How to get a flat stomach? - do I need to lose more fat?
tonia_xo
Posts: 8 Member
Hi, I weigh 126 pounds/ 9 stone, I'm 5'9" and have a BMI of 18.5. I've lost weight recently but am still not happy with the way my stomach looks. I am wondering how exactly I need to go about getting a flat stomach? Whether I still need to lose more fat or just concentrate on training my abs. Thank you 
here are some pics so you can see my stomach:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/Farmville_pics/image-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/Farmville_pics/image.jpg
here are some pics so you can see my stomach:http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/Farmville_pics/image-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/Farmville_pics/image.jpg
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Replies
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I think your stomach looks pretty svelt. Just keep up with the deficit, exercise/lift and you'll get there.0 -
Your stomach looks like mine. I had 2 c-sections in the past 6 years and can't get rid of my stomach. I think yours looks better then mine does as I have that great c-section fold under scar. I am hoping you get some good advice here.0
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Ooh thanks for getting the pics up I'm new to this so wasn't sure how to do it other than post the links! 0
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I started with pushups and REALLY saw a difference. At first it's hard, and then it becomes easier to do them. I have since added a lot of strength training and have seen more results. I never would have guessed that I would have seen the results I have (I have 3 kids: 5.5, 3, and 23 mos).0
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It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".0
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It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
Why no? She doesn't have excess fat really, that's more of lack of good strong core muscles to hold her abdomen in. Weight training and core exercises will help a lot. You may not end up with a six pack but good core muscles are essential for anyone.0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
What the.....???
OP, ignore this. ALL of it.0 -
Am I the only one who think's the OP's stomach looks pretty damn flat?! From the side it just looks like she was breathing out...0
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i think the tummy looks great!0
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Am I the only one who think's the OP's stomach looks pretty damn flat?! From the side it just looks like she was breathing out...
I definitely wasn't breathing out! Wish I was haha:) breathing in if anything!0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
Why no? She doesn't have excess fat really, that's more of lack of good strong core muscles to hold her abdomen in. Weight training and core exercises will help a lot. You may not end up with a six pack but good core muscles are essential for anyone.
That's not what I'm "no"ing. That's beneficial advice for anyone.
It's the douchey way they went about giving advice. Makes it sound like the OP has an impossible task ahead of her to lose a pooch that I honestly don't see as a 'pooch.' And getting your ideal body is not just about losing weight. Just sayin'.
Bolded for emphasis.
ETA: OP, I think you're looking pretty good. I can understand if you want to focus more on fat loss for overall health (in which case, you don't seem to have too much of) that would be understandable. As far as how flat or not flat your tummy may look to you, I think you're looking too far into it. 0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
What the.....???
OP, ignore this. ALL of it.
^^This.0 -
Pilates is great for core work. Great, great, great.0
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It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
What exactly can you possibly diagree with in my post. Was it the reccomendation of healthy eating, the suggestion that exercise and diet are a lifelong journey, or the implamentation of weight training and core exercises? If you're going to so strongly disagree with something, at least give an explanation.0 -
You look to be in about the 22%-24% body fat range (based on what I see in the pics, could be higher). Lowering body fat % would help as well as "hardening" up you body a little with some good core work.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
30 Day Shred helped tighten up my abdominal muscles. It's $8-9 depending on where you go and I think lvl1 is on youtube if you want to test it out. It helped me. My b/f noticed a difference around the 10 day mark.0
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It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
Why no? She doesn't have excess fat really, that's more of lack of good strong core muscles to hold her abdomen in. Weight training and core exercises will help a lot. You may not end up with a six pack but good core muscles are essential for anyone.
That's not what I'm "no"ing. That's beneficial advice for anyone.
It's the douchey way they went about giving advice. Makes it sound like the OP has an impossible task ahead of her to lose a pooch that I honestly don't see as a 'pooch.'
Bolded for emphasis.
Ok yeah, it did come off a bit strange. Definitely not an impossible task, the hard part is already done. I think the OP would be happy with a bit more definition of muscle. I do agree that you have to learn to live with some "flaws", I have the pooch and nothing has made it completely go away but I don't want to wear a bikini either!0 -
30 Day Shred helped tighten up my abdominal muscles. It's $8-9 depending on where you go and I think lvl1 is on youtube if you want to test it out. It helped me. My b/f noticed a difference around the 10 day mark.
You can find all of the Jillian Michaels workout videos on YouTube for free!! All the ones I've tried have really helped with my core, which is where I also need the most work.0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
Info is good. Delivery sucks.
OP...I know you see something wrong with your belly, but I think it is really cute!!0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
Info is good. Delivery sucks.
OP...I know you see something wrong with your belly, but I think it is really cute!!
YEAH! That!
Sorry, I haven't had my coffee. Maybe I'm hangry.
I'mma go work out now. Toodles.0 -
It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
Why no? She doesn't have excess fat really, that's more of lack of good strong core muscles to hold her abdomen in. Weight training and core exercises will help a lot. You may not end up with a six pack but good core muscles are essential for anyone.
That's not what I'm "no"ing. That's beneficial advice for anyone.
It's the douchey way they went about giving advice. Makes it sound like the OP has an impossible task ahead of her to lose a pooch that I honestly don't see as a 'pooch.' And getting your ideal body is not just about losing weight. Just sayin'.
Bolded for emphasis.
ETA: OP, I think you're looking pretty good. I can understand if you want to focus more on fat loss for overall health (in which case, you don't seem to have too much of) that would be understandable. As far as how flat or not flat your tummy may look to you, I think you're looking too far into it.
