3 times a week exercise - will I really become toned/flat stomach?

Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
my YMCA and I've done:

1) 1 hour Cycling Class
2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
cardio)
3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
exercises.

I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
sunday, wednesday.

I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
two times a week really make my legs slimmer?

I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
liquids in between.

Morgan wrote:
> Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> my YMCA and I've done:
>
> 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> cardio)
> 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> exercises.
>
> I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> sunday, wednesday.
>
> I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
>
> I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> liquids in between.
>

So far as I know there is no such thing as "spot reducing". Exercise
can help lower your body fat overall. The distribution seems to be
genetically determined.

And at 5 feet and 105lb it seems unlikely that you are fat. Perhaps you
need to reevaluate body image issues.



--
Del Cecchi
"This post is my own and doesn’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions,
strategies or opinions.”

"Morgan" <stardest17@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1165380041.211727.152820@79g2000cws.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> my YMCA and I've done:
>
> 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> cardio)
> 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> exercises.
>
> I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> sunday, wednesday.
>
> I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
>
> I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> liquids in between.

To become slim, to have a flat stomach and to have visible abs all require
one thing - lower the overall bodyfat %. If you are 5' tall and weigh 105,
but still don't have a flat tummy, you are probably the classic "skinny fat"
person. YOu need to determine what your current bodyfat level is, then you
need to reduce it. You will need a good combination of proper diet, cardio
and resistance training. Cycling burns lots of calories, thereby reducing
the bodyfat as long as you are in a caloric deficit. Doing crunches may
strengthen your abs, but it will not make them visible. Again, you need to
reduce the bodyfat.

The gym routine you have is fine. Three times a week is the minimum I
would suggest. As if not MORE important is what you are eating. If you
don't change your eating habbits you mine as well not goto the gym. If
you truly are serious about lowering your body fat %, which like others
posted, is the only way you will see definition in your muscles,
stomach, etc, you need to start eating clean. What I call clean is no
processed foods. Lean meats, vegetables, some fruits, salads with
low/no fat dressing, low sodium foods, etc. This requires much more
effort than going to the gym 3 times a week, but it will yield you
quick results.



Morgan wrote:
> Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> my YMCA and I've done:
>
> 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> cardio)
> 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> exercises.
>
> I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> sunday, wednesday.
>
> I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
>
> I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> liquids in between.

based on what you have said, your routine should be satifactory. But,
a few misconceptions here. First off, you cannot "spot reduce".
Doing tons of ab exercises will not magically make your tummy
dissappear. It will, however, stregthen and build up your ab muscles
which can then lead to the appearance of a flatter stomach (you'll be
able to stand up straighter and suck in the stomach) but it can also
cause your waistline to actually grow - (added muscle to the abs).
The only way to lose flab from the tummy is by losing flab from your
entire body. eat less, exercise more - burn the calories away and
you'll lose weight.

With that being said - at 5' and 105, you aren't overweight. You do
need to evaluate your body image. You may have the "apple" shaped body
where you carry your weight around your middle. If that is the case,
then you will have to work all that much harder at losing weight and
fat in order to lose the belly. Or, come to terms with your body image
and be happy with yourself.

For instance, I have a pear shape. My thighs are larger than "average"
and I carry extra fat around that area. I can have a tiny waste, but
fat thighs. For me, it is difficult to find pants that fit, as once I
find them large enough to go over my thighs, they are huge and gaping
at my waste.

You may be the opposite, having the larger waste and skinny thighs.
When you buy pants you get them to fit your waste and they look baggy
in the butt and thighs. At some point you have to learn to accept your
image and become happy with it.



Morgan wrote:
> Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> my YMCA and I've done:
>
> 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> cardio)
> 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> exercises.
>
> I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> sunday, wednesday.
>
> I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
>
> I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> liquids in between.

Thank you all for your very honest and informative responses. So I will
definitely concentrate on the cycling and aerobics/free weight strenth
training classes. I'll do my best to eat healthy.. I can still eat at
Boston market, right? Just delete the mashed potatoes and get corn and
vegetables instead? (I eat the white meat chicken or sirloin meat)

Also, when should the biggest meal be again? Breakfast, and then small
snacks throughout the day?

I know I'm not overweight. I'm definitely the "skinny fat" as someone
mentioned - semi large belly and semi large thighs. I would say my
stomach/body is a little bit like a lower case "b".

