Stomach exercises

[work2bfree]

I have seen some postings of people discussing the topic of how to trim the waistline. Many erroneosly talk about doing situps or some othe type of muscle building exercies to help remove fat from around the belly area. Well, the truth of the matter is that the only exercise that will remove fat from around your midsection is anything cardio. Running, swimming, walking, etc. Doing exercises like situps, or some other type exercise that builds muscle will do just that, build the muscle beneath the fat. This leads to your stomach looking bigger because all you have done is build muscle beneath the fat. You have eliminated the fat doing muscle building exercises. The best way to trim your waistline is to do cardio and do situps or whatever you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. By doing both, you will in time, see you waistline shrink.

[redmoxigirl]

Not only do you need to do cardio, the only way to get rid of excess fat ANYWHERE on your body is to reduce your caloric intake and up your excercise, both weight-training & cardio.

Fat is problem for two reasons, a) it accumulates on your muscle,b) it accumulates IN your muscle. Diet & cardio reduce the fat on your muscle, while weight lifting reduces the fat in your muscle (also known as "toning"). Note: When weight training, you should work a specific area of the body or muscle group, arms, chest, legs, back, ect.. each day then give that muscle group a two day rest. Exercising and weight-training are the architects, recovery is the builder. With cardio always take at least one day off a week for recovery!

Women should strive to eat between 1200-1400 calories a day and work out for at least 45 min. Anything cardio is great, running, eliptical, or cycling is best. I perfer to do an additional 15-25 min. of free weights combined with squat and lunge series for the best results.

Best of luck to all those striving to get rid of the excess!!!!

[work2bfree]

Thank you much Redmoxigirl. Looks like you know a lot about health and fitness. I agree about the caloric intake. Many women do not know that if you go below 1200 calories, you will shut down your metabolism. I was told that eating small meals, 5 to 6 times a day will help to increase your metabolism. Do you agree or disagree?

[redmoxigirl]

Yeah, eating smaller meals throughout the day is the best way to kee your metabolism elevated.

Also, splitting your workout time over the course of the day is an awesome way to boost your metabolism and keep it going high for hours.

I usually do something like the following:

7:30 breakfast (taost and hardboiled egg= 230 cal.)

8:00 workout cardio (35-45 min.)

Eat a snack of 50-100 cal. every two hours (with the exeption of lunch which is usually around 250 cal.)

1:30 workout weight-training ( 30 min.)

Continue to snack every couple hours as desired.

Dinner is at 6:00 pm (usually about 350-400 cal.)

Every other day I run 2-3 miles or cycle 4-6 miles (whatever I feel like).

Sunday= "MY NO DIET DAY!!!!"

GOOD TIPS FOR GREAT SNACKS:

1 hard-boiled egg: 100 cal.
1 appleor banana: 100 cal.
1/4 cup of cottage cheese+ 1/4 cup pineapple: 75 cal.
1 6" corn tortilla with 1 tbsp. cheese: aprox. 85 cal.
6 oz. steamed veggies: 60 cal.

NOTE: It is important to eat protein and carbs BOTH while weight-training and doing cardio. Protein helps your weight-training build muscle. Carbs help your body have engery to do your cardio (they also up your metabolismm so that you actually burn more fat and calories!).

AND NEVER FORGET WATER:

You know the drill: 8-8oz. glasses daily. When you are excercising harder, drink AT LEAST 10 glasses. Water helps to flush the fat you are burning from your system as well as toxins. In addition, it helps control hunger and is wonderful for your skin. WATER IS AMAZING!

Sorry, kinda went on and on there!

Hope this helps!!

Best of luck! Hang in there with the excercise and diet, it's always worth it to feel healthy! Not just for you, but those who love you and want you around for many years to come!

[work2bfree]

That's ok Redmoxigirl. I agree 100% with you. My problem has always been, I tend to get hungry eating such small meals and then when work gets in the way, I forget to eat; like in the evenings. When I get home after work, I do my home chores, then I run. After running and taking my shower, I go to my office and start working on my home-based business. Thus, I don't eat in the evenings. I have recently made a change. After I run in the evenings and take my shower, I will make myself a protein shake. Where before, during the night my stomach would growl, it now no longer growls at night, so I guess the protein shake is helping with the hunger pangs. I do drink a lot of water, about half a gallon or so, but I don't exercise as often as you. I just don't have the time. I run 45 to 50 minutes 6 days a week and I do some weight training. As soon as I can quit my job and work more at home, I hope to develop a better work out plan and get back into my karate.

[hyde]

I have seen some postings of people discussing the topic of how to trim the waistline. Many erroneosly talk about doing situps or some othe type of muscle building exercies to help remove fat from around the belly area. Well, the truth of the matter is that the only exercise that will remove fat from around your midsection is anything cardio. Running, swimming, walking, etc. Doing exercises like situps, or some other type exercise that builds muscle will do just that, build the muscle beneath the fat. This leads to your stomach looking bigger because all you have done is build muscle beneath the fat. You have eliminated the fat doing muscle building exercises. The best way to trim your waistline is to do cardio and do situps or whatever you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. By doing both, you will in time, see you waistline shrink.

thank you for those tips. i'll try to do it since recently i have no time to go to the gym.

[work2bfree]

Just be sure Hyde that you are consistent in your exercise routine. Setup a time when you exercise and stick with it. This helps me stay on my exercise program going on eight years now. ;)

[Getagrip]

Great advice...but isn't this a work at home forum? Maybe your tips could help those who work at home, but are gaining weight in the process...;)