Cannot lose belly fat

[Guest]

Hi all,

 

Three months ago, I started a regimen of vigorous swimming (40 minutes, 5 times a week) and bike riding (10mph, 2 hours, twice a week). I dropped 3 pants sizes (to 31 from 34) and I feel great. I am now 160lbs (for 5'11'', BMI ~23). I also lift weights now and then, but not too much (I hurt myself when I started, so I have to take it easy).

 

However, my belly fat is disappearing much more slowly that the rest. I am tone everywhere except there. Granted, it's just a small bulge now (I can't pinch it anymore) but it does burn as fast as the rest.

 

I tried sit ups, but they build the muscle "inside" so to speak. Do I just have to be patient and keep going? Should I add one workout?

 

Thanks,

Tony

[polywog]

Wow, it sounds like you are doing great! I think you just need to be patient because 3 months is not a long time to be on a exercise regimen. Also swimming, while one of the best aerobic routines, does not help to lose body fat. Walking is great exercise, maybe throw a little bit of that in if you want to lose that extra fat. However, if you can't pinch it it sounds like you're pretty slim there!

[Enema]

Neither swimming or riding affect the stomach and it's only been 3 months.

 

I wouldn't be too worried about it.

 

You could try running or taking up a sport. I do Muay Thai and it's very intense all over, including the stomach.

[Trialbyfire]

That's very good in three months. Body fat is stored fat. In order to lose body fat, your body has to use far more energy than it intakes so that it starts to draw on reserves. If you're seriously dedicated to losing all fat, try an almost no fat diet. I'm not convinced about this because I believe that the human body needs a little fat.

 

Body builders will eat plain rice with tuna or turkey breast (nothing on it) and fresh vegetables with minimal amounts to no sugar, like celery, just before a competition. This way they can get as cut as possible.

 

Also, make sure that after you exercise, you don't eat for at least 45 minutes. Your body will continue to burn calories during this time, even though you're relaxed.

[Guest]

Hi,

 

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I walk 2 miles a day too and I will take your advice to keep doing it for, humm, 6 more months. If it doesn't work, I will add up another sport.

 

I am not an advocate of a no-fat body. I don't think that it is healthy. I cut down on my fat intake and I eat "whole wheat" carbohydrates. I do eat sugar in the form of fruits, not candy.

 

Finally, I did not know about the not eating for 45 minutes after working out, but I'll try it. Once again, thanks for your suggestions and if anyone has more ideas, please do post.

[Aloros]

Swimming does affect the stomach, depending on what stroke you're using. Do you know butterfly? Do some laps with that, and you'll have a six-pack in no time.

[bm005]

stomach fat is the hardest fat to lose. this is because to lose stomach fat, you must eat right. you can work out as much as you want, but if you do not change your diet, you arent going to lose the weight. basically, what you need to do is eat less more often. by that i mean eat about 2 "actual" meals a day, (lunch and dinner), and eat food that is good for you. you dont have to cut out fats or carbs or anything, just have a balanced meal with foods that are good for you. however, eat less than you normally do. if you normally eat and then feel very full later, try either cutting what you normally eat in half or just eat about 2/3 of what you normally eat. you may feel hungry after you have stopped eating, but within about 20 minutes you will feel full. and, if you dont, eat an apple or something. throughout the day when you are hungry, you HAVE to eat. dont disregard the hunger hoping that if you dont eat you will lose weight. it doesnt work like that. when you are hungry, eat a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or something small that is healthy.

 

this is a safe way to lose belly fat, and probably one of the only ways. it will probably take you a month or two to really see a big difference, but if you stick with it it will work. the problem many people have is that they cannot stick to such a healthy way of eating, and often cheat a lot. if you are determined enough you should be able to do it. best of luck