getting that flat tummy!

ericadawn92
ericadawn92 Posts: 346 Member
edited January 6 in Motivation and Support
OK, so I started MFP back at the beginning of October and so far have lost 15lbs (maybe more; I weigh in tomorrow) which is great and I'm really excited about it! And I have noticed a change in my appearance and the way my clothes fit. Specifically I know my boobs and butt are a lot smaller (not too thrilled about this, but can't do much about it lol). But overall, I'm pretty sure my BF% has gone down (although I've never calculated it so I can't really *know*).

Anyway, the problem is that I still have stubborn fat sticking around my abdomen. I knooow that everyone deals with it and it's what everyone wants to lose, but my question is: what is the best way to do it? Right now I'm doing cardio every day and eating a calorie deficit (which is how I've lost the weight so far) and also doing a really light ab workout every other day (45 normal sit-ups and 45 bicycle crunches). I haven't started weight training yet but I plan to start over winter break when I have time to come up with a routine and I'll also start doing a more intense ab workout over break (right now I'm busy preparing for finals/completing the semester so I don't have a lot of time to worry about working out every day, so I stick to what I know).

So my questions I guess are: what are the best exercises (cardio or weight training) to specifically lose tummy fat, and is there something I should definitely change about what I'm doing now to lose that fat, or do I just have to be patient and it will eventually come off if I keep losing weight?

One of the huge reasons I decided to join MFP and make it a point to lose weight was to look *really* good in a bikini over spring break/this summer...and I'm fine taking time to reach that goal. Spring break is still months away. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to get myself there.

Replies

  • cmcollins001
    cmcollins001 Posts: 3,472 Member
    Just continue to eat at a deficit and work out. You can not, in any way, shape, or form spot reduce. You will lose the fat when and where your body wants to lose the fat. No way to fix that.
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    You can't spot reduce, unfortunately. All you can do is keep doing what you're doing by controlling calories and weight training!
  • jackieatx
    jackieatx Posts: 578 Member
    I'd love to know as well.. I've lost 22 pounds and I'm not getting the change I.want in my tummy area. I heard limiting carbs works.. I know that I feel much less "fluffy" after eating mostly fruits and protein and limiting wheat based foods.
  • Geni_B
    Geni_B Posts: 64 Member
    You can try the different kind of Plank exercises just look them up on youtube i did and they really helped me. Best Wishes
  • Merrysix
    Merrysix Posts: 336 Member
    For me Pilates and kettle bell workouts along with weight traing and aerobics has given me a flat belly for the first time in my life. Pilates has really changed my posture and shape.
  • ericadawn92
    ericadawn92 Posts: 346 Member
    Thanks for the replies guys! On the one hand, it's nice to hear that I can't spot reduce cause that means that I'm not doing something wrong, but at the same time it's frustrating cause I just want the flab gone haha!

    But I'll try out some plank exercises and maybe some pilates and kettle bell workouts too :)
  • dunlunicor
    dunlunicor Posts: 189 Member
    You can't spot-reduce, but you can look flatter overall based on what you eat. Basically cut back on anything that bloats you. This will depend on you, so I'd do it one thing at a time and see what gives you results, but common things that can cause some bloating - sodium (more of a balance thing with your potassium/magnesium), sugar, wheat or carbs in general, dairy. This won't remove fat, obviously, but I see a HUGE difference when I am not eating dairy - about 2 inches on my waist. Carbs and sodium generally do not bloat me, so find what works best for you.
  • RobynLB
    RobynLB Posts: 617 Member
    If your tummy is where you lose fat last, you might need to get your BF pretty low to get it flat. My tummy doesn't start getting flat until around 18% bf... any higher and I always have that little pooch.
  • cmcollins001
    cmcollins001 Posts: 3,472 Member
    Thanks for the replies guys! On the one hand, it's nice to hear that I can't spot reduce cause that means that I'm not doing something wrong, but at the same time it's frustrating cause I just want the flab gone haha!

    But I'll try out some plank exercises and maybe some pilates and kettle bell workouts too :)

    Kettle bell and planks and ab work outs will help with the end result after the fat is gone, so working out is a good idea. You're doing great, just keep it up and think about the big picture, relax, and just enjoy life. You'll get there.
  • jentarver
    jentarver Posts: 192
    What is your calorie intake?

    Remember its not about the number on the scale. You obviously want the inches, and toning to occur for your desired result.
    You need to work on building all over muscle and strength. Not saying build guns and pecks like Schwarzenegger or China. lol.
    Full body workouts (boot camp style, and some what cross fit like) can help gain all over fitness.

    But its not just that, I did NOT start seeing a difference in my midsection inch wise until I upped my caloriesfrom 1200 to 1700 and literally make it a huge focal point to get at least 120g of protein a day and my daily fiber and of course water water water. I am about to start moving up again in my calories. You are more than welcome to add me on here.

    Or anyone else for that matter :)

    I also blog on here. And share it all.
  • ericadawn92
    ericadawn92 Posts: 346 Member
    What is your calorie intake?

    Remember its not about the number on the scale. You obviously want the inches, and toning to occur for your desired result.
    You need to work on building all over muscle and strength. Not saying build guns and pecks like Schwarzenegger or China. lol.
    Full body workouts (boot camp style, and some what cross fit like) can help gain all over fitness.

    But its not just that, I did NOT start seeing a difference in my midsection inch wise until I upped my caloriesfrom 1200 to 1700 and literally make it a huge focal point to get at least 120g of protein a day and my daily fiber and of course water water water. I am about to start moving up again in my calories. You are more than welcome to add me on here.

    Or anyone else for that matter :)

    I also blog on here. And share it all.

    Thanks for the advice! I'm currently at 1200...but like I said I workout every day so I eat back all the calories I burn working out too. And I was at like 1400 before Thanksgiving...I actually dropped to 1200 after Thanksgiving cause I was worried that I had gained weight over the break. After I weigh in tomorrow and see where I'm at I may decide to go back up to 1400.
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