Exercises to target belly fat loss
Replies
-
I am going to really up my cardio over the next month to burn more calories and not concentrate so much on weight lifting and core work (I will still do some just not as much to give myself time for more cardio). I have good muscle tone and strength but I think I just need to burn more calories to lose the fat. It really comes down to calories in vs calories out. So build your core but also use cardio to burn the calories.0
-
I am going to really up my cardio over the next month to burn more calories and not concentrate so much on weight lifting and core work (I will still do some just not as much to give myself time for more cardio). I have good muscle tone and strength but I think I just need to burn more calories to lose the fat. It really comes down to calories in vs calories out. So build your core but also use cardio to burn the calories.
Dial in your diet. Don't try to out-cardio it. That could be counterproductive as it may make you catabolic.0 -
First, google "wheat belly" and then eliminate wheat glutens and processed sugars from your diet. I know a few people that have targeted belly fat just by eliminating wheat and glutens from their diet.
Second, any exercise that will strenghten your core will help.
Unfortunately, we don't have a choice where our bodies melt the fat from. Just be satisfied knowing that you are loosing fat.
Hope this helps,
Linda0 -
Could you please explain HIIT cardio?
Thank you!
Team BeachBody.com
For HIIT check out Insanity & Les Mills Combat for starters. There are others as well. Enjoy!
You don't have to buy a program, but I do use a tabata timer. I blog my tabata hiit, here's one: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/allabtlm/view/5-16-2012-kick-butt-tabata-260567
my tabatas are 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds (for a total of 4 minutes per exercise) go as hard as you can go when you're on and rest (not active rest) when you're off.
When I'm doing speed work on a treadmill I do active rest, so 30 - 45 seconds all out and 15 - 20 seconds walking. If I'm doing this I do it for a maximum of 20 minutes (mainly because I get bored and the treadmill hurts my legs).
If you would like a free routine to follow check out Fitnessblender.com (or search "fitnessblender" on youtube)
They have a tone of free videos, several of which are HIIT routines
Here's one, it is kind of long & tough but if that is what you are looking for it'll burn a lot of cals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocWjGpBrTjg
they have others of varying lengths & intensity if this one is not quite what you are looking for. For instance, this one is about 20 mins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpeN0xX1VVg0 -
I find that by changing up my exercises really helps. What single exercise seems to help me the most? Walking up the stars. My office is on the third floor and as of January 1st stopped taking the elevator. I keep score each day of how many trips up the stairs I take. I have noticed a trend. The more times I walk up the stars the more weight I lose. I don't count it in my exercises. I consider it to be a natural part of life.0
-
First, google "wheat belly" and then eliminate wheat glutens and processed sugars from your diet. I know a few people that have targeted belly fat just by eliminating wheat and glutens from their diet.
Second, any exercise that will strenghten your core will help.
Unfortunately, we don't have a choice where our bodies melt the fat from. Just be satisfied knowing that you are loosing fat.
Hope this helps,
Linda
Eliminating wheat will do nothing to target body fat. And it will not help anyone unless they have a gluten allergy. Even eliminating processed sugars won't improve fat loss, it's all about a deficit. You can eliminate process sugars for health reasons but it won't improve fat loss to any area.0 -
Everything I've been reading says heavy lifting is the best way to burn fat - and I see implications that weight lifting burns abdominal fat more efficiently than cardo exercise (although I am not sure this is true).
I used to just run - But today I am beginning a 6 month heavy lifing program to see if I can finally be rid of my squishy middle. Hoping it will work!!0 -
Here's what I am going to say to this....
Everyone has a different body type, different places where fat tends to deposit.
So, since my fat tends to go to my belly - if I start to lose fat, I will see a difference in my belly usually first.
To help this reduction in fat, to be more visible.. I do toning and strengthening exercises that target the belly and then I see the results faster. (Note... I don't lose fat faster... I see the results faster....it is more visible with toning and strengthening in the area.)
Oh and your belly muscles will hurt like hell.... These work for me...
