Carrying weight around tummy section...advice

Try Jillian Michael's six weeks 6 pack dvd. You can purchase it for $10 at Walmart or Target. That dvd along with some of her other dvd's should help with your problem.

I'm a huge advocate for lifting weights and/or circuit training, plus continuing to work on reducing your high sugar foods. Good luck!

Bumping because I have a bit of an issue there too.

that's where I first started putting on the weight was on my tummy. First on, last off?

Cardio....you can't spot reduce, but if that is where your only extra weight is, I would imagine fat burned would burn from there. Also, ab work outs are fine and all, but don't expect them to do much for the flab over the muscle. Ab work outs primarily work the ab muscles, but you need cardio (and better food choices) to burn the fat on top of the muscle.

You have very similar stats to me, so I understand your struggle.

Here's the deal- you can't spot reduce fat. Your body will lose weight from wherever it wants. I will always have a big booty and thighs because that's where my body likes to keep it. Just how it is.
That being said, you're already at a healthy weight, but are probably just looking to get that long a lean look yes? So here's my advice- lift heavy. Get a tape measure and start taking measurements, and forget the scale, because you'll likely gain weight lifting heavy- but it will be lean muscle! Eat at a moderate deficit or at maintenance and throw some fat burning cardio in there. And no, you won't get bulky.

Trust me. I couldn't get below 130lbs until I started lifting heavy and eating more, and even though my weight started leveling out, I was getting thinner. Now that I can't lift anymore (no more access to a gym) I'm getting less happy with my body because even though my weight, eating, and cardio routine is still similar, I'm losing muscle mass and that sucks.

I have two bits of advice.

First, make sure you have good posture. While this won't get rid of the fat, it will help you look better. Even without belly fat, bad posture can make people look flabby (and can give you back problems and such down the road).

Second, work on building core strength (I'd recommend working the rest of your muscles too). This won't spot-remove fat, but it will improve the look of your body as you lose the fat. Poor muscle tone can make you look flabby, even if you don't have much fat (which is what I'm going through). Also, strong core muscles will make it easier to keep good posture.

I am a guy, so take it or leave it, and I find it's just a gradual process, but I think strength training goes a long way. There are also a lot of different parts to the abs - and the area of (at least on men) fat behind the hip bones - I have noticed it all happens very gradually -

Mixing cardio and strength training has given me the most results - but it's definitely a process...

And I also think the types of calories you are having can make a difference -- if you are eating healthy, "natural" foods I have to believe that that will lead to better results too.

My trainer also reiterated it's generally the last place to "go".

My nutritionist also told me to engage your core even just walking around the street -- making a habit out of it may also yield some results.

Good luck!

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