Should I wait until I lose some belly fat to do abs?
pawesome
Posts: 3
Hello, I know I won't get abs if I have that layer of fat over my belly, so do I continue to do them during my regular workout routine or should I refrain for the time being?
Now that I've started the thread, I feel like I might know the answer: I should do it anyway because building those muscles will also help burn calories?
I'd like some input anyway, if possible. Thank you!
EDIT: Also, will my belly look bulky if I'm building up all this muscle underneath my fat? Lastly, what are some good workouts for less bulk and more tone?
Now that I've started the thread, I feel like I might know the answer: I should do it anyway because building those muscles will also help burn calories?
I'd like some input anyway, if possible. Thank you!
EDIT: Also, will my belly look bulky if I'm building up all this muscle underneath my fat? Lastly, what are some good workouts for less bulk and more tone?
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Replies
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A long long time ago I had defined ABS from running and a low Cal diet. So yeah losing fat should be the priority.0
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You absolutely need to do your abs.. it's vital that you keep your core strong, especially if you are carrying extra weight. If you want *defined* abs, then lean down at the same time, but don't stop exercising your abs just because you can't see them.0
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You absolutely need to do your abs.. it's vital that you keep your core strong, especially if you are carrying extra weight. If you want *defined* abs, then lean down at the same time, but don't stop exercising your abs just because you can't see them.
Perfectly explained.. Right now, if you have weight to lose, doing crunches and sit ups isnt about definition.. Its about getting your core strong, and that will help in tons of daily activities and exercises you do..0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky0
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I posted this question a few months ago when I started doing strength training exercises. A few people said I should still do it to build up my core, which would be beneficial to other strength exercises, balance, posture, and even cardio. I can honestly say that they were 100 percent correct and it has helped my form/endurance on many exercises I do.0
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If you build muscles, the fat layer will go down, so you won't look "bulky." My mid-section is by far the "healthiest" area of me. I do crunches and reverse crunches after running. I don't feel like I've been building muscles (although the crunches are getting easier), but my belly has definitely gotten smaller, quicker than the rest of my bod which is what I was aiming for.0
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Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..
how so?0 -
Any form of exercise you do isn't going to hurt. If it burns calories and builds muscle it's going to help. Though crunches aren't the best exercise out there. Do them for a while. If you like the result, keep doing them, if you don't like the result, find something else to do.0
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Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..
Agree and my trainer agrees as well. I have a lot more muscle now then when I started.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*
Good luck to you. In life and weight loss. I think you'll need it.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*
Good luck to you. I life and weight loss. I think you'll need it.
Lol and why is that exactly?0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..
Agree and my trainer agrees as well. I have a lot more muscle now then when I started.
Is he doing it by a caliper test by chance?0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*
Good luck to you. In life and weight loss. I think you'll need it.
Sunshine is amazing and beautiful and has done quite amazingly in her weight loss actually! Maybe you should check out her progress pics, she is an inspiration to me! So NO I do not think she will need it.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*
Good luck to you. In life and weight loss. I think you'll need it.
Sunshine is amazing and beautiful and has done quite amazingly in her weight loss actually! Maybe you should check out her progress pics, she is an inspiration to me! So NO I do not think she will need it.
Same here. I have exactly zero idea what this guy thinks he's talking about.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Please provide your reputable sources...would love to have a swing at this0 -
I love you guys!
Also if you disagree with me then read this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/muscle-gain-mistakes.html
If you can tell me Lyle McDonald is wrong, then you have lost all credibility0 -
Please provide your reputable sources...would love to have a swing at this
I'd like to see those as well.0 -
Calories don't build muscle or feed muscle growth, protein does. You can get plenty of protein for healthy and consistent muscle growth without consuming a large number of calories. It's not a matter of how many calories you consume but what you get those calories from.
One thing I've noticed about this website is the huge amount of erroneous information, Some even dangerous information. Do your own research folks, it's out there and it's easy to find. Call your doc if you're in doubt, they'll answer your questions. Visit a nutritionists. one that's actually licensed. Educate yourselves, don't take others advice at face value.
Most advice is simply personal opinion slightly reworded. If you can't back it up with a reputable source it's not worth a thing.
Yea that's not true at all. And i certainly have done my research. Protein isnt all that builds muscle. You need a surplus of calories too. You aren't going to be building muscle on a low calorie diet just because you have protein
*facepalm*
Yup she's right.0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..
how so?
I mean im not going off scientific equations.. Ive been dieting for the past month, started doing cardio and resistance training at the same time.. Since then ive lost 13 lbs, and not only can i see a difference in muscle definition in my chest, shoulders, tri's and bi's.. I can feel a difference, I can feel that im stronger in those areas..
