okie Dokie thankya, there's no rush. I can wait 0 -
I'll be messaging you too but I can wait a few days. :-)0
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You probably have what i have. A flat tummy but loose skin giving the same appears as if it was fat. Keep strengthening your core but try focusing on more oblique exercises. People tend to forget to work those muscles. Keep eating clean foods and you will start to notice change. Beware, it does take a long time.
Why do oblique exercises? Do you want to appear wider?
so you say never target the oblique? I've found from personal experience that by targeting my obliques I've been able to tighten the loose skin around my muffin top area. I have found that crunches have given me nice definition to my upper abs and sit ups have tightened my pouch. i only strength train 2 days a week so i will never develope the same muscle build as a body builder. Google Danica Patricks bikini shots that's the figure im trying to go for and with my method it seems to be working for me.0 -
Will do - I've had about a dozen emails about this gals so please give me the rest of the day to get back to you all - genuinely need to sit down and chat with you all via the messaging system so I can see if I can help you one by one!
Thank you!!! Highly appreciated!0
This discussion has been closed.
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