Back and stomach fat just won't get smaller :(
rifadiva
Posts: 27
So, I started my weight loss journey in June 2013.. I have lost 73 pounds.. I have 50-60 more pounds to lose before I hit my weight loss goal. Even though I have lost 73 pounds, my back and stomach fat has not gotten smaller. I am eating healthy.. I drink only water.. I am exercising (Insanity, Tae Bo, Pilates, Zumba) six out of 7 days of the week.
I feel like it won't go down when I lose all the weight... I know my stomach will take a lot of work because of having an emergency c-section.
Tips?! Advice?!? Encouragement?!
I feel like it won't go down when I lose all the weight... I know my stomach will take a lot of work because of having an emergency c-section.
Tips?! Advice?!? Encouragement?!
0
Replies
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http://www.leanbodiesconsulting.com/the-paper-towel-analogy/
Let’s assume you go out and buy two rolls of paper towels, each with 112 paper towels on it. You put one aside, and keep it for future reference (your “before” picture). The other one represents you (I’ll call your paper towel “Ed”).The core represents the lean Ed. The towels represent the fat that is covering the lean Ed.
For sake of argument, let’s say that Ed wants to lose 28 pounds of fat, so (112/28) each sheet represents a quarter-pound of fat lost.
Let’s also assume that Ed loses his fat equally during each day of the program.
Each day during the first week, you tear a sheet off of Ed, representing the fat he has lost for the day. Next, you put Ed next to the full roll (“Big Ed”) for comparison.
No noticeable difference! Even at the end of the week!
“This can’t be working for me! This program sucks! ” But, you continue to follow your fat loss program. At the end of weeks two and three, you continue to compare Ed to Big Ed, and still notice very little difference.
But Ed is determined! He continues to work hard!
Three more weeks go by, the sheets peeling off day after day, before Ed gets up the courage to stand next to Big Ed again.
Now there’s a big difference!
By the end of the program (112 days), Ed is down to his lean dream, or somewhere near it. Big Ed is still – well, big.
The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area – just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.
While the outside sheet may only cover one layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you four times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same – your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!0 -
Are you relying on memory or do you have before and after photos?
Without the actual photos, it's really hard to tell the difference over time.0 -
Great analogy! I hate my back fat too :sad:0
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First great job so far!! I think that is worth mentioning.
usmcmp gave a great analogy on how fat goes around. It is also important to notice that your body has places it likes to take fat from more. For me it is my upper body, so my first 40 lbs or so left me quite slim up top, but hardly touched my lower half. Now that I have gotten (a bit) leaner, it is having to take from it's non preferred source (mah butt, lower back and thighs.).
The moral of the story is, it will (and probably has to a certain extent) happen, just keep on trucking.0 -
Wow!! I love that analogy... Maybe I was hoping to see all the fat to get smaller little by little till I get to my ultimate goal. It's just hard to see other parts of your body getting smaller and smaller and other parts are not..
Thank you!! I needed to read that0 -
http://www.leanbodiesconsulting.com/the-paper-towel-analogy/
Let’s assume you go out and buy two rolls of paper towels, each with 112 paper towels on it. You put one aside, and keep it for future reference (your “before” picture). The other one represents you (I’ll call your paper towel “Ed”).The core represents the lean Ed. The towels represent the fat that is covering the lean Ed.
For sake of argument, let’s say that Ed wants to lose 28 pounds of fat, so (112/28) each sheet represents a quarter-pound of fat lost.
Let’s also assume that Ed loses his fat equally during each day of the program.
Each day during the first week, you tear a sheet off of Ed, representing the fat he has lost for the day. Next, you put Ed next to the full roll (“Big Ed”) for comparison.
No noticeable difference! Even at the end of the week!
“This can’t be working for me! This program sucks! ” But, you continue to follow your fat loss program. At the end of weeks two and three, you continue to compare Ed to Big Ed, and still notice very little difference.
But Ed is determined! He continues to work hard!
Three more weeks go by, the sheets peeling off day after day, before Ed gets up the courage to stand next to Big Ed again.
Now there’s a big difference!
By the end of the program (112 days), Ed is down to his lean dream, or somewhere near it. Big Ed is still – well, big.
The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area – just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.
While the outside sheet may only cover one layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you four times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same – your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!
^^ Damn if that isn't the best analogy I've heard in a very long time. Thank you.0 -
It sounds like almost all of your exercise is coming from cardio right now. While that's definitely going to help the weight come off, I would suggest throwing in some more strength and flexibility work as well. This won't speed up your weight loss by too much, but that combined with a really healthy amount of protein will help you to be sure that you are losing fat, not lean mass, when you see weightless on the scale.0
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Are you relying on memory or do you have before and after photos?