I lay on my back, with my hands under my bum for support and then I do leg lifts - one.. then the other....then both...it is hardest and most effective when the legs are straight. Another way, is for me to lay on my back and have my legs straight up in the air..(hands under the bum for support) .then my daughter will stand behind me...over my head, facing my feet, and then she pushes my feet & legs straight down to the ground.... I have to use all my belly strength to raise my legs straight back up (no leg bending) . Then she pushes the legs down again...It's tough and fun to have my daughter help me. (I have seen athletes do this on my son's football team and their abs are like rocks. Good Luck.0 -
Could you please explain HIIT cardio?
Thank you!
Team BeachBody.com
For HIIT check out Insanity & Les Mills Combat for starters. There are others as well. Enjoy!
You don't have to buy a program, but I do use a tabata timer. I blog my tabata hiit, here's one: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/allabtlm/view/5-16-2012-kick-butt-tabata-260567
my tabatas are 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds (for a total of 4 minutes per exercise) go as hard as you can go when you're on and rest (not active rest) when you're off.
When I'm doing speed work on a treadmill I do active rest, so 30 - 45 seconds all out and 15 - 20 seconds walking. If I'm doing this I do it for a maximum of 20 minutes (mainly because I get bored and the treadmill hurts my legs).
True. You dont have to buy anything. But for most people without a clue, it sure makes it easy. And the people complain about how expensive things are are dillusional. They probably have already wasted much more $$$ on other things that have got them nowhere. (eg Gym Memberships, Deal a Meal)
Its funny you reference Rockstar jumps and 1-2-3 Heismans in your tabata link. (P90x/Insanity) I would have to say that most people not familiar with working out would have no clue what these things are and would need a fair amount of explaining. Which is why for the majority of people watching a video is much easier. Monkey see, monkey do. :happy:0 -
Everything I've been reading says heavy lifting is the best way to burn fat - and I see implications that weight lifting burns abdominal fat more efficiently than cardo exercise (although I am not sure this is true).
I used to just run - But today I am beginning a 6 month heavy lifing program to see if I can finally be rid of my squishy middle. Hoping it will work!!
A calorie deficit is the best way to burn fat. HIIT would probably come second. If by heavy lifting you mean "become an accomplished body builder," then yes, that will burn fat. A worthy goal, it's just important to understand the dedication it will take going in. A high rep, low weight workout a few times a week isn't going to make much of a dent. Neither will doing only bench press and looking in the mirror a lot.
Edited to add I am not saying that you are going to do that, it was intended as a general comment.0 -
Thanks everyone for the advice. Does anyone know any good workout routines (like jillian michaels abs) I could ad in?0
-
Could you please explain HIIT cardio?
Thank you!
Team BeachBody.com
For HIIT check out Insanity & Les Mills Combat for starters. There are others as well. Enjoy!
You don't have to buy a program, but I do use a tabata timer. I blog my tabata hiit, here's one: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/allabtlm/view/5-16-2012-kick-butt-tabata-260567
my tabatas are 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds (for a total of 4 minutes per exercise) go as hard as you can go when you're on and rest (not active rest) when you're off.
When I'm doing speed work on a treadmill I do active rest, so 30 - 45 seconds all out and 15 - 20 seconds walking. If I'm doing this I do it for a maximum of 20 minutes (mainly because I get bored and the treadmill hurts my legs).
True. You dont have to buy anything. But for most people without a clue, it sure makes it easy. And the people complain about how expensive things are are dillusional. They probably have already wasted much more $$$ on other things that have got them nowhere. (eg Gym Memberships, Deal a Meal)
Its funny you reference Rockstar jumps and 1-2-3 Heismans in your tabata link. (P90x/Insanity) I would have to say that most people not familiar with working out would have no clue what these things are and would need a fair amount of explaining. Which is why for the majority of people watching a video is much easier. Monkey see, monkey do. :happy:
If you think that BB programs trademarked those terms you'd be mistaken, that would be like saying the Gilead was the originator of the curtsey lunge and Jane Fonda was the first person to do a leg lift. Also, I didn't complain about the cost, I just suggested that purchasing a program is unnecessary, especially since you can get some really great workouts on youtube if you prefer videos or just by putting a question into google . . . or even by posting a question here.
