I have - and hate - belly fat!!! And it has gotten worse with menopause. Most of the rest of me is pretty fit all things considered but my belly is fat, FAT. Exercise, pills, surgery....how do I get rid of belly fat??? HELP!!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

From what I was told was that in order to get rid of belly fat, a person must do cardio exercise. Doing sit ups and crunches only will tone the muscle, not burn fat, which will make the "fat" belly look bigger.
Eating right and exercise should help. For me surgery, such as liposuction, is not the answer, fat grows back and it is more expensive than choosing to eat the right foods, moderation and exercise.
Good luck!

Welll....I do 30 minutes of cardio (running) 5-6 days a week. Some days more. Like today, I ran 5.5 miles (60 mins) Now what?

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I always wonder if belly fat is a genetic thing?

Is it that people in the same family have a propensity toward similar body types like fat bellies? Or is it that they generally maintain similar diets?

And when I refer to "they" - I also mean "ME!"

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

Wow, that is great. How long have you been exercising? I know it takes a lot longer to loose the weight than to gain
I keep a food journal, so that way I know what I ate and I keep track of what I am eating. If you are not losing weight, maybe you need to fix your exercise routine, your body does get used to it. Also you could be eating the same amount of calories or more than what you burn during exercise.

Omg cjs216 I am right there with you, sometimes literally I wish I could close my eyes and bellyfat gone bye bye. I know like 2/3 before my lovely period comes and feeling bloated I swear I could pass for a 45 year old pregnant women. Thankfully it is coming to a end, I only get it every other month and just for 2-3 days. As far as losing it I walk alot and do cardio as well 20 mins a day, however I have been thinking of going to the gym, because while I am 130lbs I am a very small frame and for my frame I should be between 112-116. So again hopefully 2009 will help me shed some pounds from this belly.... PEACE. Catherine

That's my problem, too. That nasty belly fat. I had gestational diabetes and my mom & dad are both Type-2 diabetics. That belly fat is a warning sign.

I did South Beach Diet about 4 years ago, which helped some but I didn't excercise at the time and I didn't keep up with the SBD.

I've now been doing Jazzercise for 14 months. It's slow and tedious, but I've gone from 40% to 15.7% body fat...and I think what's left is ALL in my belly. I've not lost any weight, which is hard to watch on the scale day after day but supposedly with the fat turning to muscle, it's ok. And my cholesterol & triglycerides went up in the last 14 months, which is also frustrating. I just keep plugging away and hope one of these days it will be better. It took 15 years to put it on and I'm only 14 months into getting it gone! I'd still like to lose 20 pounds, but at 44 it's just getting harder and harder.

Good luck to you! If you figure it out, let us all know! You could probably patent it and get rich!

Lisa

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"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

Oh cj, even if you get rid of the fat part, at our age, unless you have amazingly elastic skin, the only real way to get the flat belly back is with a tummy tuck.

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Mary

Abdominoplasty was the cure all for me. It's been 19 years now and I'd do it again in a minute. I know it's drastic but it works. Even if my weight goes up 10 lbs, the tummy is still flat.

read this article 5 quick and easy meals for a flat belly - Health - TODAYshow.com

I wish I had a girdle or something that would shove my belly fat up into my chest HAHA!

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

'Vegetarian' is an old Native American word for bad hunter.

Omg I hate wearing a girgle they are so uncomfortable , what about corsets how in the world did women wear them years ago. Also pantyhose I hate wearing them as well. Oh well since its 2009 more salads will be on the menu and some more walking as well.Peace happy new year to all 2009. Catherine.

I am with you girls on this one. It doesn't seem to matter what I do, my jelly belly is still there. I get so discouraged, because I really try hard to get rid of it. I do some form of exercise six days a week, and for the most part stick to about 1,200 calories a day. I think I am at the right weight for my frame/height (5'4'' 120lbs) But....I still have a round belly. I carried two nine pound babies (many years ago), and I know my skin is saggy from that. Being 46 makes me want to just give up, because it is what it is. But, there is a part of me that would love to do whatever would just make it disappear...

My belly has gone down significantly since I have been doing Pilates which I started at the end of March. Also doing aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, or bike riding will help. Many people don't realize how much they are eating. Keep a food journal for a week and write down every morsel then you will know exactly much you are under or overeating.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Pilates!!! I can't recommend it enough! It trims and tones you up like nothing else.

I use the Winsor Pilates.

