Curtain of fat...

I have a problem that all over my body is this thin layer of fat, my friend calls it the "Curtain of fat". Its like an inch thick around my whole body. I work out pretty regularly (not since the holiday's though, I've been doing other stuff) but I can't seem to get rid of it.

I'm gonna try running more (Usually just 10 minutes every time I work out), but still I'm not sure where to begin.

First off I want to know, is it more effective to run on a treadmill or just on the street? The Treadmill gives me a definite speed I go at constantly, while the road lets my body judge how hard I can run and stuff. So I'm on the fence there.

Also, my ab workouts haven't been doing that much because of this little curtain around my stomach. When I'm flexing it pretty much goes away, but when I'm not it looks like I'm pregnant (exaggerating, but you get the idea). Whats the most effective way to just get rid of my fat?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
First off, it sounds like you need a new friend. Everyone has a "curtain" of fat around them; some has less than others, but if you don't have any fat, then you're in trouble. If you don't, then you need to seek medical help. Everyone’s body is different. Everyone has a different genetics. Don’t deny your genetics by saying what you have is somehow wrong. Accept it, and work with it. Now note that I’m not saying accept that you are fat, but I am saying accept the fact that what your body can do rather than what you perceive you body can do.

Second, running on a treadmill vs. running on the streets are two very different thing. It can be debated whether one is more beneficial than the other. Various factors come into play. Some find it harder to run on the streets, while others find it harder to run on the treadmill. Some may find it harder to run on the streets than running on the treadmill. In my opinion, I say you should both and determine which one you like the most. Unless you have a very specific reason to stick with one, I say go with both, and whichever one you find best you should stick with. I do 4-5 miles on the treadmill per session, but when I'm running on the streets, I feel happier and more refresh than the treadmill even though I'm only running for 2 miles due to limitations of the road.

Third, there is no way you can target a specific body part for fat loss. Your body isn’t going to suddenly go, “Uh-oh, she’s working on the abs, better start using that fat.” No, you body doesn’t go that way. It uses the excess energy (fat) when it feels like it.

Fourth, being in calories deficit will lose fat. Exercise is only part of the fat loss, but it will help immensely. Your main focus should be on a diet – actually I hate the word diet, so I’m going to say your focus should be on your nutritional choice. Don’t become one of those salad dieters. Just eat plenty of fruits, veggie, and whole food. Use your common sense to determine if something is healthy or not.
 
First off, I'm just gonna elaborate on everything Dallen said...cause he is so spot-on!!

I have a problem that all over my body is this thin layer of fat. Its like an inch thick around my whole body. I work out pretty regularly but I can't seem to get rid of it.

We all have fat, it's merely the bodies means of storing energy. Some people carry it better then others....but fat is a part of all our bodies. The real dangerous fat is the stuff in the abdominal region that surrounds your organs. What you are referring to is your subcutaneous fat (the stuff just under the skin). What you wanna do is reduce your fat...and that can be done with a combination of diet & exercise. While exercise is great, more then anything it's what you put in your mouth that will determine your body-fat: diet is critical.

I'm gonna try running more (Usually just 10 minutes every time I work out), but still I'm not sure where to begin. .

Running is great, but it is higher in impact than many other exercises. Most trainers will suggest "mixing it up"....perhaps try a spinning class, the elliptical machine and other stuff. Calories burned are calories burned.

The more intense exercise will help build more muscle which in turn ramps-up your metabolism and continues to burn calories even after you're done exercising. That's why EVERYONE should incorporate some weight-training into their routine! The lesser intense excercise will burn fat while doing it and offers some conditioning to your circulatory & respiratory system. Again; best to mix it up! :)

First off I want to know, is it more effective to run on a treadmill or just on the street? The Treadmill gives me a definite speed I go at constantly, while the road lets my body judge how hard I can run and stuff. So I'm on the fence there.

People who run hate when I say this, but I'm gonna say it anyways: there are only 2 types of runners...those who have blown-up their knees and those who will blow-up their knees. I prefer the bike; lower impact and none of us are getting younger or growing cartlidge. If you must run, then I'd reco the lower impacting choice. Get the best shoes and go for it. I'm terrified of the road: SUV's with people on cell phones scare me....not to mention exhaust fumes, asbestos brake dust being kicked-up, etc...and last I checked asphalt wasn't very forgiving, but at least the scenary changes. Find what suits you best.


Also, my ab workouts haven't been doing that much because of this little curtain around my stomach. When I'm flexing it pretty much goes away, but when I'm not it looks like I'm pregnant (exaggerating, but you get the idea). Whats the most effective way to just get rid of my fat?

No such thing as spot-reduction...you're body will burn it off as you lose overall fat. I've heard people suggest that by doing core work it'll tighten and pull-in the stomach muscles, but few of these people are certified trainers. I suspect ab work will help definition to look better when you do lose the body-fat and it certainly can help with back issues.

Eat less, eat right, move more.....results tend to happen slower then we can perceive and it's a long-haul program...it didn't get there overnight and it'll take several months, but with tenacity, determination and some perspiration you can and will get there! :D
 
The only reason I've ever really heard people say treadmilling is harder is because of boredom, whereas on the street the environment is constantly changing. So in that sense, it can be harder if you don't have any distractions...

Anyways, nutrition is key. I bet your shortcomings are because of what you eat. You have to eat regularly, every 2-3 hours, and make sure that you are eating in a deficit. That way your body will be forced to use extra energy since the food alone isn't cutting it. The importance of weight training comes into play here, since regularly lifting heavy weights will give your body a reason to keep muscle. The result, your body will be inclined to burn fat to make up for energy.
 
Dallen - Just curious, why would it be harder to run on a treadmill?

I heard complaints that some people find it harder to run on the treadmill. I guess it's the boredom or perhaps some treadmills feel uncomfortable to some. Perhaps “hard” is a vague definition as it could be applied to both physical demands as well as mental demands.
 
Treadmills and the road both have their pros and cons. The road can be dangerous (potholes, cars, dogs) but is more interesting and you're not likely to fall off if you decide to stop. Treadmills are claustrophobic and boring to me, narrow and you can't suddenly stop.
 
It sounds like you are one of the lucky people who carry their body fat mostly evenly distributed over their whole body as opposed to some who carry most in their upper body, or some who carry most in their lower body, or some who carry most around the midsection, etc. As everyone else said above, if you eat properly, in a slight calorie deficit, and exercise intensely, your overall body fat should gradually decline and you will loose total body fat, and it will reduce first or fastest from whatever parts of your body you are genetically programmed for.
 
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