abs blues.....
 

:confused:

I have the abs blues...... that should be enough said. But let me give you a background. My body shape is hour glass, and since I was a little baby, I always had a little extra curve on the side. Fortunately I am on the thin side, I m not super skinny like size 4 but have always been a 7 to 9 but now I have gone up to a solid 11 in the past few years. I try to eat more fruits and less meat but I am so weak for potatoes and french bread and imported cheese. I want to lose the fat around the midsection area. My legs and arms are in fab shape. Lately, I noticed that when I sit down, I can feel my tummy folding over. I hate it!!! I dont look fat or chubby but I want to tone down and get some abs, that is totally my dream. IF you have a story or advice how to get some abs that would be fabulous. I have a slightly curved back, I cant do sit ups on the floor, I use the sit up machine at 24 hour fitness but it doesnt tone down though. I am tempted to use plastic surgery but it would be better after kids (way way later down the line). Need help here.........got the abs blues.........

Maybe try yoga. I started going to yoga classes just recently, and my tummy looks more toned already. :)

yeah, I'd go with yoga or pilates, too. I've been doing both for about a month and I've already lost a full inch around the waist.

How often do you eat these? Maybe you need to cut down on your carb intake.

Pilates or any kind of core strengthening program really helps with the abs. I've done pilates for years and when I first started (while it is hard) after 6 weeks, 3x week for 20 minutes, I lost about 5 inches off my tummy-which is a major difference. I've treid other programs but have had the best results from Windsor Pilates. I found their info-mercial on t.v. but you can probably find them online. (I have also downloaded the 20 minute workout from limewire). They send you 2 dvds (or videos) every othe month along with any equipment you need. The cost is about 40 a month-but it is so worth it and you can cancel at any time. And I lost the inches without changing how I eat!. But I also see a nutritionist which helps me put good stuff in. :o

BTW...
 

OPI I love your signature-me too!!!

The eating fruits instead of meat isn't helping this either.

Spot toning is ineffective at best. We all have problem areas, but what you'll find is that overall toning will aid all areas, not just those you're unhappy about. Go to the gym, and work your body totaly. Yoga is a good option because it engages a lot of muscles at the same time and is relatively low impact. Weight training is essential to weight loss though.

Also, consider your natural shape and the shape of your maternal side. Women are built in a variety of sizes and shapes, which for you might mean a little curve at the midsection. I began training for triathlons...running, biking, swimming and weight training (all over...arms, legs, core), and I lost inches and pounds. Even if you don't lose "weight" persay, the toning of muscles makes you carry your weight differently, which, if not reducing the size of your clothes, will make them fit differently.

Diet is of course important, but don't demonize foods like potatos and bread. Food is fuel, not a friend. Diets pushing one food group more than another are rarely effective in the long run. Go for balance and variety. Vegetables, fruits, meat (or protein if you're veggie), carbohydrates (YES EAT THEM!) etc etc etc. Changing up your meals does wonders too (IE, don't eat the same thing every day). Preparation also makes or breaks meals. Grilling is a great summer option. Baking in the winter. Avoid frying.

My trainer gave me the best wisdom for starting: It will hurt like hell for the first week, two weeks. But then, it gets better. It gets easier, it gets fun. You'll always go forward, never backward.

Have Fun :)

(ETA: Agreeing with the above poster than running really helped me see core definition)

Cut out caffine and carbinated beverages. Even diet sodas can cause bloating, which can make you feel bigger in that region.

Drink lots and lots of water. It will help you feel fuller so you aren't snacking on random crap all day. Not saying that a snack once in a while isn't healthy... but I'm talking about that "hunger feeling" you have every hour. It can often be suppressed by drinking a bottle of water.