Good old-fashioned crunches. I do reps of 8 and on the 8th one hold for a count of 8.

that's funny. I always have had a big butt, and I have said if only I could remove it from there and put it up here.

Try this
Pilates For Pink Workout DVD - Gaiam

I just ordered it to get some change in my routine. Believe me ladies if you do this 50 mins. of Pilates twice a week it will change your body so much you will not believe it!

I totally guarantee it!

And the shelf on your butt will go away too!

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

it could be genetic. My cousin has a HUGE rear end and thighs/hips, but, her stomach is flat as a boared.

Dancing. It worked wonders for my abs. You don't have to take classes just dance around your house while you do house work. Make sure you break a sweat.

I get alot of compliments on my abs. I used to have a spare tire then I started dancing and people will stop me in the grocery store or other places and ask me how I got my abs to look like that.

I have no butt... I would like one! Anyone care to donate?

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

'Vegetarian' is an old Native American word for bad hunter.

Ok, anna - I'm going to try the Pilates DVD, only because YOU guarantee it.
I've never done them so I hope I can figure it out. Will let you know how it goes in a couple months

BTW - I found it on Amazon for only $11 (I have prime so I check on Amazon before I buy anything )

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Mary

I did pilates for about a year. Although it did help tone my muscles on my abs, I still had the belly bulge and saggy skin. I think I might start up pilates again, maybe try to mix it into my rountine. About six years ago, I got down to an all time low weight for me (112). I still had a baby belly.

Make sure you get free shipping I did a search for Gaiam free shipping code and did not have to pay. BTW can you PM about Amazon Prime please? Cost & benefits would be greatly appreciated!

And as far as my guarantee I do! It has literally changed my body shape to a longer leaner one with more flexibility and strength. Also I suggest getting some 3 lb dumbbells and leaving them on your coffee table as I do. Every day I do a series of arm exercises which keep me from having the flapping wing syndrome. I also am stronger generally speaking than most 46 yr olds and if I may say so healthier and more youthful in many ways.

I attribute this to my eating habits and my exercise habits as well as to my emotional, spiritual, psychological, and social habits! It's a holistic approach of being healthy and happy on all levels.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I also encourage weightlifting. I always lifted, but in the past year I have stepped up my routine. Its very good for women over 40 (I am 46) to keep working their muscles. We all start losing muscle rapidly after the age of 40, along with bone density. I started out slow using 3-5 lb weights, now I am bench pressing 40 lbs. I use 10, 15, 20 and 25 pound weights. It was recommended that I lift three days a week an do an aerobic activity at least three days a week (I run on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes) . I can do my weight lifting rountine in under a half hour. I agree that most forms of exercise do help with your emotional health. I know for me...its the one thing I do just for me. Its my time to recharge...

Wow Tammy...you rock in the gym! I just got back from a 4 mile run myself....I do need to add some of these other suggestions in to see if I can kick start that belly fat burning! Ummm, and maybe lay off the cookies, cake, and candies too, huh?

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Hey, you pretty much just described me ~ except I wouldn't say my hips/thighs are HUGE, but they are bigger proportionately to the rest of me. I've tried everything in the book to get rid of my cottage cheese thighs but nothing works. If I had the money, I'd have liposuction in a heartbeat!

I am not up to 4 miles yet, but I am working at it! I have only been running for about a month. I have walked at a fast pace on a high incline for about two years, and I decided to start adding in some running. I do still alternate between a 2 minute run, and 3 minute fast paced walk. I am still trying to get use to the running thing. I have also been enjoying the cookies and candies wayyy too much! Time to get a grip and get back on the healthy eating plan! I wish I had put this much time and effort into my health back when I was in my 20s.

With all that I have going on in my life I am so so happy that I do eat very healthy and I do take vitamin supplements and do exercise, and I am so happy I never smoked nor drank, because they would only make being almost 46 too much to handle.But I am right there I need to remove some pounds from my belly as well.I guess we are all in the same boat so to speak.But I know as I get older it is so important to eat a healthier lifestyle. Peace. Catherine

Susie I have enough for you, me, your Mother, my Mother, your sister, my sister, and a few cousins on both sides! You can have it if you can take it without killing me! LOL I will pay you to remove it as a matter of fact!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Is this appropriate for my mom who is 70? She needs to build up her core.

Thanks for the info....
oops forgot...where do you get extra bands?

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Mudpuppy

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain

Is this the same as the regular Windsor Pilates? I was just curious, because I already have the first Windsor Pilates with the 20 minute/50 minute routines on it. It sounds like you got great results with this!

Yes it's Mari Winsor doing one of her routines.

Mudpuppy I would have her ask her doctor to make sure however the Pilates teacher has students of all ages in her classes. She was talking specifically of her senior's class when she showed us something that she said made the older ladies pass gas ever time so I know there are seniors who do it!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I take a 'cardio weight lifting' class at the gym twice a week. It's relatively light weight with lots of repition. That has helped a lot with belly fat. Before I started the weight lifting, I did only cardo and the results after I added the weights are very noticable.

I just stopped drinking beer, and my belly fat went bye byes....LOL. J/K......

Why is it that men get a beer belly?? Does anyone know???

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

how do you know what to do at the gym, or what workouts to do? or even how much to do? i want to get started, but it just seems so overwhelming. up until a few years ago i had no problem being in shape. it just seems that in the past few years i have lost all muscle, and have literally gained weight overnight.

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mom_2_5 , and baby makes 6
Dallas James, born 5-21-03

Mom you can start first by assessing your needs. Do you wish to lose fat? Strengthen your heart and lungs? Build muscle, strength, and endurance?

A general workout for a healthy person consists of a combination of aerobic (i.e. walking, running, swimming, biking, anything where you move for a long time at a somewhat steady rate) which burns fat and resets your metabolism and is good for heart and lungs.

Then some strength training via Pilates, weight lifting, or something like that which is anaerobic that is you do short bursts of heavy exercise.

The most effective method is called circuit training where you alternate weight lifting a set or two of reps on weights then do a minute or two of aerobics such as jogging or stairstepping.

Most people find it effective to do a program of walking or biking or other or a mix 3-5 days a week and something strenuous such as Pilates 2-3 times a week.

It is also important to assess your eating habits. You can try here Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate
Register for free and do the calorie counter you will see exactly how many calories you have been consuming to keep your weight and how much you should be eating to be the weight that right for your body type.

They also have a calorie counter you can put in almost any food and find the nutritional info. There is also a chat room etc.
I found it useful to shock myself into realizing the amount of calories I was eating.

It has been since April. I started out at 1800 calories now I am at 1200 a day and on Fridays I have FatAss Friday which is very important you don't want to deprive yourself you don't want to eat sugar or crap every day but you DO WANT to eat it! LOL

The important thing is to motivate! Once you start and keep it up you will feel so great!

Here are some resources

Exercise for Beginners: Setting up your own program

FREE Exercise Programs - Workout Routines & Weight Loss Diet Plans

How to Get Started with Exercise Working Out Fitness Walking

Also a lot of people have had success with this program

Walk at Home

Here are her books
Amazon.com: Leslie Sansone: Books

If you really want to start right now just walk in place while you are watching tv. Park far from where you have to go. Drink lots of water. Stand up rather than sitting down. Anything you do will give your metabolism a boost as well as your self esteem. Everything positive you are doing to feel and be healthier will result in the snowball effect.

If you are the kind of person who needs support and/or someone to answer to get a buddy or a dog. A dog that knows he/she goes for a walk at a certain time each day will NOT LET YOU FORGET!

Good Luck you can do it and yes you deserve it!

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

All the gyms I know of have staff on hand to help familiarize you with the equipment and workouts and help devise a personal plan. Most will do this for free. A personal trainer usually costs extra.

Has anyone tried Relacore?

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Regarding Relacore it has no caffeine in it I would go through each ingredient and google it to see what the benefits are as well as side effects.
If the instructions say "works with a healthy diet and exercise" then I would skip it unless I saw there were some benefits to the ingredients.
Relacore Ingredients

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

The gym where I workout (affiliated with my employeer) offers three sessions with a trainer and one with a nutrionalist each year. The sessions with the trainer are more to get you set-up with a personalized workout rather than to actually do the exercises (they set up a plan, show you want to do, watch you while you do them to make sure you've got good form and then, afterwards, give you a written description to follow in the future). The trainers at my gym want to know what your goals are, what you're willing to do and not do, what type of time constraints you've got, what you've been doing, how hard you're willing to work, etc and then will set-up the workout specifically to suit you. I've been getting new workouts set-up about twice a year for about three years now and it's made a huge difference over what I was doing before, on my own.

I workout 5 days a week, 3 days I do 30 minutes of cardio then about 40 minutes of stretching, balance and weights. The other two days, I do 45-60 minutes of cardio, stretching, balance and push-ups and sit-up/abs class. One day a week (one of the non-weight days), when I'm not dealing with knee issues, I do a 30 minute cardio kickboxing class (I call it percussive therapy). Generally, I average about 90 minutes at the gym five days a week. It is a big time committment, but it's what it takes for me to stay in the type of shape I want to be in to live my life.

Another option would be for me to do more high intensity cardio intervals, which would probably allow me to cut my cardio time down a little at least once or twice a week. But I really, really dislike intervals. I'll probably use them again, once I'm recovered from upcoming knee surgery, as they're get for getting speed and endurance up (once you have a good base...don't start out with high intensity intervals). But it will be short term.

As for how to get rid of fat in a certain area, there's no way. When you loose fat, your body decides where it comes from. Building certain muscles and "toning" only increases muscle size/density, it doesn't do anything for getting rid of fat.

Is the Daily Plate better than the FitDay website? I signed up for that today, but if one is better than the other......

Sorry I'm so late to the jelly belly party. I just left the computer long enough to put on my elastic waist pants and finish off that last box of pixies that were 75% off at Walgreen's.

Pilates? Pixies? Sorry, girls. The belly has always been a problem and I need candy today. I do admire those of you working so hard, though.

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I want to keep ALL of my paycheck and eliminate the pyramid scheme known as Social Security (there is no lockbox ). Do you want the same thing? www.fairtax.org

I saw myself sideways in a mirror yesterday, and thought my mid-section looked just like Homer Simpson's. While I am not petite (5'9", 155lbs.), my stomach is really out of proportion w/ the rest of my body. One of my goals for this year is to have a tummy tuck this summer. I think it will be worth it.

A good balance of cardio, intense ab work out (check out the bender ball), and a healthy diet should do it for ya.

[quote=gt0163c;3126179
Building certain muscles and "toning" only increases muscle size/density, it doesn't do anything for getting rid of fat.[/QUOTE]

I totally disagree with part of this statement. Building muscles increases your metabolism thus DOES help you get rid of fat.

As a woman you want to build muscle by doing a lot of reps with a small amount of weight. If you want to look like the Governator then you do a few reps with a large amount of weight.

Lift weights to get rid of fat-yest it works!
Lift Weights to Lose Fat - Weight Loss and Bodybuilding

Lift Weights To Lose Fat

Please don't give info unless you know it for a fact I wouldn't want anyone getting turned off doing something healthy simply because of false information.

Here is something I read
Log on to Shape
for a free 14 day shape up plan for upper body.

Also go here
Oprah.com - Live Your Best Life
for Oprah's new Best Life Series with eating plans, workout plans, etc. In case you have been on the moon for the last few weeks Oprah has admitted her weight gain and she is determined to get back on track. Good for all of us! We benefit from all the free advice.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I go to the gym eat fairly well..but at 47, 3 kids, 2 c-sections,1 gall bladder surgery, and a hystro...my muscles are cut and they are not going to get toned up. I know this because all the docs told me so. A tummy tuck is in my future if I can swing it...and maybe a little face work. It seemed after the hystro my tummy got WORSE...blech.
So I am surgery bound as soon as possible. Without my tummy I could drop a easy 3 sizes...well worth it for me..

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"Cast upon this globe without physical strength or innate ideas, incapable in himself of obeying fundamental laws of this nature which call him to the supreme place in the universe, it is only in the heart of society that man can attain the pre-eminent position which is his natural destiny. Without the aide of civilization he would be one of the feeblest and least intelligent of animals.."
Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard

I'm seriously considering a tummy tuck and a boob lift for my 50th bday present to myself. Kind of an expensive gift, though! I wonder if the economy has made them go up or down in cost??

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I would love to have a boob job. I am so sick of trying to find clothes to fit. Its sad when you can wear your 12 year old daughters bras! I would also love a nip/tuck (my eyelids are saggy), and while I am at it, a tummy tuck would be nice, or lipo. I want a flat belly! All the sit ups in the world will not change my belly. I feel like I take good care of my body, and exercise. I just think that there is only so much you can do with exercise. Maybe I will try to save up for my 50th birthday!
My dh works with a guy and his wife had a tummy tuck (they took out a second mortage). I am not willing to sacrifice my familys future for a flat belly, but if I have to admit....I would love to improve my body!