I don't hate BB (my opinion on about 90% of the "coaches" on the other hand I'll leave to myself), as a Group Ex instructor (Les Mills Pump, Les Mills Step, and free style classes including tabata and core) I think that it's a great distribution machine when groups don't have the distribution power (like Les Mills) but the know how to get the job done and if that's the route a person wants to go there are some really good programs down that path . . . it's just not the only path.0 -
0
-
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.0
-
If everyone knows that you can't spot reduce, why do some keep recommending ab workouts? It doesn't burn much fat, and it doesn't help with the OP's goal to reduce the belly. From all I've heard it's mostly a waste of time. I'm open to reading any convincing evidence to the contrary.0
-
Everything I've been reading says heavy lifting is the best way to burn fat - and I see implications that weight lifting burns abdominal fat more efficiently than cardo exercise (although I am not sure this is true).
I used to just run - But today I am beginning a 6 month heavy lifing program to see if I can finally be rid of my squishy middle. Hoping it will work!!
A calorie deficit is the best way to burn fat. HIIT would probably come second. If by heavy lifting you mean "become an accomplished body builder," then yes, that will burn fat. A worthy goal, it's just important to understand the dedication it will take going in. A high rep, low weight workout a few times a week isn't going to make much of a dent. Neither will doing only bench press and looking in the mirror a lot.
Edited to add I am not saying that you are going to do that, it was intended as a general comment.
There is a middle ground here - where people do heavy compound lifting, using programs like Strong Lifts, Starting Strength, Wendler, and NROLFW and lose weight and fat without becoming "accomplished body builders".0 -
Everything I've been reading says heavy lifting is the best way to burn fat - and I see implications that weight lifting burns abdominal fat more efficiently than cardo exercise (although I am not sure this is true).
I used to just run - But today I am beginning a 6 month heavy lifing program to see if I can finally be rid of my squishy middle. Hoping it will work!!
A calorie deficit is the best way to burn fat. HIIT would probably come second. If by heavy lifting you mean "become an accomplished body builder," then yes, that will burn fat. A worthy goal, it's just important to understand the dedication it will take going in. A high rep, low weight workout a few times a week isn't going to make much of a dent. Neither will doing only bench press and looking in the mirror a lot.
Edited to add I am not saying that you are going to do that, it was intended as a general comment.
There is a middle ground here - where people do heavy compound lifting, using programs like Strong Lifts, Starting Strength, Wendler, and NROLFW and lose weight and fat without becoming "accomplished body builders".
If you sctrictly follow Starting Strength (and the others I assume) you are an accomplished body builder. If you play around with weights a few times a week, you're not. The later is more common than the former. That's all I'm saying.0 -
Everything I've been reading says heavy lifting is the best way to burn fat - and I see implications that weight lifting burns abdominal fat more efficiently than cardo exercise (although I am not sure this is true).
I used to just run - But today I am beginning a 6 month heavy lifing program to see if I can finally be rid of my squishy middle. Hoping it will work!!
A calorie deficit is the best way to burn fat. HIIT would probably come second. If by heavy lifting you mean "become an accomplished body builder," then yes, that will burn fat. A worthy goal, it's just important to understand the dedication it will take going in. A high rep, low weight workout a few times a week isn't going to make much of a dent. Neither will doing only bench press and looking in the mirror a lot.
Edited to add I am not saying that you are going to do that, it was intended as a general comment.
There is a middle ground here - where people do heavy compound lifting, using programs like Strong Lifts, Starting Strength, Wendler, and NROLFW and lose weight and fat without becoming "accomplished body builders".
If you sctrictly follow Starting Strength (and the others I assume) you are an accomplished body builder. If you play around with weights a few times a week, you're not. The later is more common than the former. That's all I'm saying.
Well, Yay! I'm an accomplished body builder then. WHOO-HOO!!0 -
Okay first off I KNOW there's no such thing as spot reduction! I know there's no exercise to specifically burn belly fat and that diet is the main issue to lose belly fat along with cardio. That's not what I'm asking. I wanna know different exercises that are known, or you do, that are great for losing belly fat.
