i've been doing lots of cardio for my stomach. it seems to be the only way to get it toned. however, i don't want to work my butt off...literally. how do i focus on my stomach, and see results, without working off my butt?
focusing on an area
- Thread starter sportinsexy
- Start date
A few things worth mentioning:
- You cannot get great abs by doing loads of cardio.
- You cannot spot reduce fat (i.e- how can I lose weight on my thighs or on my stomach)
- You can spot tone a muscle (i.e- make your bicep bigger, stronger)
- Getting great abs is a mixture of these things- impeccable diet, cardio, strength training, rest, hydration, and genetics. Not all of us can have a washboard stomach. Period. Here are some of those things broken down a bit more.
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 3-4 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb.
2) Drink lots of water
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 24-48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method.
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss. Good luck!
Lynn
- You cannot get great abs by doing loads of cardio.
- You cannot spot reduce fat (i.e- how can I lose weight on my thighs or on my stomach)
- You can spot tone a muscle (i.e- make your bicep bigger, stronger)
- Getting great abs is a mixture of these things- impeccable diet, cardio, strength training, rest, hydration, and genetics. Not all of us can have a washboard stomach. Period. Here are some of those things broken down a bit more.
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 3-4 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb.
2) Drink lots of water
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 24-48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method.
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss. Good luck!
Lynn