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r_beau
New Member
| Joined: | 12 April 2008 |
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| Posts: | 3 |
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Posted: 12 April 2008 04:06 pm |
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PLEASE HELP ... I am STUCK. 
Since January, I have been doing 20-30 minutes of cardio about 5 or 6 times a week. I also was doing light weight lifting for toning of my upper body 3 times a week. I watch what I eat. I try to stick with whole grains and keep the sugar, salt, and bad fat content down and eat tons of fruits and veggies. Of course, I drink a ton of water every day.
In the last two weeks, I have added some heavy weight lifting. Two days a week (each) of lower body, upper body/back, and abs. I also began mixing up my cardio schedule a bit. Two days I do interval training on the elliptical, two days I do a distance-type run on the treadmil, and one day I do speed-intervals on the treadmil. Thus leaving two days with no cardio (only b/c of time constraints on those days).
Besides working out every day, the rest of my day is basically sedintary. I'm taking college courses (where you sit) and I sit at my job.
I am around 5'6" tall and between 129 to 132 pounds (and female) depending on the day. I've read my body fat percentage with the little machine the fitness place has that I use and it's been anywhere from 17.2 to 18.8%. I'm not really sure how accurate it is.
However, the actual numbers don't bother me. What bothers me is that I can FEEL and SEE fat on my stomach. No, I know I am not obese or anything, but why is is SO HARD to get a FLAT and TIGHT tummy? I don't really have love handles (although there is a bit there) but it is mainly from right under my chest to the "pooch" area below my belly button. Just that middle area.
I am getting so frustrated  and don't know what to do. I just want the FAT GONE. It has been four months and I don't really feel like anything has changed. I can still grab a big handlful of fat like I was able to back in January.
I have calculated my BMR to be around 2200. So I am eating 1700 calories per day to lose one pound of fat a week. BUT IT IS NOT WORKING.
Any suggestions? I'm really ready to pull out my hair here or go anorxic. (No, I never would actually do that but augh!)
Edited because I forgot to say: I am 22 years old and spread my 1700 calories in small meals throughout the whole day, including a casein (NOT whey) protein shake right before bed to keep my metabolism going throughout the night.
Last edited on 12 April 2008 06:29 pm by r_beau
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trimB
Moderator
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Posted: 12 April 2008 05:42 pm |
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WOW your body fat seems low to me! You sound like you work very hard!
Is it really just loose skin? Not sure you can do much about that -- except maybe google "body brushing". I don't know much about it, but other really swear by it to tighten loose skin.
If the muscles themselves need to be further toned, then your weights routine should probably take care of that, right? But then if there is indeed a layer of fat there?!? Maybe check out the Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle (BFFM) forum on this site. I'm only suggesting that because others there are much more knowledgeable than me on this topic.
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r_beau
New Member
| Joined: | 12 April 2008 |
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| Posts: | 3 |
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Posted: 12 April 2008 06:26 pm |
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Yea, I don't know how accurate that little body fat/BMI calculater is. It's one of the little ones that you hold at a 90 degree angle in front of you with your hands.
I've been looking around this site, and the calculator here says I am about 20-21% body fat.
However, it could be lower because I have very little fat on my arms, back, and mid-thigh-down. (again, just mid-section! although I can handle my booty being the way it is  ) Just want the excess off the belly!!
Unfortunately, this is NOT skin! I can't grab a chunk of skin.  Maybe if I get brave, I'll take a picture of my tummy and share for all to see. It's weird because it is literally just down the center of my stomach. The "boxer muscle" area? Yea, I don't think I have much fat there because you can see the "boxer muscles"!! It's just hard to explain which is why I am thinkin that a picture may help figure out what I need to target.
I HAVE been busting my butt off! That's why I AM so FRUSTRATED. Working out EVERYDAY, eating right -- I didn't even let myself eat any birthday cake on my birthday last week or my two friends' bdays the weeks before. But I haven't changed in four months ... granted I only started the heavier lifting in the last couple weeks. I am getting stronger, as I am already able to lift more weight in my reps but my weight, body fat, and looks just don't seem to show it. 
Thanks for you reply. I've never heard of body brushing so I am interested in what it is.
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nevd
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 April 2008 11:30 pm |
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Have you calculated how much protein, carbs and fat you're eating? Try mixing up the percentages and see if that starts anything.
It seems like you've mixed up your exercise, so that's one thing out of the equation. Have you tried intervals? It's a good booster to cardio.
Presumably, you're doing enough crunches etc. to keep your stomach muscles taut - it's just the fat that covers them that's annoying you.
Rather than trying more than one way to measure body fat, just keep to a single method. That way, you'll know whether there's any change (although the impedance type fat meters do seem to be affected by water retention in the body).
I think you need to give the weights routines a little more time to take effect. Stick with it and your patience may be rewarded.
Don't be tempted to change more than one aspect of your regime, otherwise you won't know what worked if you do meet with success.
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CrimsonAnimus
New Member
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Posted: 5 May 2008 07:29 pm |
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I've heard that the real fat-burning doesn't begin in cardio until later in the workout. Whether that's true or not, I really don't know, but it's probably worth a try. Instead of doing 20-30 minutes, try doing 45 minutes to an hour on occasion, and lower the intensity a bit if need be.
Personally, I alternate heart rate zones per day. My workout week is something like this:
Moderate-Hard-Moderate-Hard-Moderate-Hard-DAY OFF
For me, moderate is average of 70%-79% MHR, and hard is average of 80%-89%. My workouts are at least 45 minutes, but for the past 7 workouts, they have each been an hour, and I plan to keep them that way, unless my body shuts down or something.
All 3 training types (cardio, strength, and flexibility) are important for weight loss and safety. Strength training increases your natural metabolism, so it's pretty critical, but in my opinion, cardio is the most important for overall fat burning.
One more thing...LOL!!! I first read one of your statements to say, "I'm female depending on the day." XD
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