Will I ever get a flat stomach?
ohhidear
Posts: 4 Member
Hi! My name is Kelsey, and this is my first time posting. I've lost nearly 30 pounds over the past two years and currently weigh around 123 pounds. I've always had a "B" shaped belly, and it's always been the cause of my self consciousness. I'm just wondering if anyone else has struggled with this or has gotten rid of it? It's definitely gotten a little smaller. I just feel like I've been fighting with my own shape for months. The pic on the left is before and the pic on the right was from a few weeks ago. 
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Replies
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No one has a crystal ball and can say for sure whether it will go away or not. Your genetics play into it, as does your lean body mass and your % of body fat.
Some things that may help include progressive strength training, recomp if you are near to your goal weight, and time. The last one stinks to hear but it is true.
Your progress so far is remarkable! Congratulations on making such a positive change for yourself.8 -
I do not hold the answer you are looking for, because I have yet to obtain flat stomach perfection myself
Just wanted to say your transformation is amazing. Are you doing any strength training at the moment? 5 -
Anyone can, however some don't have the discipline to get down to body fat percentages to show it. Females see these results at around the 15%-20% range.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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It's also worth considering how far you, personally, would go to achieve this.
Some people will read @ninerbuff 's post and be inspired to aim for the flat stomach; others (like me) will think "I don't want to live my life at 15-20% body fat", with all the sacrifices and daily discipline that involves, and decide to live with the pooch instead. And that's fine.
Having a perfectly flat stomach isn't obligatory, it's a question of working out what your priorities are and what sacrifices you do and don't want to make. We are not all the same and one choice is not better or worse. It's personal.12 -
It's very much down to genetics I think. Of course everyone could theoretically go down to a very low bodyfat percentage, but it's not healthy in the long run, with associated issues such as loss of menstruation, etc. What I wanted to say though is that you have a fantastic body, and especially great legs! They look really good! Might not be a condolence, but I have a flat stomach at a fairly high fat percentage, but my whole legs and upper arms is where I carry my padding. It's not great either as I have to wear fairly big pants that are far too wide around my waiste, and make it fairly invisible anyway. And skirts look ridiculous on me. I would swap with you any day!1
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I am so with @CattOfTheGarage on this.
I too have a B belly, though different than yours, and decided I didn't have the dedication it would take to get, and then maintain, a flat belly. I enjoy food and wine way too much.
That is me though at this point in time. I may decide that I want to persue that goal in the future. Who knows.
I have found doing a recomp and lifting has improved it, but it still doubles over at my waist hiding my belly button when I sit. Standing it looks fine.
Losing a bit more fat and getting on a good lifting programme would probably help, as would good posture. Look at the 'recomp' thread in the 'maintaining' sub-forum.
You are looking good, and have come a long way, it is up to you to decide if you want to put the time, work, and effort it will take.
Cheers, h.2 -
It's very much down to genetics I think. Of course everyone could theoretically go down to a very low bodyfat percentage, but it's not healthy in the long run, with associated issues such as loss of menstruation, etc. What I wanted to say though is that you have a fantastic body, and especially great legs! They look really good! Might not be a condolence, but I have a flat stomach at a fairly high fat percentage, but my whole legs and upper arms is where I carry my padding. It's not great either as I have to wear fairly big pants that are far too wide around my waiste, and make it fairly invisible anyway. And skirts look ridiculous on me. I would swap with you any day!
It seems to be the way of things doesn't it? Those ladies with great legs and not an ounce of fat on them generally have the stomach/torso issues while those with flat stomachs struggle with the legs.
At 53 years old, I have a nearly flat stomach and my stomach has always been the "easy" area for me. The legs are a different matter. While not large, they are just blubbery looking. I'm always very self conscious in shorts, short skirts, etc.
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You look fabulous! Great work.
My stomach is my easy area too, but my thighs are the pits. So I go to the gym and do circuit training, after 6 months I am seeing a difference all over. I used to only run and walk, but now with the gym training with weights I am really realising the benefit.