Without the actual photos, it's really hard to tell the difference over time.
I have pictures I have taken0 -
It sounds like almost all of your exercise is coming from cardio right now. While that's definitely going to help the weight come off, I would suggest throwing in some more strength and flexibility work as well. This won't speed up your weight loss by too much, but that combined with a really healthy amount of protein will help you to be sure that you are losing fat, not lean mass, when you see weightless on the scale.
Actually insanity is cardio && strength.. Pilates is strength as well (use your own body weight to build muscle).. So, I am actually doing strength and cardio.. I even take 30 minutes out of my day to do some yoga..0 -
Are you relying on memory or do you have before and after photos?
Without the actual photos, it's really hard to tell the difference over time.
I have pictures I have taken
I feel for you but I have come to tell you it does go away.
At 165 (first goal weight) I had this spot on my back that was fat...on one side and it just didn't seem to want to go away...I felt I was destined for it to be there...then I changed my goal weight to 155...guess what...it's gone...I didn't even bother looking to be frank as I felt it was just there...a friend commented on it..as I had told her it bothered me...and low and behold...yup it's gone...
So be patient it will come off...0 -
It was the last to go for me. Keep going your doing great.0
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It sounds like almost all of your exercise is coming from cardio right now. While that's definitely going to help the weight come off, I would suggest throwing in some more strength and flexibility work as well. This won't speed up your weight loss by too much, but that combined with a really healthy amount of protein will help you to be sure that you are losing fat, not lean mass, when you see weightless on the scale.
Actually insanity is cardio && strength.. Pilates is strength as well (use your own body weight to build muscle).. So, I am actually doing strength and cardio.. I even take 30 minutes out of my day to do some yoga..
sorry but Pilates isn't going to build muscle...you can build some strength from it...but it will plateau quickly esp since you are losing weight.
Doing body weight exercises is great but eventually you have to add in more resistence...
If you aren't opposed to weight lifting (and not 5lb dumbells) check it out...it does wonders.0 -
It sounds like almost all of your exercise is coming from cardio right now. While that's definitely going to help the weight come off, I would suggest throwing in some more strength and flexibility work as well. This won't speed up your weight loss by too much, but that combined with a really healthy amount of protein will help you to be sure that you are losing fat, not lean mass, when you see weightless on the scale.
Actually insanity is cardio && strength.. Pilates is strength as well (use your own body weight to build muscle).. So, I am actually doing strength and cardio.. I even take 30 minutes out of my day to do some yoga..
Those are not strength programs lol0 -
Randomtai, I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you0 -
It sounds like almost all of your exercise is coming from cardio right now. While that's definitely going to help the weight come off, I would suggest throwing in some more strength and flexibility work as well. This won't speed up your weight loss by too much, but that combined with a really healthy amount of protein will help you to be sure that you are losing fat, not lean mass, when you see weightless on the scale.
Actually insanity is cardio && strength.. Pilates is strength as well (use your own body weight to build muscle).. So, I am actually doing strength and cardio.. I even take 30 minutes out of my day to do some yoga..
sorry but Pilates isn't going to build muscle...you can build some strength from it...but it will plateau quickly esp since you are losing weight.
Doing body weight exercises is great but eventually you have to add in more resistence...
If you aren't opposed to weight lifting (and not 5lb dumbells) check it out...it does wonders.
I have resistance bands that I used to use from Gold's Gym.. I did it for 2 months and I saw no difference so, I took it as I need focus on burning the fat off with cardio0 -
I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you
And scene.0 -
Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).0
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I started out at 188 and it took till I was under 130 to get rid of the awful back fat. I thought it would never ever go. I love my back now and look at it all the time with a hand held mirror and large mirror. It's like a miracle to see a smooth back with no rolls drooping down each side.0
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Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).
My instructor has me doing some pilates movements with resistance bands and dumb bells.. So my question now: "Is Pilates even worth to do then?" I would hate that I am spending money on something that won't help me out at all..0 -
Randomtai, I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you
Well, I was going to give you some good advice, but you certainly changed my mind with this attitude.0 -
Randomtai, I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you
Well, I was going to give you some good advice, but you certainly changed my mind with this attitude.
*nod nod*0 -
Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).
My instructor has me doing some pilates movements with resistance bands and dumb bells.. So my question now: "Is Pilates even worth to do then?" I would hate that I am spending money on something that won't help me out at all..
Do you enjoy it? Then it's worth doing.
Exercise helps you lose body fat. You're not going to be "building" much muscle on any program you do....even heavy lifting....since you are eating at a deficit. It's hard to build muscle. Hard, hard, hard.
What you want is to reduce your body fat percentage so the muscle you have shows through and you are firm instead of jiggly. Right?