Thanks everyone!



j_j_ford@hotmail.com wrote:
> based on what you have said, your routine should be satifactory. But,
> a few misconceptions here. First off, you cannot "spot reduce".
> Doing tons of ab exercises will not magically make your tummy
> dissappear. It will, however, stregthen and build up your ab muscles
> which can then lead to the appearance of a flatter stomach (you'll be
> able to stand up straighter and suck in the stomach) but it can also
> cause your waistline to actually grow - (added muscle to the abs).
> The only way to lose flab from the tummy is by losing flab from your
> entire body. eat less, exercise more - burn the calories away and
> you'll lose weight.
>
> With that being said - at 5' and 105, you aren't overweight. You do
> need to evaluate your body image. You may have the "apple" shaped body
> where you carry your weight around your middle. If that is the case,
> then you will have to work all that much harder at losing weight and
> fat in order to lose the belly. Or, come to terms with your body image
> and be happy with yourself.
>
> For instance, I have a pear shape. My thighs are larger than "average"
> and I carry extra fat around that area. I can have a tiny waste, but
> fat thighs. For me, it is difficult to find pants that fit, as once I
> find them large enough to go over my thighs, they are huge and gaping
> at my waste.
>
> You may be the opposite, having the larger waste and skinny thighs.
> When you buy pants you get them to fit your waste and they look baggy
> in the butt and thighs. At some point you have to learn to accept your
> image and become happy with it.
>
>
>
> Morgan wrote:
> > Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> > weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> > my YMCA and I've done:
> >
> > 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> > 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> > cardio)
> > 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> > exercises.
> >
> > I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> > Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> > sunday, wednesday.
> >
> > I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> > thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> > have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> > a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> > to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> > two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
> >
> > I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> > Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> > of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> > full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> > liquids in between.

Eat 5-6 small meals a day. And the food at Boston Markey isn't that
great for you. Vegetables are loaded with butter, etc. Make your own.
Buy a Goerge Foreman cooker. The cheap one. Buy skinless boneless chix
breasts. Just some ideas.


Morgan wrote:
> Thank you all for your very honest and informative responses. So I will
> definitely concentrate on the cycling and aerobics/free weight strenth
> training classes. I'll do my best to eat healthy.. I can still eat at
> Boston market, right? Just delete the mashed potatoes and get corn and
> vegetables instead? (I eat the white meat chicken or sirloin meat)
>
> Also, when should the biggest meal be again? Breakfast, and then small
> snacks throughout the day?
>
> I know I'm not overweight. I'm definitely the "skinny fat" as someone
> mentioned - semi large belly and semi large thighs. I would say my
> stomach/body is a little bit like a lower case "b".
>
> Thanks everyone!
>
>
>
> j_j_ford@hotmail.com wrote:
> > based on what you have said, your routine should be satifactory. But,
> > a few misconceptions here. First off, you cannot "spot reduce".
> > Doing tons of ab exercises will not magically make your tummy
> > dissappear. It will, however, stregthen and build up your ab muscles
> > which can then lead to the appearance of a flatter stomach (you'll be
> > able to stand up straighter and suck in the stomach) but it can also
> > cause your waistline to actually grow - (added muscle to the abs).
> > The only way to lose flab from the tummy is by losing flab from your
> > entire body. eat less, exercise more - burn the calories away and
> > you'll lose weight.
> >
> > With that being said - at 5' and 105, you aren't overweight. You do
> > need to evaluate your body image. You may have the "apple" shaped body
> > where you carry your weight around your middle. If that is the case,
> > then you will have to work all that much harder at losing weight and
> > fat in order to lose the belly. Or, come to terms with your body image
> > and be happy with yourself.
> >
> > For instance, I have a pear shape. My thighs are larger than "average"
> > and I carry extra fat around that area. I can have a tiny waste, but
> > fat thighs. For me, it is difficult to find pants that fit, as once I
> > find them large enough to go over my thighs, they are huge and gaping
> > at my waste.
> >
> > You may be the opposite, having the larger waste and skinny thighs.
> > When you buy pants you get them to fit your waste and they look baggy
> > in the butt and thighs. At some point you have to learn to accept your
> > image and become happy with it.
> >
> >
> >
> > Morgan wrote:
> > > Hi everyone! I'd like some advice and thoughts on how I can lose
> > > weight, have a flat stomach, thinner legs, etc. I just recently joined
> > > my YMCA and I've done:
> > >
> > > 1) 1 hour Cycling Class
> > > 2) 1 hour "Pump it Up" (free weight strength training program w/ some
> > > cardio)
> > > 3) and then I go to the weight room to do like 20 count ab machine
> > > exercises.
> > >
> > > I only started last week so basically I've only exercised for 2 days.
> > > Of course my whole body hurt! I plan to do it 3 times a week: saturday,
> > > sunday, wednesday.
> > >
> > > I'm 105 lbs, 5 feet and when I wear clothes, people always think I'm
> > > thin, but I'm not! I think my stomach looks round and huge. I don't
> > > have a flat stomach - thats what I REALLY want to lose. I want to have
> > > a flat stomach, even abs! Is that an impossible dream? Do I REALLY have
> > > to do 100 count Ab machine exercises? Also will my 1 hour cycling class
> > > two times a week really make my legs slimmer?
> > >
> > > I don't diet. I would eat pasta, rice and chicken, Boston Market, Ihop
> > > Omelette, occasional cake/ice cream, etc. Back then I had the bad habit
> > > of EAT, EAT, EAT, then drink. And I like the feeling of being overly
> > > full =( I'm doing my best not to eat so fast and to always drink
> > > liquids in between.