toning abs

mickipedia
mickipedia Posts: 889 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone have any effective way to tone stomach muscles?

I've lost quite a bit but weight isn't the issue at the moment its my stomach. I want some sort of exercise that will help trim it nicely :)

Can anyone recommend anything at all?

Replies

  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    A few points:

    1. Unfortunately, toning abs doesnt' really work. If you want to see your abs, you have to have a pretty low body fat percentage (to the point where you might think you look too skinny).

    2. If you want flat abs, avoid crunches and sit ups. They just push your belly out.

    3. For flat abs, focus on exercises that stabilized your core, like planks and leg raises. You can also work the obliques which pull your stomach in (as opposed to crunches).
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    Try incorporating Tae Bo Insane Abs into your routine. You will see a difference.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    You can't spot reduce, maintain a consistent caloric deficit and you will eventually lose fat in your more stubborn areas
  • warmachinejt
    warmachinejt Posts: 2,162 Member
    cardio will trim the fat over the abdomen
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    to really show off those abs, you need to have a caloric deficit, and really really have a pretty clean, lean, and mean diet.

    do you strength train? that'll help drop your body fat percentage alot, which will start bringing out those abs. and yeah, don't do crunches. personally, i think they are the worst exercise you can do. if you do things like squats, lunges, pull ups, and dips, and do them properly by keeping your core nice and tight while you do them, you'll never have to do a single sit up.
  • Iamfit4life
    Iamfit4life Posts: 3,095 Member
    to really show off those abs, you need to have a caloric deficit, and really really have a pretty clean, lean, and mean diet.

    do you strength train? that'll help drop your body fat percentage alot, which will start bringing out those abs. and yeah, don't do crunches. personally, i think they are the worst exercise you can do. if you do things like squats, lunges, pull ups, and dips, and do them properly by keeping your core nice and tight while you do them, you'll never have to do a single sit up.

    This. I can't remember the last time I did situps.
  • mickipedia
    mickipedia Posts: 889 Member
    the problem seems to be almost as though i have too much skin.. my belly just feels squishy even though its got a lot smaller.. is it just a case of burning off the fat? cos i want a hard flat stomach.. obviously i'm not expecting overnight miracles here.. what about certain foods?
  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    the problem seems to be almost as though i have too much skin.. my belly just feels squishy even though its got a lot smaller.. is it just a case of burning off the fat? cos i want a hard flat stomach.. obviously i'm not expecting overnight miracles here.. what about certain foods?

    Squishy is subcutaneous fat. You've made great gains, and really, there is no need to get rid of all of your stomach fat. However, if you're dedicated to getting great looking abs, then the best way is to continue to burn fat by both exercise and dieting. You'll get the best results from resistance training or HIIT. However, any kind of hard exercise can work.

    Food choice matters a lot. Avoid any foods with the white death added to them (i.e., added sugar). Foods with naturally occuring sugar aren't as bad. Never ever snack on refined carbs. Focus on getting plenty of protein, and eating real food: veggies, lean meats, fruits, and nuts. Get your fats from whole foods, not processed foods like potatoe chips.
  • MobileRanger
    MobileRanger Posts: 37
    To get the rock hard stomach you want, it starts in the kitchen. You need a high protien, lot fat diet. You are going to have to get your body fat down around 10% for you abs to show right. That was when mine showed up. Strength training with weights is key. You more more calories for longer periods of time strength training. Yoga and Pilaties work well too. Just remember when you work out to "engage your core." Getting a great look stomach with abs isn't easy but can be done if you have the discipline to do it.
  • mickipedia
    mickipedia Posts: 889 Member
    i do have a pretty good diet, most of the food i eat is fresh.lots of veggies (homemade soups) and plenty of other good stuff :)

    I've been on a low fat diet since i've started on MFP and i have noticed myself slimming but i want effective things to harden my stomach.. squishy isn'y sexy :(
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    i do have a pretty good diet, most of the food i eat is fresh.lots of veggies (homemade soups) and plenty of other good stuff :)

    I've been on a low fat diet since i've started on MFP and i have noticed myself slimming but i want effective things to harden my stomach.. squishy isn'y sexy :(

    Abs and a body starts in the kitchen, this is true. Mickipedia Selector, what kind of exercises are you doing? I've suggested Tae Bo Insane Abs, because it will help you tone up your abs. Cardio burns fat. You can't spot reduce your abs, but you can spot tone them. Be patient, it takes time to lose fat. Baby steps is the key. You can do this. Believe in yourself.
  • mickipedia
    mickipedia Posts: 889 Member
    i do have a pretty good diet, most of the food i eat is fresh.lots of veggies (homemade soups) and plenty of other good stuff :)

    I've been on a low fat diet since i've started on MFP and i have noticed myself slimming but i want effective things to harden my stomach.. squishy isn'y sexy :(

    Abs and a body starts in the kitchen, this is true. Mickipedia Selector, what kind of exercises are you doing? I've suggested Tae Bo Insane Abs, because it will help you tone up your abs. Cardio burns fat. You can't spot reduce your abs, but you can spot tone them. Be patient, it takes time to lose fat. Baby steps is the key. You can do this. Believe in yourself.

    *like*
  • lyddsmom
    lyddsmom Posts: 96
    Core exercises will tone and strengthen your middle. Try a yoga class or dvd. But having said that, even though you have lost weight, fat around our middle seems to come off slower than other places. Do your core exercises, keep up with your diet and eventually you will notice a more toned stomach and back. Congrats on your progress so far.
  • MaddameKat
    MaddameKat Posts: 200 Member
    i do have a pretty good diet, most of the food i eat is fresh.lots of veggies (homemade soups) and plenty of other good stuff :)

    I've been on a low fat diet since i've started on MFP and i have noticed myself slimming but i want effective things to harden my stomach.. squishy isn'y sexy :(

    Abs and a body starts in the kitchen, this is true. Mickipedia Selector, what kind of exercises are you doing? I've suggested Tae Bo Insane Abs, because it will help you tone up your abs. Cardio burns fat. You can't spot reduce your abs, but you can spot tone them. Be patient, it takes time to lose fat. Baby steps is the key. You can do this. Believe in yourself.

    Have you seen good results with Tae bo?
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    Have you seen good results with Tae bo?

    I always do.
  • savlyon
    savlyon Posts: 474 Member
    the problem seems to be almost as though i have too much skin.. my belly just feels squishy even though its got a lot smaller.. is it just a case of burning off the fat? cos i want a hard flat stomach.. obviously i'm not expecting overnight miracles here.. what about certain foods?

    Squishy is subcutaneous fat. You've made great gains, and really, there is no need to get rid of all of your stomach fat. However, if you're dedicated to getting great looking abs, then the best way is to continue to burn fat by both exercise and dieting. You'll get the best results from resistance training or HIIT. However, any kind of hard exercise can work.

    Food choice matters a lot. Avoid any foods with the white death added to them (i.e., added sugar). Foods with naturally occuring sugar aren't as bad. Never ever snack on refined carbs. Focus on getting plenty of protein, and eating real food: veggies, lean meats, fruits, and nuts. Get your fats from whole foods, not processed foods like potatoe chips.

    HIIT...I agree.
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