So while I dont agree with that statement as a whole, I am not saying that it isn't true either. I just cant sit there and agree when I have results that prove otherwise.0 -
Well you see more definition because you have lost the fat that is sitting on top of the muscle, not because you have gained any. Also, strength does not actually mean that you have gained muscle. You can increase your strength, but not increase mass.
I could look up some reputable sources to back it up if you would like. I don't have them bookmarked
Good for you for seeing progress though! :flowerforyou:0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
Thats not entirely true.. I mean im on a huge calorie deficit, but ive seen obvious upper body muscle gain since ive been on my diet..
how so?
I mean im not going off scientific equations.. Ive been dieting for the past month, started doing cardio and resistance training at the same time.. Since then ive lost 13 lbs, and not only can i see a difference in muscle definition in my chest, shoulders, tri's and bi's.. I can feel a difference, I can feel that im stronger in those areas..
So while I dont agree with that statement as a whole, I am not saying that it isn't true either. I just cant sit there and agree when I have results that prove otherwise.
There's a difference between toning and building. On a deficit, the results you're seeing are from toning, not building. If you have actually gained mass in your upper body, you've likely lost a good deal elsewhere.
On a deficit your body is not only burning fat, it's also burning muscle. It does this because it is not getting the proper nutrients it needs to maintain itself from your diet. Now it is possible to gain muscle mass while on a deficit, but it requires a very controlled exercise routine and an extremely strict diet to ensure you're getting the proper nutrition without burning too much while working out. Basically, without the supervision of a nutritionist and a trainer, it likely isn't going to happen.0 -
Well you see more definition because you have lost the fat that is sitting on top of the muscle, not because you have gained any. Also, strength does not actually mean that you have gained muscle. You can increase your strength, but not increase mass.
I could look up some reputable sources to back it up if you would like. I don't have them bookmarked
Good for you for seeing progress though! :flowerforyou:
LOL we are just gonna hafta agree to disagree on some things.. My arms have gotten larger, stronger, and are firmer than before I started..0 -
Well you see more definition because you have lost the fat that is sitting on top of the muscle, not because you have gained any. Also, strength does not actually mean that you have gained muscle. You can increase your strength, but not increase mass.
I could look up some reputable sources to back it up if you would like. I don't have them bookmarked
Good for you for seeing progress though! :flowerforyou:
LOL we are just gonna hafta agree to disagree on some things.. My arms have gotten larger, stronger, and are firmer than before I started..
Yup somethings people are always going to disagree on. I stated what i know so its a take it or leave it sort of deal xD You are much more mature than an above poster *ahem* ;D
There is always the newbie gains tho so hmm *shrugs*
either way good job! I have been trying to put on muscle, not working out so well for me xD Ill be bulking by the end of december. Hoping to see some gains! :drinker:0 -
Well you see more definition because you have lost the fat that is sitting on top of the muscle, not because you have gained any. Also, strength does not actually mean that you have gained muscle. You can increase your strength, but not increase mass.
I could look up some reputable sources to back it up if you would like. I don't have them bookmarked
Good for you for seeing progress though! :flowerforyou:
LOL we are just gonna hafta agree to disagree on some things.. My arms have gotten larger, stronger, and are firmer than before I started..
Yup somethings people are always going to disagree on. I stated what i know so its a take it or leave it sort of deal xD You are much more mature than an above poster *ahem* ;D
There is always the newbie gains tho so hmm *shrugs*
either way good job! I have been trying to put on muscle, not working out so well for me xD Ill be bulking by the end of december. Hoping to see some gains! :drinker:
lol ah, I wouldnt call it the newbie gains.. this aint my first rodeo.. puttin on muscle just has never really been a problem, probably cause a calorie deficit has always been a problem haha..
good luck though.. keep at it!0 -
Thanks for answering my questions, guys! This helped a lot. I will definitely continue to do my abs. I didn't mean for this thread to get kind of ugly. Good to see you guys figured it out. Thanks again.0
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All the battles that result of any mention of "muscle building," "toning," and all the other hot-button / can't-wait-to-disprove-somebody issues aside, I do think it's important to work on core, even if there's fat above it.
True, you won't have a "6-pack" until the fat is gone, if that is your goal, but as others have posted, you're so much fitter with a strong core even without a 6-pack. I also think strengthening your core 'pulls' everything in, and it looks better. I'm sure here's where someone dying to shame someone demands that I post links for that, and gets into a semantics debate with me, but I'm not interested in that. LOL What I do know is that my stomach is tighter (shown by looks and losing inches), when supposedly I haven't "gained muscle", but also hasn't probably been enough time to lose THAT much fat.0 -
Also you aren't going to be building muscle on a calorie deficit. So no you wont look bulky
My apologies to Sunshine for being so blunt, but this is completely incorrect. A calorie deficit has nothing to do with building muscle. A calorie deficit is about utilizing the fat stores.0
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