Um, you realize that in 3 sentences you managed to make a correct statement and then totally contradict yourself, right?
The best exercise I know to lose belly fat goes like this: open cupboard door, remove food scale, portion food, scan into mfp app, repeat until daily goals are met.
^^^^this- great abs are made in the kitchen honey.0 -
Great you know you cannot spot reduce, so I suggest in addition to decreasing bad carbs some exercises my trainer had me do to work on my core:
1. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent and touch the bottom of your feet together so your knees are outward (simial to a frog) thenperform sets of 10 crunches.
2. Using the same position as above alternate your elbow to your opposite knee.
3.On your back with knees bent pull your elbows to your knees (traditional crunch), and then alternate sides.
4. Planks0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
Exactly0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
No. It was straightforward. There was nothing to read into or "turn around".0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
Disagreeing with someone doesn't mean it's negative or intended to hurt the OP. And many of the responses were 100%. You can NOT target body fat and only a constant calorie deficit will help you achieve abs. While it's easy to read out of context when someone says, I know you can't spot reduce but.... You have to understand where we are all coming from.
Also have you ever heard... "I don't mean to insult you but.... " Isn't it always an insult that follows it?0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
No. It was straightforward. There was nothing to read into or "turn around".
Bull. A lot of people on here have holier - than - thou attitudes , and they come off as just plain rude.0 -
To tighten abs --- planking.
To lose belly fat --- diet
This.0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
No. It was straightforward. There was nothing to read into or "turn around".
Bull. A lot of people on here have holier - than - thou attitudes , and they come off as just plain rude.
Like you, for instance0 -
WOW! I thought all this was to help out others and instead its all negativity about the one who posted the topic. Glad I dont have any of you on my friends list. I think it was an awesome topic and I understand wheres shes coming from but looks like everyone read into it way to much and turned it all around. People shouldnt comment if all you have to say is negative stuff.
No. It was straightforward. There was nothing to read into or "turn around".
Bull. A lot of people on here have holier - than - thou attitudes , and they come off as just plain rude.
Like you, for instance
That is so ridiculous...care to explain?0 -
That is so ridiculous...care to explain?
"I know you can't spot reduce (i.e. I know you can't target a location for fat loss) but what exercises target belly fat loss (it's in the thread title)"
"You can't, eat right and exercise"
"Why do people have to turn around what you say and be such a**es about everything"
"ummmmmm"0 -
I have that same problem area and haven't tried this yet, so I don't know if it works. I just finished listening to the presentation from the link at the top of this page to "5 Foods never to Eat." It is an advertisement for an eating program, but it has some very good advise with the scientific explanation behind why it works. They say that you shouldn't eat things like muffins, whole wheat bread, orange juice, pasta, some cereals, etc. because they turn into sugar when they are digested. They said to stay away from all processed foods and stick to one ingredient foods, like steak, chicken, sweet potatoes (but they did say add a little butter and cinnamon to it), fruits, vegetables, breads made with sprouted grain or rice, nuts, rice, etc. They also said something about eating fats is not all bad, either, you just have to choose the right fats, like olive oil, eggs, nuts, etc., and they will actually help you lose fat. I can't repeat exactly why they said it works, but they said that if you choose the right foods, stop counting calories, eat enough of these foods to keep you from being hungry (as long as you don't go overboard), you will actually lose fat. I'm going to try it and will let you know if it works. I also watched a Dr. Oz segment about taking 100 mg of raspberry ketones, and it somehow tricks your body into thinking it is thin and increases your metabolism and decreases your fat. Again, I don't know if it works, but I am going to try it along with eating good foods and exercising, which is what he recommends. It isn't a miracle pill and should be taken with good diet and exercise. I know you asked for exercises, but I think with good diet and exercise in general, you should lose inches over your entire body. I hope so anyway!0
-
Elbow-to-Knee Twisting (or Bicycle Crunch) and The Reverse Crunch are very effective! I personally find Planking difficult but if you can do those, there are all sorts of Planks that can be done to tone the core. Good luck!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions