What can I do for stomach fat?

**NeedtoLose** · 06-25-2005, 06:29 PM

Crunches and situps hurt my neck.

I had neck surgery in Nov. And then got whiplash in a car accident this Jan (7 weeks after neck surgery! OUCH!) I try crunches and I know they say it should not put pressure on your neck if done correctly, but they always seem to bother me no matter how I do them.

What else can I do to work on my tummy?

I am not trying to get a six pack or anything. I weigh 240! :shock: I am just trying to lose weight and get rid of the fat around my midsection too.

***Ian*** · 06-25-2005, 06:37 PM

Hey NTL, that's great that you're putting in the effort to burn something extra.

Unfortunately, it's a common misconception that you can use specific
exercises to target certain areas of your body for fat burning.

These targeted exercises will improve your muscle size, composition
and strength, but they don't cause more fat to be burned in that area.

The best way to burn the fat is cardio exercise like walking. I burn alot
of fat even when I walk a few miles in the park, even at a slower pace.

Just keep working towards fueling your body with the right foods in the
right portions and balance, and with extra cardio exercise it should be
somewhat easier to lose weight. At least you will feel wonderful!

If anyone knows that what I've said above is wrong, please correct me
and explain why. I have not seen any scientific studies, but it is what
I've always been told by experts.

**strengthsports** · 06-26-2005, 12:25 AM

I don't know if you belong to a gym but you might try using the tredmill set at an incline and walk at a pace that is fast for you. The other thing that will work great is swimming, it's easy on the joints when you're carrying a lot of extra weight. If running or jogging is hard on you-follow Ian's suggestion of walking and/or the two above. You will burn more calories swimming than walking but we don't always have the convenience of the pool.

You might try crunches on a swiss ball, which should help alleviate the discomfort. There are quite a few abdominal movements you can do but some of it depends on if you have certain equipment or not. By working the abdominals, it enlarges the muscle which can (possibly) give the appearance of a larger stomach, however, this is not a reason to not do abdominal exercises.

Keep your diet clean and that will have the largest impact for mid section health.

**NeedtoLose** · 06-26-2005, 03:23 PM

Thanks to both of you for the information! :-D

**Eva** · 06-27-2005, 02:36 AM

when I did cardio kick boxing the side leg lifts did a LOT for my abs . . . matter of fact any cardio mixed with core will firm the middle without even laying down on the floor

**NeedtoLose** · 06-28-2005, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eva

any cardio mixed with core will firm the middle without even laying down on the floor

Can someone give me a definition of cardio?

**Eva** · 06-28-2005, 03:32 AM

cardio
a simple answer - activity that increases the heartrate
power walking
treadmill
eliptical
aerobics

to find out how to measure & determine your target heart rate
http://www.americanheart.org/present...dentifier=4736

**strengthsports** · 06-28-2005, 04:20 AM

I haven't looked at the site but remember-when you're carrying some extra weight you're actually working much harder than what your heart rate might signify.