You probably do not need to lose more weight, but toning up can really change things.2 -
I have the same stomach issues. I'm an apple shape, so I have nice shapely legs/butt and a gut that will basically never be flat unless my body fat is ridiculously low or I get surgery. I may actually go for the tummy tuck once I get to my goal weight and healthy BMI. Not just for vanity, but because I already have loose skin that sort of "hangs" from my belly and causes chafing.1
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My stomach is getting flatter but man my thighs are a beast. Even when I got pregnant, I only gained 15lbs, and guess where my stretch marks were?? My fricken thighs. I genetics play a huge role. I do a lot more strength and leg are looking more musclar. But they are still hanging on to that blub in the inner thigh. So we do what we can, only way we can really hit those problem are is to really reduce overall body fat%.2
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For what it's worth I think your tum looks great! Girl, you look so slim and fit
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I think you have a very sexy belly! (Not come on to you just telling it like it is.). Love your little pooch. It's barely there, and adorable. You are doing great.4
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Anyone can, however some don't have the discipline to get down to body fat percentages to show it. Females see these results at around the 15%-20% range.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This ^
Nothing to it but to do it.2 -
Do you do any exercises to strengthen area2
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I've given up on having a perfectly flat stomach. I just don't have the motivation /dedication or willpower to get and stay there.
Besides, I'm 45 and having the toned flat stomach i had in my 20's and 30's just isnt top of my priority list anymore.1 -
I dunno man but bellies can be cute and not flat. Core exercise may tone the area some more; but if nothing else, they will make you feel strong.2
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Thank you all for the great and encouraging responses! I'm not sure if I can individually reply to everyone, but you all have made me feel so much better. I've been an avid runner the past two years and have recently started doing a lot more strength and resistance training than I was before. I have a very strong core and it's been so disheartening to have a stomach shape that just won't budge. I'll definitely try to switch it up again. I eat a vegan diet, but working long and late hours causes me to not eat how I want to 100% of the time (Taco Bell is on the way home and I can't resist a bean and potato burrito lol). I don't often see people with stomachs like mine post pictures so I've just always wondered if I could ever have a relatively "flat" stomach I suppose. The only before and afters I can find are from tummy tucks lol. Thanks again!!!3
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Ok. I posted up thread that I too had a B belly, but it was different than yours.
My B dent is right at my waist and means my belly button, also right at my waist, disappears when I sit, as do belts so I don't wear them.
Above my waist tends to be rounder and if I am bloated that's where it shows. It is also the first place I put on weight.
( see in the before pic how my weight is all rounded out in my upper torso between my ribs)
Here are a set of pics taken while doing a slow recomp. My weight is the same, within 1lbs either way.
Here is a pic of before I lost weight and exercised and after. Sorry it was before I bothered taking progress pics.
I was hoping someone else would post pics for you and I wouldn't have to haul these out.
Really strengthening my abs, especially the upper abs, through weight lifting has helped.
Cheers, h.13 -
@middlehaitch omg you look AMAZING in that red dress3
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Dieting will make you smaller, but it will be proportionally smaller unless you also work out and build up some muscle. Otherwise you will have the same percentage of fat on your body, just less of it because there is less of you. Without going to the gym, you will lose a lot of muscle along with the fat. If you want to change your body composition and have less fat and more muscle, you need to hit the gym. Dieting can only do so much despite the fact that people here insist you don't need exercise.
Dieting make you thin and look good in clothes. Working out along with a good diet makes you look good naked.1 -
@middlehaitch omg you look amazing!! Congratulations on all your hard work! It's really paid off!!! Thank you for providing me with much needed inspiration!1
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Dieting will make you smaller, but it will be proportionally smaller unless you also work out and build up some muscle. Otherwise you will have the same percentage of fat on your body, just less of it because there is less of you. Without going to the gym, you will lose a lot of muscle along with the fat. If you want to change your body composition and have less fat and more muscle, you need to hit the gym. Dieting can only do so much despite the fact that people here insist you don't need exercise.
Dieting make you thin and look good in clothes. Working out along with a good diet makes you look good naked.
I workout 4-5 times a week depending on my work schedule! I've recently switched from doing a lot of steady state cardio (running) to more hiit style sprints and upped the amount of strength training I usually do. I'm hoping it'll get my upper stomach to finally smooth out a bit.1 -
@middlehaitch
Thank you! I finally know what type of belly I have! Mine is exactly the same, but I was always thin before, so it wasn't noticeable. But when I gained... a majority went there. Even when I have visible muscle, the "B" is still there all gathered in the front of the ribs *as you said*. Now I know it's just another shape-type like breasts!
