Hello Fitness Forum!
Throughout high school, I ran cross-country and long-distance track. As a result, I gained the typical "runner" body: slim, flexible, and flat-stomached.
I carried this exercise routine into my first two years of college. Eventually, I became fed up with my lack of muscle definition. So I visited a few reputable websites (including this one) and put together a weightlifting regimen.
The basics of this regimen are fairly simple: Workout A on Mon/Wed/Fri and Workout B on Tue/Thur, both proceeded by an easy mile jog. The results have been pretty good. I've gained approx. 15 pounds (from 135 to 150 at 5'6'') and increased my upper body muscle definition.
Here comes the problem: I've recently noticed the development of a bit of a "gut" despite the time I put into abdominal exercises. My stomach definitely protrudes out (almost as far as my pectorals) and I don't like it. From the small amount of reading I've done, it seems like I've gained some visceral fat.
What should I do? I'm worried that a return to long-distance running will erase the muscle I've worked so hard to earn. Are my fears unfounded? Is there a way to bring the flatness back?
Thanks in advance to all replies.
Throughout high school, I ran cross-country and long-distance track. As a result, I gained the typical "runner" body: slim, flexible, and flat-stomached.
I carried this exercise routine into my first two years of college. Eventually, I became fed up with my lack of muscle definition. So I visited a few reputable websites (including this one) and put together a weightlifting regimen.
The basics of this regimen are fairly simple: Workout A on Mon/Wed/Fri and Workout B on Tue/Thur, both proceeded by an easy mile jog. The results have been pretty good. I've gained approx. 15 pounds (from 135 to 150 at 5'6'') and increased my upper body muscle definition.
Here comes the problem: I've recently noticed the development of a bit of a "gut" despite the time I put into abdominal exercises. My stomach definitely protrudes out (almost as far as my pectorals) and I don't like it. From the small amount of reading I've done, it seems like I've gained some visceral fat.
What should I do? I'm worried that a return to long-distance running will erase the muscle I've worked so hard to earn. Are my fears unfounded? Is there a way to bring the flatness back?
Thanks in advance to all replies.