The quickest way to get there is through a progressively loading program. Heavy lifting gets you the most bang for your buck. Body weight programs are good too (You Are Your Own Gym, for example). Pilates and yoga can get you *some* results. Cardio - very minimal results. So, it's really about your preferences and the amount of time you want to spend working towards your final goal.
And Insanity is not strength. It's cardio. P90X is barely strength training either. The same goes for body pump. These programs might be building "muscle endurance" (the ability to do work over a period of time) but they aren't building strength the same way a lifting program would.0 -
Randomtai, I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you
Well, I was going to give you some good advice, but you certainly changed my mind with this attitude.
If you believe I have an attitude, that's your opinion. I do not appreciate someone replying to my thread with "lol" or starting drama.... I would not do that to anyone else.. If I can offer advice, I would do it a courteous way. Like the famous phrase " if you do not have anything nice to say, don't say it at all".
I made this thread for advice, tips and encouragement...0 -
I was way into my weight lose before I could tell that my enormous beer gut was shrinking. The funny thing is that as I was making progress, people could see it in my face like when I was in the car (gut hidden). I didn't realize that I had fat everywhere. Just like the towel roll it really picked up when I got near my proper weight.
I so much like that analogy. I will always remember that one.0 -
Be patient.
It sucks, but be patient.0 -
I think it's definitely worth doing. You'll get some cardio benefit, it increases flexibility and improves posture, so you'll look taller and slimmer (everyone looks better when you "carry" yourself more like a dancer). Depending on what you're doing, it can help you maintain the muscle that you do have, so the muscle shows through as you strip away the fat. Plus, I think it's a lot of fun. However, it's not going to build muscle. Muscle building only happens under a very specific set of circumstances (eating at a surplus and doing a progressive resistance program -- meaning that you're lifting heavy things and those things get heavier over time).Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).
My instructor has me doing some pilates movements with resistance bands and dumb bells.. So my question now: "Is Pilates even worth to do then?" I would hate that I am spending money on something that won't help me out at all..
The bottom line is that if you enjoy it, if it feels good, keep doing it, but it's important to understand what it can and cannot do for your body.0 -
Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).
My instructor has me doing some pilates movements with resistance bands and dumb bells.. So my question now: "Is Pilates even worth to do then?" I would hate that I am spending money on something that won't help me out at all..
Do you enjoy it? Then it's worth doing.
Exercise helps you lose body fat. You're not going to be "building" much muscle on any program you do....even heavy lifting....since you are eating at a deficit. It's hard to build muscle. Hard, hard, hard.
What you want is to reduce your body fat percentage so the muscle you have shows through and you are firm instead of jiggly. Right?
The quickest way to get there is through a progressively loading program. Heavy lifting gets you the most bang for your buck. Body weight programs are good too (You Are Your Own Gym, for example). Pilates and yoga can get you *some* results. Cardio - very minimal results. So, it's really about your preferences and the amount of time you want to spend working towards your final goal.
And Insanity is not strength. It's cardio. P90X is barely strength training either. The same goes for body pump. These programs might be building "muscle endurance" (the ability to do work over a period of time) but they aren't building strength the same way a lifting program would.
Thank you for your advice... Looks like I will look into lifting weights...0 -
Randomtai, I have to disagree with you because I have gained muscle from both programs!!!
Plus, I had advice from a professional trainer and he states you can use those programs until your body is used to it and then go on to something else..
If you don't have any advice tips or encouragement, I appreciate that you do not respond to my post.. Thank you
Well, I was going to give you some good advice, but you certainly changed my mind with this attitude.
If you believe I have an attitude, that's your opinion. I do not appreciate someone replying to my thread with "lol" or starting drama.... I would not do that to anyone else.. If I can offer advice, I would do it a courteous way. Like the famous phrase " if you do not have anything nice to say, don't say it at all".
I made this thread for advice, tips and encouragement...
On a public forum... and since when is lol rude? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You were told the programs you were doing were not strength programs. Then you got all huffy unnecessarily. Yeah ok no drama.0 -
Of course it will go down when you lose all the weight. Super skinny girls have no belly. It's usually the last place to disappear. If you want a flat stomach, your bodyfat has to be 18% or lower (for females; under 8% bodyfat for males) and that is just going to take more time. Keep going, it will eventually happen.0
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it can help you maintain the muscle that you do have, so the muscle shows through as you strip away the fat. Plus, I think it's a lot of fun. However, it's not going to build muscle. Muscle building only happens under a very specific set of circumstances (eating at a surplus and doing a progressive resistance program -- meaning that you're lifting heavy things and those things get heavier over time).
thats actually an extreamly accurate description of the workout you get from insanity btw0
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