Major frustration at my B belly. This was 7 lbs ago... it's slightly better now, but I haven't taken a recent belly pic.
Total B belly at 149lbs. Now at 142lb it's a slightly smaller B. But oh-so-frustrating. I'll take a pic tomorrow and post (hopefully it's better?) so other B bellies don't feel badly.
Thanks again! Really helpful.1 -
Dear me @WendyLeigh1119 we are really bonding aren't we.
Does your waist happen at your belly button too?
Got to admit, except for family, it isn't a shape I see often. I spent ages when I was younger wondering what people did to get that flat space under their bra band. That is where I start going out, and yes, at my fattest that is the biggest place.
My belly is as it was in those pics. I decided that I can't be dedicated enough (lifting) to try to get it any less.
Cheers, h.1 -
@middlehaitch
Yup. My "natural waist" is that barely notable crevice in the photo just under my ribcage. I had it mostly flat for 33 years, but now ever since I gained once... it has turned into a stubborn abomination that is determined to stick around. I had to stay super thin to keep it flat before, though. I may settle for a gently-sloping, lower case b now.0 -
WendyLeigh1119 wrote: »@middlehaitch
Thank you! I finally know what type of belly I have! Mine is exactly the same, but I was always thin before, so it wasn't noticeable. But when I gained... a majority went there. Even when I have visible muscle, the "B" is still there all gathered in the front of the ribs *as you said*. Now I know it's just another shape-type like breasts!
Major frustration at my B belly. This was 7 lbs ago... it's slightly better now, but I haven't taken a recent belly pic.
Total B belly at 149lbs. Now at 142lb it's a slightly smaller B. But oh-so-frustrating. I'll take a pic tomorrow and post (hopefully it's better?) so other B bellies don't feel badly.
Thanks again! Really helpful.
Wendy i wouldn't care what letter of the alphabet your belly resembles. I think you look awesome!
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@middlehaitch @WendyLeigh1119 I just wanted to say you gals look really good.0
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It's very much down to genetics I think. Of course everyone could theoretically go down to a very low bodyfat percentage, but it's not healthy in the long run, with associated issues such as loss of menstruation, etc. What I wanted to say though is that you have a fantastic body, and especially great legs! They look really good! Might not be a condolence, but I have a flat stomach at a fairly high fat percentage, but my whole legs and upper arms is where I carry my padding. It's not great either as I have to wear fairly big pants that are far too wide around my waiste, and make it fairly invisible anyway. And skirts look ridiculous on me. I would swap with you any day!
It seems to be the way of things doesn't it? Those ladies with great legs and not an ounce of fat on them generally have the stomach/torso issues while those with flat stomachs struggle with the legs.
As they say on Reddit, can confirm. I carry everything round my waist. While I get a slight double chin and some bazonga inflation at higher weights, I carry no extra weight on my limbs at all.
It's nice to have pretty legs, but the research is clear that my fat layout is more dangerous, so it doesn't give me much satisfaction. Also, I look like a lollipop.1 -
Dieting will make you smaller, but it will be proportionally smaller unless you also work out and build up some muscle. Otherwise you will have the same percentage of fat on your body, just less of it because there is less of you. Without going to the gym, you will lose a lot of muscle along with the fat. If you want to change your body composition and have less fat and more muscle, you need to hit the gym. Dieting can only do so much despite the fact that people here insist you don't need exercise.
Dieting make you thin and look good in clothes. Working out along with a good diet makes you look good naked.
I workout 4-5 times a week depending on my work schedule! I've recently switched from doing a lot of steady state cardio (running) to more hiit style sprints and upped the amount of strength training I usually do. I'm hoping it'll get my upper stomach to finally smooth out a bit.
I would suggest finding a structured lifting program like strong lifts or strong curves and following it...0 -
You can change your physique, sure. You look great and have done amazing work. If you want to put in some more hard work, you can reduce your body fat percentage a bit and your stomach may even out. That will be done with resistance training and a slight deficit.2
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