Stomach Muscle(s) and Cardio

RunningTowardsFit
RunningTowardsFit Posts: 81
in Health and Weight Loss
A few issues I have run across using MFP.
1. Sometimes I just do more cardio so I can eat more, when in fact, I should be working more on my muscle strength and toning, but I think that it does not burn enough calories.
2. I really want stomach definition for my abs, just less fat in the stomach area.

Any suggestions or ways to think about this?

Replies

  • Crazy4Healthy
    Crazy4Healthy Posts: 626 Member
    Cardio might burn more in the moment, but having more muscle will burn more cals all day long. You can still do cardio, but good strength training will help maintain muscle and allow you to burn more throughout the day.
  • LoveMyLife_NYC
    LoveMyLife_NYC Posts: 230 Member
    Lifting heavy and building muscle helps to burn fat even when you are not working out. Also, cardio can be great for fat loss if you do it right. Try interval training a few times a week. Your heart will work harder. If you like running, try sprinting for a minute or two, then doing a slow jog for a minute or two. Go back and forth for 20-30 minutes. You won't be able to work out for as long, but it'll force your body to change and adapt to the stress you're putting on it.

    Check this success story that was posted today. She lifts... no cardio. And she has made AMAZING progress.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/903628-one-year-of-barbells-and-ice-cream-my-story-so-far-pics
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Do both. Lift weights 3 x a week, add short 20 - 30 minute sessions after your lifting and throw some HIIT in on other days. Lifting burns calories to and is important also ensure your weight loss is not also LBM.

    Lolz...just notice above post - thank you.
  • LoveMyLife_NYC
    LoveMyLife_NYC Posts: 230 Member
    O hi, Sara. I just quoted your story cause you are awesome!:flowerforyou:
  • Pcabral87
    Pcabral87 Posts: 2 Member
    I would recommend doing cardio that engages your ab muscles. Working on an elliptical burns a lot of calories and you can engage your core while doing it.

    You could also do some ab exercises right after cardio to maximize the workout. The Nike Training Club app has a lot of great ab workouts that really make you sweat! I usually do a 15 minute set after cardio, it burns more calories than if you did no cardio before.
  • RunningTowardsFit
    RunningTowardsFit Posts: 81
    Do both. Lift weights 3 x a week, add short 20 - 30 minute sessions after your lifting and throw some HIIT in on other days. Lifting burns calories to and is important also ensure your weight loss is not also LBM.

    Lolz...just notice above post - thank you.

    Thank you! And thank you for sharing your story.

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