Correct approach for upper abs

fmbomzo
fmbomzo Posts: 382 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I see definition in my abs -- 6 distinct sections. However my waist measurements are not going down. I've only lost 11 lbs and I want to lost about 45 more to get to my goal weight. My abdomen seems bloated. Any suggestions? Is this just a wait until I lose more weight thing or should I be watching out for certain foods? Or can I address this with ab exercises?

I'm on day 6 of the Supreme 90 day workout. I also do core yoga a few days a week or the elliptical and bike for 30 mins or so in addition to the strength training.

Any advice is welcomed.

Replies

  • Ripken818836701
    Ripken818836701 Posts: 607 Member
    You cant pick were you want to lose weight. (spot lose) Your abs are made in the kitchen and not in the gym so just be patient. But with that said your wasting your time unless your doing weighted ab exercises. The best exercise to develop your upper abs is to hold a 10-20-45lb plate behind your head and do crunches while sitting on an exercise ball. Squats, deadlifts and pullups are also great way to develop your core.
  • Lukazetta
    Lukazetta Posts: 427 Member
    Your abs are made in the kitchen and not in the gym...

    ^^^This.

    For women, abs start to show around 14-15% body fat.
    For men, around 10-12% body fat.

    The best way to build up your ab muscles is by doing weighted ab exercises!
  • Lukazetta
    Lukazetta Posts: 427 Member
    Also, a guide to losing body fat % for women:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/534663-guide-properly-lose-body-fat-for-women
  • Nickrp77
    Nickrp77 Posts: 5
    Well the other reply was right on the money, but yeah you may want to focus on diet and strength training but don't get to crazy with killing your abs because you are just building muscle behind your fat thus sticking your gut out farther. I had the same issue and i just worked my abs once a week until I got within 10 lbs. or so of my goal then hit abs hard. Just keep the diet and exercise in tact and you will melt that fleshy cloak from your abs. This is where the old saying that its 80% diet 20% excercise.Good luck and nice work.
  • jenniejengin
    jenniejengin Posts: 784 Member
    Bump
  • fmbomzo
    fmbomzo Posts: 382 Member
    Wow. Thanks for the responses....very straightforward and informative. I'll stay on the strength training path and ditch the Tae Bo abs or at least keep the frequency of ab-specific workouts low until I drop more weight.

    My abs seem to snap back faster when I add more dairy and decrease my sweets. I think I'll have to go back to that.
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