Of course, we all know that she is already thin. She is in a position where she is now looking to change her musculature and create a strong core that transforms the way she holds her posture and form. It is very difficult task. Not an impossoible one. But for those of you saying that you don't see it as a problem, you're stomach looks great as it is, that's not what she's looking for, and until you get into a position where you are thin and looking to transform your shape, you can't really understand.0 -
I used to have the same problem - I blame bloating. I had that little pooch when I was eating high carb/high sodium foods. Now that I've cut way back on those, the tummy is flattening.
If you can grab it all in your hands then I guess it's fat and you need to work on lowering your BF %. If it feels hard under the skin, definitely bloating.
That's my take anyway.0 -
Ugh same here. I'm down to 100 pounds and still can't get my stomach flat...0
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OP--what is your physical activity like? Do you exercise?0
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It seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".
No.
Just...no.
Why no? She doesn't have excess fat really, that's more of lack of good strong core muscles to hold her abdomen in. Weight training and core exercises will help a lot. You may not end up with a six pack but good core muscles are essential for anyone.
That's not what I'm "no"ing. That's beneficial advice for anyone.
It's the douchey way they went about giving advice. Makes it sound like the OP has an impossible task ahead of her to lose a pooch that I honestly don't see as a 'pooch.' And getting your ideal body is not just about losing weight. Just sayin'.
Bolded for emphasis.
ETA: OP, I think you're looking pretty good. I can understand if you want to focus more on fat loss for overall health (in which case, you don't seem to have too much of) that would be understandable. As far as how flat or not flat your tummy may look to you, I think you're looking too far into it.
Of course, we all know that she is already thin. She is in a position where she is now looking to change her musculature and create a strong core that transforms the way she holds her posture and form. It is very difficult task. Not an impossoible one. But for those of you saying that you don't see it as a problem, you're stomach looks great as it is, that's not what she's looking for, and until you get into a position where you are thin and looking to transform your shape, you can't really understand.
Oh. Well thanks for educating us. :laugh:0 -
The main message I'm reading here, (other than you look great!) is that you should do strength training. You've done the cardio to get the fat down, now build up the muscle. Keep doing cardio to maintain, but if you focus more on the strengthening your core (and the rest of you) your body will start taking on the shape I think you're looking for. Give it patience and time, tho.0
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I was doing lots of cardio before, perhaps too much when I was really trying to lose the fat. I started doing an hour a day 6 days a week, then 30 minutes 6 days a week, and now it's like 20 minutes 3-4 times a week (I've gotten lazy!). I walk at least 30 mins a day as well. I recently bought a gym ball and weights so I can't start doing strength training but don't know where to start? My core is currently really weak, can't do any sit ups or push ups for example. Does anyone have advice about what exercises to do, how many reps, and also how much I should be eating? Before I was eating 1200-1400 kcals but am now up to 1600-1800, is that about right?OP--what is your physical activity like? Do you exercise?0 -
I was doing lots of cardio before, perhaps too much when I was really trying to lose the fat. I started doing an hour a day 6 days a week, then 30 minutes 6 days a week, and now it's like 20 minutes 3-4 times a week (I've gotten lazy!). I walk at least 30 mins a day as well. I recently bought a gym ball and weights so I can't start doing strength training but don't know where to start? My core is currently really weak, can't do any sit ups or push ups for example. Does anyone have advice about what exercises to do, how many reps, and also how much I should be eating? Before I was eating 1200-1400 kcals but am now up to 1600-1800, is that about right?OP--what is your physical activity like? Do you exercise?
I am your height and I eat 2400 kcal a day But I lift.
There are lots of strength training routines out there--look up the New Rules of Lifting for Women, Stronglifts 5x5, AllPro, and Starting Strength. I like Starting Strength the most of all these.
The thing you should probably know about your core muscles is that they work isometrically, meaning they are supposed to keep your trunk erect and rigid as you move around. For example, if you are running on an uneven surface, your core muscles will be engaged (including your abs) to keep your balance. Or, if you are doing loaded squats with a barbell on your back, the abs will work hard to keep your trunk rigid. Some of the most impressive trunk musculature I've seen is on people who haven't done a sit-up in years. I sure haven't--hate those things.
If all you can do is body weight exercises, push-ups are not a bad place to start. If you cannot do a full push-up off the floor, try doing it on an incline, with your hands on a step or a chair. Then gradually build up to a full push-up by lowering the incline.0 -
Tonia, we are very similar, I'm 5'6" and weigh 112 lbs with a BMI of 18.2. The advice I'm quoting is good. Some people don't like the delivery but it's sound. The thing you need to focus on is reducing your body fat percentage. I started my body transformation in June. You see, we can be of a normal weight, but still have a high body fat %. It's not healthy, nor does it give us the appearance we are after. You'll want to add some resistance or strength training to your routine. You can start with body weight exercises then gradually increase to weights if you like. Some cardio is also going to be necessary as well.
There's some great information on body weight exercises on NerdFitness.com. Here's another good resource for you:
http://www.exrx.net/Questions/BasicProgram.htmlIt seems to me that you have a long journey of transforming your physiology ahead of you. You were not blessed with a naturally flat stomach, so you need to create one. This will only occur through a consistant and prolongued regiment of core excercises, healthy diet and weight training. Losing weight is easy, building muscles is challenging, changing the "shape" of your body is very difficult. Some people are lucky enough that all they need to do to have a perfect body is lose weight. You're not one of them, so start on the lifelong journey of reshaping and creating the body you want. Otherwise, just accept the "pooch".0
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